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I^DIA^A. 



HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL. 



ILLUSTRATRD. 



WESTOIT .A., g-oodspebd 

Historical Editor. 

CHAELES BLAUCHABD 
Biographical Editor. 



CHICAGO: 

F. A. BATTEY & CO., PUBLISHERS. 

1882. 







v 



PREFACE. 



THIS volume goes forth to our patrons the result of months of arduous, 
unremitting and conscientious labor. None so well know as those who 
have been associated with us the almost insurmountable difficulties to be met 
with in the preparation of a work of this character. Since the inauguration 
of the enterprise, nearly one year ago, a large force has been employed — both 
local and other — in gathering material. During this time, upward of three 
thousand persons have been called upon in the two counties, to contribute from 
their recollections, carefully preserved letters, scraps of manuscript, printed 
fragments, memoranda, etc. Public records and semi-official documents have 
been searched, the newspaper files of the counties have been overhauled, and 
former citizens, now living out of the counties, have been corresponded with, 
all for the purpose of making the record as complete as could be, and for the 
verification of the information by a conference with many. In gathering from 
these numerous sources, both for the historical and biographical departments, 
the conflicting statements, the discrepancies and the fallible and incomplete 
nature of public documents were almost appalling to our historians and biog- 
raphers, who were expected to weave therefrom with any degree of accuracy, in 
panoramic review, a record of events. Members of the same families disagree 
as to the spelling of the family name, contradict each other's statements as to 
dates of births, of settlement in the county, nativity and other matters of fact. 
In this entangled condition, we have given preference to the preponderance of 
authority, and while we acknowledge the existence of errors and our inability 
to furnish a perfect history, we claim to have come up to the standard of our 
promises, and given as complete and accurate a work as the nature of the sur- 
roundings would permit. Whatever may be the verdict of those who do not 
and will not comprehend the difficulties to be met with, we feel assured that all 
just and thoughtful people will appreciate our efforts, and recognize the impor- 
tance of the undertaking and the great public benefit that has been accomplished 
in preserving the valuable historical matter of the county and biographies 
of many of its citizens, that perhaps would otherwise have passed into oblivion. 
To those who have given us their support and encouragement, and they are 
many, we acknowledge our gratitude, and can assure them that as years go by 
the book will grow in value as a repository not only of pleasing reading matter, 
but of treasured information of the past, and become a monument more en- 
during than marble. 

May, 1882. THE PUBLISHERS. 



CONTENTS. 



PART I. 



HISTORY OF WHITNEY COUNTY. 



CHAPTER I. 



Page. 



Abstract of Assessors' Report 32 

Blooded Stock 26 

Boundaries 12 

Church and School Statistics 32 

Climatic Conditions 11 

County Agricultural Society 23 

County Press 27 

Cranberry Marshes 12 

Geological Features 21 

Hints on Drainage 13 

Lakes and Rivers 12 

Menu Temperature 13 

Medical Practitioners 21 

Peat and Iron 22 

Railroads..... 31 

Sanitary Condition 15 

State Ditches, Table of 17 

Surface and Soil 12 

Tile Manufacture 18 

Whitley County Medical Associa- 
tion 18 



CHAPTER II. 

Arrival of Settlers 51 

French Traders 44 

Hardin's (Col.) Defeat 41 

Harmar's (Gen.) Expedition 41 

Indian Customs 51 

Indian Trails and Villages 42 

Indians of Whitley 35 

Little Tui tie and Coesse 38 

Mound-Builders 33 

Seek's Village 38 

Treaties of Cession 43, 45, 47 

Treaties with the Miamis 36 



CHAPTER IV. 



Page. 



CHAPTER III. 

Bench and Bar 64 

Boundaries, County 56 

Circuit Court, First Term of. 58 

County Courts, First 57 

County Officers, First 57 

County Officers, Table of 66 

County Seat, Location of. 57 

County Seat, Survey of. 58 

Election, First 56 

Horse-Thieves and Regulators 71 

Jurors, First Grand 61 

Jury, First Petit 62 

Land Entries, First 55 

Murder, The First 63 

Naturalization, The First 64 

Origin of Name 56 

Perjury, First Case of. 62 

Pioneer Life 73 

Political Caucus, First 68 

Presidential Vote 71 

Probate Court, The First 64 

Public Buildings, First 64 

Settlements, First 56 

State Roads 72 

Surveys, Table of. 54 

Trial For Forgery 62 



Bounty and Relief Funds 91 

Deserters, Arrest of 87 

Drafts, The 85 

Fall of Sumter, Excitement over... 76 

Field Work, Record of. 91 

Newspaper Animosities 78 

" Pap Shoemaker's Fort" 78 

Public Sentiment in 1861 75 

Quotas, Condition of 88 

Roll of Honor 95 

Soldiers' Aid Society 83 

Soldiers of the Earlier Wars 74 

Soldiers of the Mexican War 75 

Volunteers, Roll of First 78 

War Meetings 76 



Township Histories. 

CHAPTER V. 

Columbia City and Township 98 

Birth, The First. 105 

Business Firms, List of. 108 

City of Columbia, Platting of. .101 

Churches 117 

Court, First 105 

Election, First 102 

Election Laws from 1838-52 103 

General Industries 107, 111 

Grain Traffic 112 

Hotel, First 105 

Marriage, First 105 

Merchant, First 106 

Mill, First 107 

Organization of Columbia City..ll3 

Organization of Township 102 

Railroads 113 

Secret Societies 121 

School Officers 115 

School Revenues 115 

Schools and Teachers 114 

Settler, First 105 

Sunday Schools 116 

Whirligig of Politics 104 

CHAPTER VI. 

Cleveland Township 122 

Area and Population 123 

Ashery, First 127 

Birth, First 125 

Business Men 133 

Cemeteries 125 

Churches and Ministers 131 

Collamer Village 134 

Death, First 125 

Early Elections 132 

Indians, The 125 

Land Entries, First 124 

Marriages, First 128 

Merchants, Early 126 

Mills, Early 126 

Organization 123 

Origin of Name 122 

Roads 124 

Schools, Early 128 



Page. 
Schoolhouses and Districts.... 131 

Secret Orders 133 

Settlers, First 123 

South Whitley 132 

CHAPTER VII. 

Richland Township 135 

Biographical 153 

Birth, First 145 

Church Organizations 146,155 

County Officers, Early 142 

Crimes and Casualities 144 

Death, First 145 

Election, First 137 

Elections, Presidential .138 

Educational 147 

Indian Trails 136 

Individual Reminiscences 161 

Inn, The First 153 

Jurors, Grand and Petit 142 

Lakes and Streams 136 

Larwill Village 151,157 

Lorane Village 158- 

Marriages, Early 143 

Mercantile Enterprises 152 

Mill, First 153, 155 

Mill. First Steam Saw 162 

Name, Origin of 136 

Organization 136 

Land Entries, Original 148 

Officers, First 138 

Physicians, Early 151 

Post Office, First 161 

Pioneers as Experts 143 

Railroads 151 

Richland's Volunteers 163 

School and Church Buildings, 

First 155 

Secret Orders 157 

Settlers, Early 164 

Settler, First 137 

Summit Village 161 

Tax Exhibits 142 

Tax List, 1838 142 

Township Officers 141 

Voters, The First 138 

CHAPTER VIII. 

Smith Township 171 

Birth, First 175 

Churubusco 178 

Churubusco County Press 183 

Church, First 183 

Conviction for Passing Coun- 
terfeit Bill 177 

Conviction for Perjury 177 

Fatal Accident 175 

Marriage, First 175 

Mercantile and Industrial 178 

Mill, First 176 

Mill, Second 177 

Murder, First 176 

Organization 173 



Tl 



CONTENTS. 



Page. 

Origin of Name 171 

Pioneer Tribulations 173 

Post Office, First 177 

Secret Societies 184 

Schoolhouse, First 175 

Settlers, First 171 

Taverns, Early 176 

Terrific Explosion 185 

Tragic Fate 177 

CHAPTER IX. 

Union Township 185 

Adventures in the Woods 187 

Amusements, Early 193 

Births, Early 193 

Bridge, First 193 

Church History 196 

Coesse Village 194 

Death, First 193 

Experiences, Early 191 

Fatal Fall 188 

Good Templars Lodge 195 

Growth of Township 186 

Justices of the Peace, Early 186 

Marriage, First 193 

Mills 188,194 

Organization 185 

Physician, First 186 

School Teacher, First 188 

Settlers, Early 186 

Tavern, First 194 

Traders, First 186, 194 

Wartburg College 196 

CHAPTER X. 

Washington Township 198 

Church Societies 203 

Election, First 201 

Land Entries, Early 201 

Marriages, First 201 

Mill, Early 205 

Organization 198 

Origin of Name 198 

Physicians, First 202 

Post Office, First 202 

Roads 203 

Schools and School Statistics. ...202 

Settler, First 198 

Tax Assessment 201 

CHAPTER XI. 

Jefferson Township 205 

Adoption of Name 212 



Page. 

Blacksmith, First 207 

Clergy and Churches 214 

Forest Adventures 208 

Forest Village 216 

Mastodontic Remains 212 

Mills, First 213 

Organization 212 

Pioneer Customs 207 

Postal Facilities 216 

Raccoon Village 211 

Road, First 206 

Schools and Schoolhouses 213 

Secret Societies 216 

Settlement, The Early 206 

Settlers, Early 207 

CHAPTER XII. 

Thorn Creek Township 217 

Birth, First 221 

Bloomfield Village 223 

Circuit Court, First 225 

Election, First 221 

Fatalities 225 

Lakes 218 

Matrimonial 224 

Mills and Manufactures 223 

Name, Derivation of 217 

Physical Features 218 

Religious Societies 225 

Schools and Teachers 221 

Settlement, Early 218 

Social Life 222 

Surface Features 226 

CHAPTER XIII. 

Troy Township 226 

Address of E. L. Barber 231 

Birth, First 228 

Churches 229 

Educational Reunion 230 

Election, First 226 

Roads and Mills 228 

Old Settlers' Reunion 230 

Organization 226 

Origin of Name 226 

Physical Features 229 

Prominent Citizens 229 

Roll of Settlers 227 

Schools and Teachers 228 

Settlers, First 227 

Taxes, First 228 



CHAPTER XIV. Page. 

Etna Township 234 

Birth, First 235 

Characteristics of Population. ..236 

Cold Springs Village 235 

Death, First 235 

Etna Village 236 

Mills and Tanneries 235 

Schools and Churches 235 

Settlers, First 234 

Wedding, First 235 



Biographical Sketches. 

Cleveland Township 286 

Columbia City 237 

Columbia Township 278 

Etna Township 423 

Jefferson Township 391 

Richland Township 307 

Smith Township 328 

Thorn Creek Township 402 

Troy Township 413 

Washington Township 376 

Union Township 354 



Portraits. 

Austin, Stephen S 119 

Broxon, James 209 

Collins, Richard 39 

Creager, Peter 199 

Foust, F. H 89 

Harrison, James M 99 

Hughes, C. W 49 

Magers, F. M 169 

McDonald, L B 69 

McDonald, Mrs. I. B 79 

McDonald, F. M 109 

Merriman, Elijah 129 

Putt, B. F 179 

Richard, Lewis 149 

Richard, Huldah 159 

Tulley, Francis 29 

Trumbull, A. M 139 

Wenger, N. R 189 

Views. 

Court House. Whitley County 19 

Infirmary, Whitley Connty 219 

Jail, Wbitley County 59 



PART II. 



HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 



CHAPTER I. Page. 

Geology 5 

Indian History 19 

Indian Mounds 11 

Lakes and Ponds 9 

Meteorology 10 

Topography 9 

CHAPTER II. 

A Child's Mysterious Disappearance 38 

Birth, The First 54 

Churches, The Early 54 

County Buildings 42 

County Census 39 

County Officer* 44 

County Organization 27 

County Seats 41 

Judiciary, The 47 

Judicial Execution 34 

Land Entries, The Early 28 



Page. 

Marriage, The First 54 

Members of the Bar 48 

Physicians, The First 53 

Poor, The County 43 

Post Office, The First 57 

Settlement, The First 27 

State Canal 32 

Suffering in 1838 SI 

Thieves and Counterfeiters 33 

Valuation and Taxes 40 

CHAPTER III. 

Agricultural and Historical Society 62 

Early Roads and Routes 57 

Execution of McDougal 72 

Journals and Journalists 74 

Newspaper, The First 74 

Outlaws and Criminals 63 

Railroads 60 

Regulators, The 69 



CHAPTER IV. Pagk. 

Career of Regiments 107 

Death of Lincoln 106 

Draft Statistics 99 

Fall of Sumter 89 

Republican Convention of 1864 104 

Roll of Honor 110 

Soldiers of Early Wars... 87 

War Meetings and Speeches 89 

War Statistics 116 



Township Histories. 

CHAPTER V. 

ClTT OF Kendallville 116 

Banks 123 

Business Development 120 

Church Organizations 130 

Conflagrations 123 

Election, The First 122 



CONTENTS. 



VJ1 



Page. 

Incorporation 122 

Origin of Name 120 

Railroad Subscription 124 

Schoolhouses 129 

Settlement, The First 119 

CHAPTER VI. 

Wayne Township 134 

Birth, The First 139 

Churches 142 

Log Rolling and Whisky 139 

Mil's, The Early 140 

Scarcity of Cash 141 

Schoolhouses 141 

Settlers, The First 135 

CHAPTER VII. 

Town of Ligonif.r 145 

Building and Loan Association..! 48 

Church Organizations 153 

Destructive Fire 148 

Early Development 146 

High School 150 

Interesting Statistics 157 

Revivals 156 

School Buildings 148 

Sons of Temperance 147 

Town riat... 145 

CHAPTER VIII. 

Perry Township 161 

Bourie's Reminiscences 164 

First Election 162 

Rochester Village 163 

Roll of Settlers 161 

Saw-Mills, The First 163 

Schools and churches 167 

CHAPTER IX. 

Town of Albion 168 

Business Men, The Early 170 

Church Societies 180 

Early Land Entries 168 

Incorporation 176 

Plat of the Town 169 

Schools 177 

Secret Orders 175 

Table of Fires 182 

Town Funding Bonds 179 

CHAPTER X. 

Jefferson Township 183 

Agricultural Features 192 

Burial Grounds 193 

Death, The First 193 

Indian Mounds 191 

Mills and Milling 186 

Pioneer Life 184 

Population 191 

Schools and Teachers 187 

Sermons and Churches 187 

Township Organization 186 

Township Pioneers 183 

CHAPTER XI. 

Orange Township 194 

Brimfield Village 203 

Church Organizations 204 

Island Park Assembly 206 

Land Owners, The Early 194 

Mills, The Early 196 

Northport Village 197 

Rome City 198 

Water Power at Rome 202 

CHAPTER XII. 

Allen Township 208 

Avilla's First House 214 



Page. 

Churches, The Early 217 

Deaths, The Early 211 

Election, The First 211 

Franciscan Convent 218 

Hunting Reminiscences 214 

Incorporation of Avilla 216 

Industries and Improvements..212 

Marriage, The First ...211 

Roll of Early Settlers 208 

Schoolhouse, The First 268 

Underground Railroad 216 

White Settler, The First 208 

CHAPTER XIII. 

Elkhart Township 221 

Early Settlers, List of. 223 

Pittsburg Village 225 

Religious Development 228 

Schools and Teachers 227 

Settlers, the First 221 

Springfield Village 225 

Wawaka Village 226 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Sparta Township 231 

Church Organizations 241 

Cromwell Village 236 

Election, First 233 

Mills and Kilns 234 

Pioneer Experiences 232 

Roll of Settlers 231 

Schools and Teachers 237 

Sparta Village 235 

CHAPTER XV. 

Noble Township 242 

Church Societies 253 

Indians 245 

Milling Enterprises 245 

Nobleville City 251 

Roll of Pioneers 243 

Schools and Teachers 252 

White Settler, First 242 

Wolf Lake Village 247 

CHAPTER XVI. 

York Township 254 

Augusta Village 258 

Catalogue of Settlers 255 

Election, First 256 

Life in the Wilderness 256 

Mills, First 255 

Pioneers, The 254 

Port Mitchell Village 262 

Schools and Teachers 263 

Van Buren Village 258 

CHAPTER XVII. 

6reejc Township 266 

"Canalers," The 271 

Fatal Casualty 271 

Hunting Experiences 267 

Mills and Trade 272 

Religious Societies 276 

Schools and Tutors 273 

Settlers, First 266 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

Swan Township 277 

Early Settlement 277 

First Election 281 

First Preaching 285 

Hunting Exploits 278 

La Otto Village 284 

Marriage, First 282 

Schools and Teachers 286 

Swan Village 283 

Trade and Traffic 282 



CHAPTER XIX. Page. 

Washington Township 287 

Bears and Other Beasts 291 

Birth, First 288 

Election, First 288 

Fish Stories 292 

Marriage and Death, First 288 

Religious Societies 294 

Roop and Other Pioneers 287 

Saw-Mill, First 291 

Schools 293 



Biographical Sketches. 

Albion, Town of 363 

Allen Township 415 

Elkhart Township 437 

Green Township 478 

Jefferson Township 381 

Kendallville, City of. 297 

Ligonier, Town of. 332 

Noble Township 467 

Orange Township 399 

Perry Township 354 

Sparta Township 450 

Swan Township 489 

Washington Township 499 

Wayne Township 319 

York Township 467 



Portraits. 

Alvord, Samuel 35 

Bowman, John , 45 

Bowman, Mrs. Mary 55 

Calbeck, Joseph 230 

Clapp, William M 16 

Earuhart, John 239 

Fisher, Eden H 199 

Foster, Jehu 184 

Gerber, E. B 151 

Hall, William J 321 

Hall, Lucinda 322 

Keehn, George 165 

Kimmell, Orlando 65 

Kiser, Jacob 234 

Riser, William S 173 

Lang, Julius 75 

Lash, James J 178 

Mitchell, John 117 

Mitchell, William 85 

Ott, Abraham 249 

Ott, George 276 

Pancake, John 220 

Prentiss, Nelson 8 

Reed, L. N 131 

Shifaly, John 327 

Singrey, John A 189 

Stanley, H. C 269 

Stewart, James C 244 

Teal, Norman 125 

Tousley, Hiram S 25 

Vanderford, Joel 95 

Vanderford, Mrs. Joel 101 

Voris, W. N 289 

Walker, John 259 

Weston, Thomas B 137 

Weston, Catherine 143 

Wolf, Jacob 159 

Zimmerman, John 224 



Views. 

Court House, Noble County 4 

Infirmary, Noble County 279 

Jail, Noble County 209 



ERRATA. 

In note at foot of page 188, Part I, instead of Bond, read Baughan. 

In sketch of Leggett & Crider, on page 254, Part I, last line, instead of May 27, 1838, read May 27, 1858. 

In last paragraph on page 280, Part I, instead of George Eberard, Sr., read George Eberhard, Sr. 




•-^ys 



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PART I. 



HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 



CHAPTER I. 

by weston a. goodspeed. 
Physical Features of the County— Lakes, Kivers, Swamps, Etc.— Cran- 
berries — Meteorology— A Classification of the Advantages of 
Drainage — Public Health — County Medical Society — Names of 
Physicians— The Extent of Open and Underground Drainage— In- 
teresting Facts— The Origin and Nature of the Drift— A Complete 
History of the "Whitley County Agricultural Society" and the 
"Joint Stock Agricultural Association"— Fine Stock— Suggestions— 
A Complete History of the County Press— The Kailro ads— County 
Productions— School and Church Statistics. 

PATHOLOGICAL students have found, by patient and protracted research, 
that the physical and climatic conditions of a country are closely identi- 
fied with the bodily welfare of its inhabitants. Many diseases which devastate 
whole sections, sparing neither the beautiful nor the wise, and leaving countless 
hearts broken with the pangs of sorrow, are found to be propagated by organic 
growth ; and the air breathed, the water quaffed and the food eaten are more 
or less contaminated by the omnipresent seeds of human disorder. It thus be- 
comes necessary, in order to ascertain the sources of the various human infirm- 
ities, to study carefully and continuously the ever-changing relations between 
climate and disease. While the considerations of human life are, perhaps, of 
primary importance in questions of this nature, still that of human happiness 
and all its attendant and contributing elements should not be overlooked. In 
consequence of the imperative demands of social wants, human creatures have 
been led to value their property (the means of sustaining life) second only to 
their lives. This is decidedly natural, as it is logical to value, next to life, the 
means of sustaining life itself. This will account for the universal development 
of the desire to accumulate property. As the topographical and sanitary 
conditions of a country seriously affect the acquisition of property, this renders 
it doubly necessary to become familiar with the climatic conditions. It is the 
desire in the succeeding pages to point out, from the natural conditions of the 
county, the sources of numerous diseases, and as nearly as possible the means 
of avoidance. 

A 



12 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

Whitley County is bounded north by Noble County, east by Allen, south 
by Huntington and Wabash, and west by Wabash and Kosciusko, and at pres- 
ent comprises 210,458 acres of land. The southern portion is comparatively 
level while along the streams, and throughout the northern and central portions, 
the surface is more diversified. The general characteristics of the surface are 
similar to those of all Northern Indiana. The soil in the southern part is quite 
deep, is dark and rich, and is excellent for all the cereals. There are more clay 
and sand on the surface of the northern and central portions ; but only in a very 
few places is found that peculiar sterility due to a superabundance of sand, and 
known as " oak openings." Even these, by careful cultivation, have been im- 
proved. 

Eel River and its tributaries afford almost the entire drainage. This 
stream enters the county near the southeastern portion of Smith Township, takes 
a southwesterly course, and leaves the county near the center of the western 
boundary of Cleveland Township. Its principal southern branches are Sugar, 
Hurricane, Stony and Mud Creeks. These drain the northern parts of Cleve- 
land, Washington and Jefferson Townships, and the southern parts of Union 
and Columbia Townships. Its principal northern branches are Clear, Spring, 
Pike and Little St. Joe Creeks and Blue River. The former three drain north- 
ern Cleveland, western Columbia and about all of Richland Townships. Blue 
River drains northeastern Columbia and the greater portions of Smith and 
Thorn Creek Townships. It has several branches, the principal being Little 
Blue River and Thorn Creek. Troy and Etna Townships are drained almost 
wholly by small streams, which flow westerly into Tippecanoe River. Big In- 
dian Creek carries away all the superfluous water of central and southern Jef- 
ferson Township, and Clear Creek that of southern Washington. There are no 
lakes in the southern half of the county. In Smith Township is Blue River 
£,ake — the largest. In Thorn Creek Township are Round, Cedar, Shriner 
Lakes, and a portion of Crooked Lake. In Troy are Robinson's, Cedar, Goose, 
New, and several smaller ones. Etna Township has the greater share of Loon 
Lake and all of Old Lake. Several of them are fine sheets of water, with solid 
sandy or gravelly beaches, and, if suitably situated, could be made excellent 
pleasure resorts. Parties having this object in view have recently erected 
buildings on the shore of Loon Lake, and have boats there. There is more or 
less swampy land in the county, the greater portion, perhaps, being in Union, 
Jefferson, Smith, Washington and Columbia Townships. Thorn Creek, Smith, 
Troy and several others have, in places, quite extensive cranberry marshes, as 
well as huckleberry marshes. Several of the cranberry marshes were formerly 
lakes ; but, having become filled up by means of the marsh-moss Sphagnum, 
which has the peculiarity of slowly dying at the extremities of the roots, cran- 
berries sprang into life over the whole surface, while the swamp was yet very 
wet. The cranberry is a member of the heath family, and is known to botan- 
ists as Oxycoccus macrocarpus. The plant is a creeper or trailer, with slender, 



HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 13 

hardy, woody stems, and small evergreen leaves, more or less white underneath, 
with single flowers borne on slender, erect pedicles, and having a pale rose 
corolla. The berries, which get ripe in autumn, are red, with some vellow, and 
are very acid. They may be gathered all winter, and are better for culinary 
purposes after they have been frozen, as they then require less sugar to render 
them palatable. Hundreds of bushels have grown in the county annually since 
the earliest times, and some of the citizens have derived no little income from 
them. Mr. Johnson, of Thorn Creek Township, gathered 250 bushels the 
past year, and doubtless others in the county did as well. It may be safely said 
that not less than eight hundred bushels were grown in the county in 1881. 

The mean annual temperature at Indianapolis, for the fifteen years prior 
to 1880, was 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The mean monthly temperature for the 
same time was, in degrees, January, 31.3 ; February, 36.7 ; March, 41 8 ■ 
April, 54.1 ; May, 64.4; June, 74.3; July, 77.7; August, 75.6; September' 
67.9; October, 54.7; November, 41.6; December, 33.5. The mean annual 
precipitation of rain and melted snow during the same time was 43.17 inches. 
The monthly mean precipitation for the same time, in inches, was, January' 
3.75; February, 3; March. 4.5 ; April, 3.66 ; May, 4.47 ; June, 4.36 ; Ju\v\ 
4.57; August, 3.17; September, 3.63; October, 2.37; November,' 2.94 ;' 
December. 3.51. The prevailing direction of the wind is from the southwest', 
as are also the principal heavy storms ; and hence, in planting orchards or 
groves, the trees should be slightly leaned in that direction. March is found 
to be the windiest month, while August is the quietest. The humidity or 
moisture of the atmosphere varies with the direction of the wind, the season 
of the year, and the local conditions of temperature. The barometer at 
Indianapolis ranges annually from 29.4 inches to 30.8 inches, the average 
being about 30.038 inches. The above figures show very nearly the condition 
of things at Columbia City. The mean temperature would, perhaps, be a little 
colder ; otherwise but little difference would be noticed. The quantity of rain- 
fall during any year varies but little. If any season of the year be very dry, 
the remainder, usually, will be correspondingly wet. If the water does not 
come in the form of rain, it will appear as snow, sleet, etc. 

The major part of the swamp land in the county, as above hinted, was 
once small lakes, the water level having been lowered, or the basins having been 
filled, in past centuries, by deposits of decaying vegetation, or soil washed in 
from surrounding localities. All that is necessary to render the swamp land 
tillable, is to lower the water level below the point necessary for the proper 
growth of the roots of the various vegetable productions. This may be done 
either by drainage, or by raising the surface of the swamp by coverings of soil 
Such lands, when reclaimed, are remarkably adapted to the growth of corn* 
oats, vegetables and tame grasses, and, after the lapse of time, of wheat. There' 
are all variations of soil in the county, from swamp land to that which is so 
high and dry as to be unproductive. Those having land which is low and too 



14 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

wet for satisfactory cultivation, should adopt that system of drainage which will 
lower the level of stagnant water. This can be done by open side ditches, or, 
what is far better, by tile drains which run across the land. It may be 
said that all land should be under-drained. That wet lands should be so, 
needs no proof, nor does it require a mathematical demonstration to show that 
rolling land would be benefited by the same treatment. It is clear that, in 
times of heavy rains, the rolling lands are washed of a large portion of their 
richest material ; and also, as the rain itself contains many necessary elements 
of fertility, if it be permitted to run off without having first passed through 
the soil, such elements are lost, or conveyed to the low lands. Here, then, are 
two causes which combine to impoverish the rolling lands. Judicious under- 
drainage will, in a large measure, prevent both. The following may be con- 
sidered a general summary of the benefits of drainage : 

1. The surplus water which greatly damages the growth of crops is 
removed. 

2. The depth of the soil increased, thus allowing the roots of plants to 
descend to greater and better depth for the necessary food, and beyond the 
action of continued droughts. , 

3. Air, containing vital elements of life for the plant, is admitted to the 
roots. 

4. The soil is enabled to absorb fertilizing substances, from the lower 
depths of the ground, that otherwise could not be used. 

5. The decayed vegetation in the soil, and the nitrogenous food absorbed 
from the air during a considerable time of fair weather, are prevented from 
being washed away by sudden freshets. 

6. Such rainfalls are passed through the surface soil, which absorbs the 
ammonia, nitrogen, and other plant-foods contained therein. 

7. The surplus water, after passing through the surface soil, is carried 
off rapidly through the drains, thus preventing the severe cooling process of 
the evaporation of such water, and rendering the soil warm and porous. 

8. The warmth and moderate moisture promote the germination of 
seed. 

'9. The cheerless labor of replanting is avoided. 

10. The packing and baking of the soil is prevented ; it is left open, 
porous and easily pulverized. 

11. Winter crops are prevented from being frozen out. 

12. The damages of long-continued wet weather are avoided. 

13. The surface soil from its porosity can, in times of drought, absorb 
moisture from the air, and draw drafts of water from the lower depths of 
the ground, a most desirable state of affairs. 

14. The uniformity and yield of crops are satisfactory. 

15. The quality of crops is greatly improved. 

16. Years of useless labor are saved and enjoyed. 



HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 15 

17. The source of half the diseases incident to humanity is destroyed, and 
all the attendant blessings follow. 

Perhaps the strongest reason for a thorough system of drainage, especially 
about dwellings, is the certain means thus adopted for the total avoidance of 
the various malarial disorders resulting from the poison spread broadcast in 
the atmosphere by large quantities of decaying vegetation. That many of the 
fevers, such as typhoid, typho-malarial, intermittent, remittent, bilious, ague, 
etc., with their attendants, neuralgia, pneumonia, bronchitis, diphtheria and 
consumption, are largely due to malarial poison, is no longer a question of 
doubt. Neither is it longer a matter of doubt that, in order to avoid these 
distressing disorders, the cause must be removed ; this can only be done by 
judicious drainage. While people generally understand that many of the dis- 
eases enumerated are due to a lack of proper drainage, the real magnitude of 
the cause and its intimate relation to health and happiness are not fully realized. 
Families will continue to drink from wells that are the silt-basins of barn- 
yards or back-yards, implanting seeds in the blood of children that, in after 
years, make their appearance in the full and sorrowful fruitage of permanent 
blood or epidermic disorders. Doctors, as a rule, are not employed to point out 
the cause of human ills ; they are required to correct the disorder in the sys- 
tem, and to strengthen human organisms to resist malarial influence. They 
would probably be regarded as jesters on the important subject of human life, 
were they to announce ostentatiously that the cause of family sickness was 
due to the proximity of some neighboring swamp, and then sit down, fold their 
hands and make no effort to remedy the evil. At least, such a remark would 
be regarded as extraneous, and would be dropped forthwith from the mind, 
while the services of the follower of Esculapius would be expected to be 
directed to the immediate correction of the trouble ; and, if failure attended 
his efforts from the violence or permanence of the affliction, he would be 
branded without compunction as an ignoramus and a quack. Thus the af- 
flicted in their inexcusable ignorance are led to believe that the lamentable results 
are due to a criminal lack of skill on the part of the family physician, whereas 
the burden rests upon their own stupidity and mistaken judgment. It should 
always be born in mind that " an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of 
cure," or, in other words, " a stitch in time saves nine." People should study 
the laws relating to health. They should become familiar with the causes of 
human ills, and being thus forewarned and, therefore, forearmed, they could 
escape many hours of suffering and, perhaps, in the end, total family extinc- 
tion. It is impossible to detail all the splendid results of proper drainage. 
Every family should understand the relation between health and happiness and 
the conditions of climate, and natural surroundings. This can easily be done, 
as there thousands of books explaining the whole subject. 

While Whitley County may be said to be quite a healthy locality gener- 
ally, still there is not a farm which could not be improved by drainage. Every- 



16 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

where, throughout the warmer months, may be seen stagnant ponds and damp, 
heavy lowlands, from which emanate, under the heat of the sun, all the malarial 
ills. Although it may be regarded as a cold, fiendish cruelty to thus deprive 
physicians of their sources of employment, still, as man is a selfish being, 
caring apparantly much more for himself than for his fellows, they can hardly 
be authorized to require people to get sick for their amusement. However, in 
view of the fact that people are, to say the least, certainly careless of avoiding 
the results which common sense tells them will be sickness, they appear to 
take an altogether different view of the matter. Hence the doctors, with their 
pills and poultices, continue to thrive and multiply, and people as usual con- 
tinue to squirm and agonize with baffling disorders. Of course the doctor is 
always to blame, and ought to be pulverized ! The severest lash of censure 
and criticism should be mercilessly used upon him, for is he not paid to cure, 
not kill ? Ah ! there is a serious — a criminal — fault somewhere. Seriously, 
there should be less curing and more preventing ; less medicine and malaria, 
and more decision and drainage. 

It should be noticed here that as the southern part of the county is quite 
level, and contains a large percentage of decaying vegetation, malarial troubles 
are more prevalent there than in the central and northern portions, where 
the country is more rolling, and where a certain degree of necessary drainage 
is natural. This is the judgment of old and experienced physicians in the 
county. It is stated by them that, whereas, prior to some ten years ago, all 
the malarial disorders were alarmingly prevalent throughout the county (though 
perhaps cases of typhoid fever were less numerous than in surrounding coun- 
ties),* the general improvement in health, since about 1870, is nearly 50 per 
cent. Especially during the last few years has the public health undergone a 
marked amelioration. Why is this ? In 1869, the first noteworthy law was 
enacted by the State Legislature concerning the subject of drainage. For 
some reason the law proved largely inert, although about $10,000 was ex- 
pended in those localities where drainage was imperatively necessary. In 
1875, another and a much better enactment came into effect. This law made 
it incumbent upon the County Commissioners to hear ali petitions of the 
citizens for the location of ditches ; to weigh and accept or reject remonstrances 
or objections to the construction of such ditches; to appoint the necessary 
viewers and engineers; to assess the citizens unquestionably benefited along 
the route of the ditch in proportion to the advantage each received, and to 
audit all claims presented by those entitled to remuneration for services. The 
imperative requirements and expected advantages of t v his law have been realized 
in a marked degree within the last five years, although in 1881 an additional 
provision was enacted, whereby the jurisdiction of the County Commissioners, 
in matters of drainage, was curtailed, and the greater portion of their duties in 
this regard was transferred to the action of the Circuit Court. Whether, 

*Dr. Linvill, Columbia City. 



HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 



17 



under the new order of things, the same results will be accomplished, remains 
for the future to reveal. When it is known that some ten petitions for ditches 
aid now being favorably considered by this court, and that others will follow 
rapidly in their wake as the years proceed, those who have made the question 
of public health a matter of earnest solicitude will have no reason to feel 
dejected. The following unparalleled results have been accomplished since 
1875 (about five and one-half years), although the figures must not be regarded 
as exact : 



NAME OF DITCH. 



Sugar 

Richard's 

Capp & Luicke's 

Humbarger's 

Taylor's 

Krumbnrger's 

Jeffrey's 

Mowrey's 

Emerick's 

Schcenauer's 

Pachniche's 

La wrence' s 

Wade's 

Sell's 

Funk's 

Long's 

Lehman & Decker's... 

Boggs & Hull's 

Huffman's 

Smith & Braden's 

Winter's 

Smith's 

Mossman's 

Schrader's 

Alexander's 

Meredith's 

Stumpff & Huffman's. 

Clark's 

Smith & Heneley's 

Ackley's 

Maynard's 

Jehu Clark's 

Miller's 

S. H. Clark's 



Location. 



Washington Township 

Washington Township 

Washington Township 

Thorn Creek Township 

Jefferson Township 

Washington Township 

Smith Township 

Jefferson Township 

Union and Jefferson Townships 

Jefferson Township 

Columbia Township 

Union and Columbia Townships... 
Smith and Thorn Creek Townships 

Washington Township 

Cleveland Township 

Washington Township 

Washington Township 

Smitti Township 

Washington Township 

Jefferson Township 

Union Township 

Jefferson Township 

Union Township 

Union Township 

Washington Township 

Columbia Township 

Cleveland Township 

Union Township 

Columbia Township 

Smith Township 

Richland Township 

Union Township 

Smith Township 

Union Township 



Length in 


Date of 


Feet. 


Construc'n. 
1876 


45200 


16600 


1876 


7700 


1876 


8400 


1876 


493o 


1876 


20740 


1877 


8600 


1877 


56827 


1877 


32726 


1877 


4100 


1878 


5600 


1878 


34200 


1878 


18180 


1878 


33402 


1879 


10400 


1879 


10780 


1879 


15445 


1879 


16860 


1879 


16120 


1879 


33186 


1879 


19595 


1880 


11432 


1880 


24875 


1880 


8100 


1880 


24267 


1880 


20904 


1880 


8700 


1880 


13426 


1880 


27474 


1881 


15959 


1881 


16442 


1881 


13426 


1881 


16314 


1881 


16600 


1882 



Total Cost. 



$4950 

1200 

825 

612 

990 

1050 

600 

3440 

1374 

308 

291 

2373 

1103 

2971 

1488 

707 

1007 

1585 

1532 

2248 

1550 

1080 

2022 

572 

2153 

1968 

401 

1726 

5609 

1930 

3083 

1952 

1900 

2000 



The above making a total of 34 ditches, 8 townships, 627,420 feet or 118.83 miles, 6 years, 
time and a total cost of $58,610. 

From this remarkable exhibit, it will be seen that within a period of about 
six years the enormous amount of nearly $60,000 has been expended in con- 
structing ditches, whose aggregate lengths exceed one hundred and eighteen 
miles. It is safe to say that within the next six or eight years as much more 
will be done. The people of the county have at last awakened from their Rip 
Van Winkle sleep, have rolled up their sleeves, and now mean business. It is 
no trouble for them to see the really excellent results, not merely of the 
increase in the value of lands, but also of the more important improvement in 
the public health. The vast decrease in malarial disorders in the county within 



18 • HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

the last few years is undoubtedly mainly due to the extensive systems of drain- 
age adopted. Prior to 1870, and more particularly in early years, the malarial 
fevers raged with unabated fury, shaking whole families most pitilessly, carry- 
ing away to the silent graveyard the young and the old, and defying the utmost 
energy and skill of the pioneer physician. A removal of the cause is steadily 
accomplishing what the physicians could not. The removal of the forests, 
where large quantities of leaves and twigs were constantly decaying, and the 
cultivation of the soil where the heat and light of the sun have been permitted 
to destroy the malaria, have contributed largely to the improvement in health. 
From reasons appearing in this chapter, it will be seen that of the two systems 
of drainage — open ditch and underground ditch — the latter is far preferable. 
This has been recognized by the citizens of the county for many years, and the 
$60,000 spent for open ditches is only a portion of the amount spent for drain- 
age. The manufacture of tile was begun at quite an early day, but did not 
begin to assume excellent proportions until soon after the war. Then several 
good factories sprang into existence, but were unable to supply the demand, and 
others were started. Since about 1867, there has been a constantly increasing 
demand for tile, and mill after mill has been built, until at present some eleven 
or twelve are in the county, manufacturing in the aggregate about 45,000 rods 
of tiling annually, the greater portion of which finds a ready sale in the county. 
When the reader learns that some twenty-five miles of tiling are laid annually, 
and that this seems to be constantly increasing, it will be observed that the 
land owners know what they are about. They notice the great improvement in 
the land, and they also notice the excellent effects upon the general health. A 
number of brick kilns have started up to supply such work as is in their line. 
The quantity manufactured in the county annually could not. at this writing, 
be ascertained. 

Whitley County has had good physicians — men who could go beyond the 
mere technical performance of their duties and trace results to their causes — 
men who could sweep out into the vast depths of consistent theory and skill- 
fully unite their ideas and their practices. In accordance with the wishes of 
the leading medical men of the county, who had often before favorably consid- 
ered the matter, an organization called the u Whitley County Medical Associa- 
tion," was effected during the spring of 1868, at which time the following well- 
known physicians became (so to speak) charter members : S. S. Austin, Martin 
Ireland, D. G. Linvill, A. P. Mitten, Mr. Pierce, W. H. Coyle, Mr. Kirkpat- 
rick, J. B. Firestone, Elijah Merriman, David Strouse, W. S. Ferguson and 
J. W. Miller. Dr. Stephen S. Austin was chosen President, Dr. A. P. Mitten, 
Secretary, and Dr. Martin Ireland, Treasurer. There was also appointed a 
board of three censors, Dr. D. G. Linvill being one of them. A constitution 
and by-laws was adopted, detailing the duties of the individual members, and 
outlining the results to be accomplished by the Association. The object was 
similar to that of all organizations of the kind. Theses on the theory and 



-. > ■.*' '-'■■' 













*JP£iiiHft 



r^MMmsm 



'"" ""''^.Tfc"*?"*--'-- ; 




HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 21 

practice of medicine, written by the members in rotation, were to be read at 
every meeting. As far as possible, the examination of interesting clinics before 
the association was conducted. During the brief period of the existence of 
the association (about two years) there was so much sickness in the county that 
the members had but little spare time to devote to the requirements of their 
organization, and as a necessary result the proceedings became sickly, probably 
to correspond with the times, until at last the whole thing was abandoned. 
This was very unfortunate to the citizens of the county, as intelligent consul- 
tation among physicians on questions of health is sure to develop all the latest 
and best methods of practice. The association should be revived. Several 
physicians in the county are members of the American Medical Association. 
The following is as complete a list as could be obtained of medical practitioners 
who have lived in Columbia City, with approximate dates of their coming : 

Francis L. McHugh, 1840 ; James B. Sincoke, 1842 ; J. T. Beebe, 1845 ; 
A. H. Tyler, 1846; Samuel Marshall, 1846; William W. Martin, 1848; Peter 
L. Cole, 1846 ; Francis A. Rogers, 1848 ; William M. Swayze, 1849 ; David G. 
Linvill, 1849; S. G. A. Reed, 1851 ; Doctor Myers, 1852; William Morris, 
1852; Henry Gregg, 1853; Charles Kinderman, 1853; Joseph Harper, 1854; 
Doctor Knouse, 1854; J. B. Firestone, 1854; Martin Ireland, 1855; Dr. 
Parkey, 1856; Stephen Majors, 1856; James Z. Gower, 1856 ; James Toler- 
ton, 1860 ; A. L. Sandmire, 1863 ; William T. Ferguson, 1864 ; Henry Safford, 
1864; Franklin McCoy, 1865; John Foster, 1865; C. C. Sutton, 1864: 
A. P. Mitten, 1867 ; William Weber, 1870 ; J. E. Lawrence, 1870 ; W. 
W. Walkup, 1872 ; D. M. Marshall, 1873 ; Charles S. Williams, 1873 ; N. I. 
Kechcart, 1876 ; John Maine, 1876, and C. L. Cass, 1880. 

So much has been said in Part II of this volume regarding the geology of 
Northern Indiana, that but little more need be added. The entire county is 
deeply covered with what is known as "'the drift." Owing to certain changes, 
made during long periods of years, in the inclination of the earth's axis to the 
plane of its orbit, the poles are alternately locked in ice and intense cold, and, 
after the lapse of some 21,000 years, are again admitted to the heat and 
general effects of the sun. These facts are apparent for many reasons, one 
being the presence of vast coal beds in high latitudes, which could only have 
been formed under a tropical sun, and another being the presence in this lati- 
tude of the drift, which could only have come here from northern regions 
through the agency of melted ice moving southward as the polar region slowly 
became warmer. That all the surface of Northern Indiana, including Whitley 
County, is covered to the depth of from one hundred to two hundred feet with 
soil that has been transported here from Northern latitudes, is no longer doubted 
or questioned by geologists. Keeping in view what has been said above, the 
whole theory is that all this heavy surface of drift has been brought here from 
British America by glaciers and icebergs. While the north pole was turned 
farther away from the sun, it became bound in vast, icy chains ; then through 



22 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

the centuries, as the pole slowly returned toward the sun, the ice of the vast 
northern glacier began to melt on its southern extremity, and was necessarily 
forced slowly and surely toward the south. Uplands and hills were planed off, 
and the shavings (so to speak — meaning the soil scraped off), were transported 
on their icy scrapers toward the south, until at last, the sun of lower latitudes 
having melted the ice, the load of the vast scraper was dropped upon the earth. 
Afterward, when the vast glacier had been broken into innumerable icebergs 
by the sun's heat, the enormous quantities of soil that had been previously 
dropped were ground down and made comparatively smooth, as these icebergs 
steadily and obediently moved southward. They also, no doubt, carried more 
or less soil with them from the north. The movements of these glaciers and 
icebergs were not always directly south, though they universally had a general 
southerly motion. The exact direction of their motion is readily told by 
"glacial markings" or strice. These are scratchings, and other marks, made 
by the ice on beds of stone, etc., the directions of the marks being the same as 
the motion of the ice. This was, of course, thousands of years ago — long prior 
to the present approved chronology of the antiquity of " Fossil Man." Since 
then, either the waters have receded, or the land has arisen, or both, and the 
country we now occupy has, for scores of centuries, been above the surface of 
the sea, subject to the action of the elements. The difference between the sur- 
face soil and that down at a depth of a yard or more is due to the disintegrat- 
ing action of freezing and thawing, rain and shine, through successive centuries. 
Beside this, the surface soil has been largely mingled with many and minute 
forms of decaying vegetation. 

It must be borne in mind that directly underfoot, just beneath the great 
mass of drift, are large beds of excellent limestone, and, possibly, sandstone. 
It is tantalizing to think that within 200 feet of the surface is an abundance of 
fine and durable building stone, as free as water, yet practically so distant that 
the effort to reach it is not made. Geologists, who have studied the soil of 
Northern Indiana, are of the opinion that just underneath the drift are the large 
beds of Niagara limestone. Scattered throughout the drift in varying quanti- 
ties is an abundance of granite bowlders ; these, with a few exceptions, furnish 
the only native available building stone. The bowlders are much used; though, 
if anything extra in the way of stone is wanted, it is shipped in from abroad. 
In Thorn Creek Township, quite a quantity of limestone bowlders were un- 
earthed a number of years ago, but not in paying quantities. Sandstone has 
been found in Troy and Etna. Peat-beds are found in almost every township. 
Bog iron ore is also found in considerable quantity in nearly all the larger 
tracts of low, wet land. Union Township has several excellent beds, as have 
Columbia, Thorn Creek, Troy, Richland, and, perhaps, others. However, it is 
not at all probable that the time will come when it will be profitable to work up 
this ore ; the following table will show in an imperfect way the native prod- 
ucts of some of the townships : 



HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 



23 



PRODUCTS. 


o 

u • 


a 

a 


o 
S 

s 
o 

a 
o 

J3 
H 


■a 
a 

> 
o 

3 


-3 

a 
o 

3 


2 



'3 

C3 


a 

en 


"3 

O 




435 


30 


1 

123 
69 


4 

18 


5 


"38 


10 


"io 


466 
123 




21 


9 
2 


172 




20 













It is certain that if Whitley would gather all her cranberries and report them 
to the Assessor, there would be found annually not less than eight hundred 
bushels of this excellent berry. There are not far from one hundred acres of 
cranberry swamp in the county. The supply from each acre, on the average, 
is much smaller, owing largely to the drainage of the marshes. This will con- 
tinue until cranberries will no longer grow. They will fade away like the In- 
dian race. 

In the month of May, 1856, in pursuance of public notice posted and pub- 
lished through the county, a large meeting of the public-minded and personally 
interested was held at the court house for the purpose of effecting the organiza- 
tion of a county agricultural society.* For several years previous to this event, 
the more prominent and intelligent men throughout the county had often in- 
dulged in speculations regarding the propriety of the formation of such a soci- 
ety. It was thus ascertained and mutually agreed, that the advantages to the 
material prosperity and wealth of the county demanded a speedy organization 
of a society that should have for its object the manifest improvement of all those 
vital pursuits in which the citizens of the county were so materially interested. 
The conclusion reached was that an agricultural society should be immediately 
organized. At that day Whitley County had not that development of native 
resources so perceptible at present. Large portions of its lands were unculti- 
vated, or, at best, scarcely out of that deplorable condition so familiar in newly 
settled localities. Yet its farmers at that time were generally aware of the ne- 
cessity and advantage of keeping pace with all improved methods or systems of 
cultivating the soil or rearing stock. The advantages resulting from learned 
consultation on all questions touching the management of farms, were plainly 
apparent to all the more intelligent citizens. These and other important con- 
siderations led to the formation, as above stated, of the " Whitley County Ag- 
ricultural Society." Early in the meeting, it was decided that the payment of 
$1, by any citizen, into the treasury, should constitute membership. This was 
done by about one hundred prominent men in all parts of the county ; and the 
society then began electing its officers, appointing its Directors (one from each 
township), and drafting and adopting its constitution and by-laws. James L. 
Collins became President, and Isaiah B. McDonald, Secretary. The names of 
the other officers and of the Directors cannot be recalled. At this meeting, or 
soon afterward, it was announced that a fair would be held in Columbia City 

* Many of these facts are given from the recollection of Col. I. B. McDonald. 



24 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

for four days during the following September, the display of all the various 
and usual departments to be held in the court house and court yard, and in 
the McDonald Schoolhouse standing on the site of the present McDonald 
House. Quite a collection of agricultural implements and farm stock (horses, 
cattle, hogs, sheep, poultry, etc.), was exhibited in the court yards to view 
which no admission fee was charged. But, to look upon all the finer pro- 
ductions of the farm and household, the payment of 25 cents was absolutely 
necessary, such sum serving to admit to both the court house, where the grains 
and vegetable productions were on exhibition, and to the schoolhouse, or " floral 
hall," where the various domestic articles of use or fancy were to be seen. The 
first fair thus held was an encouraging success. It is stated by several to have 
been much better than many of those held since. As there was no track, of 
course there was no racing of any kind — except the racing for official honors. 
The present County Clerk's office was headquarters, whence issued all those 
orders and decisions determining the awarding of premiums. The great major- 
ity of those who took premiums immediately donated them to the society. 

Thus the fair was annually held in the court house and yard and in the 
schoolhouse for three years. In February, 1859, the society contracted with 
Henry Duffin for outlot No. 22 of the original plat of the town of Columbia 
City, the same bounded on the south by the reserve line, and including within 
its limits the channel of Blue River, and comprising nine acres, one rod and 
eight perches, the consideration for such land being $275. The first fair on 
this ground was held during the autumn of 1859 ; but there were many serious 
drawbacks, as the ground was an ineligible site, being damp and confined, and, 
to add to the depressed condition of affairs, the novelty in having a fair had 
passed away, and the voice of a leader to infuse life into the drooping energies 
of the citizens was demanded but unheard. It must not be understood by this 
that proper interest had disappeared. It had simply flagged, and needed the 
magnetism of a leader to kindle opinion into action. Perhaps, no man has 
done more for the society than Isaiah B. McDonald. Among those who early 
identified themselves with the society may be mentioned I. B. McDonald, James 
L. Cotlins, Richard Collins, William Rice, Daniel Rice, Jacob Nickey, Francis 
Tulley, A. M. Trumbull, John Q. and Andrew Adams, Levi Adams, Henry 
McLallen, Sr., Benjamin Cleveland, Thomas Cleveland, Thomas Neal, Martin 
Bechtel, John Brenneman, Francis Mossman, John A. Kauffman, James H. 
Shaw, Samuel Rouch, Robert Spear, Lemuel Devault, Henry Swihart, John 
S. Cotton, James Grant, Dr. S. S. Austin, James W. Long, Dr. D. G. Linvill, 
C. W. Hughes, J. T. Long, A. Y. Hooper, C. D. Waidlich, Jacob Slesman, 
George Everhard, Sr., J. B. Sterling, W. D. Reed, G. W. Lawrence, J. W. 
Crowel, Reason Huston, R. M. Paige, J. M. Sherwood, Frederick Humberger, 
G. T. Klink, W. H. Widup, George Ream. A. T. Martin, Thomas Washburn, 
Otis W. Minor, H. F. Crabill, Edward Beckley, J. B. Edwards and several 
others. 



HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 25 

From the organization of the society, onward for many years, the fair did 
not amount to as much as its friends had hoped and expected. Some years 
the receipts were unequal to meet the expenses, and the members were often 
called on for funds from their private stores to meet the deficiency. At 
other times the fair was a decided success in attendance, display and interest ; 
and the officers of the society came out laughing, and enjoying the encourag- 
ing results. During the years 1861, 1862 and 1863, all attempts to continue 
the fair were abandoned. The citizens had put on the gaudy armor of war, 
and were prepared to obey that stirring command of Gen. Dix : " If any 
man attempts to haul down the American flag, shoot him on the spot." Under 
the stern and repeated calls to arms, and the general abandonment of labor, 
all the peaceful pursuits languished and were neglected. The fair was left to 
its fate, as, not only was it thought that the bloody scenes of war might be 
carried into Northern Indiana, but also that the disloyal element in the North 
might break into open, determined and successful revolt. However, in 1864, 
and onward, the citizens were again called upon to renew their interest in 
agricultural pursuits and display. But little improvement was made on the old 
ground, though, at the start, a tight board fence had been built, and a few 
sheds and board buildings constructed ; but probably all the improvements 
made did not cost more than $500. After the war the society did better. 
Greater interest was displayed by greater attendance and more numerous 
entries. For several years prior to 1870, the society felt that it could afford 
larger and better grounds, and considerable controversy with that object in 
view was indulged in. At last, in August, 1870, the grounds were sold to 
Richard Collins for $600 cash, the deed being signed by Cyrus B. Tulley, 
President, and J. W. Adair, Secretary. At the same time, or perhaps pre- 
vious to this conveyance, arrangements had been made to purchase the present 
grounds, a tract of twenty and twelve-hundredths acres, situated on the east 
half of the southeast quarter of Section 3, Columbia Township. No sooner 
were the old grounds sold, than the new were purchased of John Brand, for 
$2,452. About $1,600 of this amount the society assumed as indebtedness, 
held in the form of notes. A proviso in the deed conveying the old ground 
reserved the right to remove the fencing, lumber, pumps and accumulated stone. 
All this was taken to the new grounds, upon which some $1,500 improvements 
were made. This caused a further increase of the indebtedness. A consider- 
able portion of these liabilities was paid off annually from the receipts of the 
fairs that were held in 1870, 1871 and 1872 ; but there still remained an out- 
standing obligation of something over $2,000. Portions of this amount were 
held in the form of notes by Lemuel Devault, Foust & Wolf and C. D. Waid- 
lich. At the April terra, 1873, of the Whitley County Circuit Court, Lemuel 
Devault and Foust & Wolf recovered judgment, each, for something over $600, 
which, with costs attached, amounted to $717.34, or both claims to $1,434.68. 
To meet this judgment, the court ordered the issuance of an execution against 



26 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

the property of the society (the fair grounds), directing the Sheriff to raise the 
necessary funds to satisfy the judgment from the sale of the rents or the sale 
of the property. In compliance with this order, the County Sheriff, J W.- 
Miller, on the court house steps, on the 19th day of July, 1873, first offered 
for sale the rents and profits of the fair grounds for a period of seven years ; 
but, receiving no bid, he thereupon, at auction, sold the fair grounds to C. D. 
Waidlich for $2,055. The claims of Messrs. Devault and Foust & Wolf were 
immediately satisfied, and that of Mr. Waidlich was, of course, merged in his 
purchase. At this time the society had no heart to continue its annual fairs. 
Something, however, must be done. After careful deliberation, fiftv citizens 
of the county organized themselves into the "Whitley County Joint Stock 
Agricultural Association," each member paying into the general treasury 
$100, or rather subscribing that amount, which constituted one share. Some 
of the original subscriptions were not paid and other members were taken in 
who were able to meet the demand. The names of the original subscribers 
areas follows: A. F. Martin, Nathan Chapman, Henry Chapman, C. F. 
Marchand, Matthew Taylor, A. M. Trumbull, S. J. W. Elliott, R. A. Jellison, 
M. B. Emerson, Enos Goble, Eli W. Brown, Theodore Reed, J. S. Hartsock, 
Joseph W. Adair, John Brand, C. D. Waidlich, Phillip Anthes, R. Tuttle, A. 
Y. Hooper, G. W. Hollinger, G. M. Bainbridge, I. B. McDonald, J. C. 
Cheyney, F. H. Foust, H. C. Yontz, John B. Sterling, W. M. Appleton, 
Henry Knight, John Q. Adams, Fred Humbarger, E. W. Barney, J. W. 
Yontz, Andrew Adams, M. D. Garrison, James Garrison, W. M. Crowel, S. 
B. Kelsey, James Broxen, Silas Briggs, G. W. Lawrence, J. H. Shaw, John 
F. Lawrence, Levi Waugh, Lemuel Devault, David W. Nickey and two or 
three others. As above stated, the shares were worth $100 each. No one 
man took more than two shares, but, since they are transferable, several of the 
stockholders have owned more than two in later years. Since the creation of 
the joint-stock company the fairs have been successful; though at no time, 
except the year 1882, has a dividend been struck. The property of the com- 
pany is valued at about $7,000 ; the shares are worth in cash, each, $125. 
Immediately upon its organization, the company purchased the fair grounds of 
Mr. Waidlich for $4,231.37 ; the transfer being completed in July, 1874. 
After this for a number of years the stockholders were often required to pay 
their subscription of stock to Mr. Waidlich, to satisfy his claims for the selling 
price. At the present writing the company is entirely out of debt, and smiles 
with supreme satisfaction and glee as it contemplates the several hundred 
dollars of revenue on hand. But this satisfactory condition of things has not 
been attained without repeated discouragements. Sometimes the association 
has been very feeble, almost on its last legs ; but, by the repeated use of proper 
stimulants, it has regained its usual activity and vigor. 

If the writer has been correctly informed, there is no man in the county 
who has followed tlte occupation of rearing fine-blooded stock to the exclusion 



HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 27 

of other pursuits. While there is a strong demand for such stock, yet but few 
men in the county can afford to pay the enormous prices asked when they know 
that five times out often they are likely to draw a blank. There are several men 
in the county who have taken considerable interest in the rearing of fine stock, 
Amon<y them may be mentioned Francis Mossman, Willaim C. Mowry, John F. 
Mossman, A. F. Martin, John Q. and Andrew Adams, Lemuel Devault, D. W. 
Nickey and J. A. Ramsey. Many others, in addition, have taken an apprecia- 
tive interest in getting better grades of stock. Some of the men above have 
small herds of the best grades. Samuel B. Kelsey has a fine herd of Durham 
and Devonshire cattle ; John B. Sterling has fine sheep and swine ; John G. 
Leininger deals largely in sheep and swine ; C. S. Marchand rears fine cattle, 
sheep and swine; John Trembley has a small fine herd of Durham cattle; 
George Coulter has a number of fine Norman horses. This list might be con- 
siderably increased. Farmers often think : " Well, I'm getting along about 
as well as my neighbor who has fine stock and farms according to science." 
When a man says that you will always find that he has never reared stock and 
conducted his farm in an intelligent manner. He is one who does not believe 
that " book larnin' " is necessary to make a good farmer. But just look at his 
stock — look at his fences, his house and barns — look at his orchard, his front 
yard and his appreciation for natural adornments. In this manner you can 
always tell the learned farmer from the ignorant one. 

In the month of July, 1853, Joseph A. Berry, at the earnest solicitation 
of the Democracy about Columbia City, came to the latter place with the neces- 
sary apparatus and began the publication of the Columbia City Pioneer^ a 
small sheet with gigantic Democratic proclivities. The probability is that Mr. 
Berry was paid a sum of money for thus starting a new paper in a new place, 
or else guaranteed a satisfactory circulation. At any rate, Mr. Berry un- 
moored his bark and sailed out on the boiling sea of Democratic journalism. 
The paper had a circulation of about 400, but was sold in August, 1856, to 
P. W. Hardesty. The paper advocated that phase of Democracy known as 
" Free-Soilism." In 1858, the paper was purchased by I. B. McDonald, who 
gave T. L. and W. C. Graves the editorial management. T. L. Graves was 
sole editor for a time. In 1859, I. B. McDonald and W. C. Graves were 
editors, and S. H. Hill, publisher. Mr. E. Zimmerman became publisher and 
part proprietor in 1860, McDonald remaining editor and part owner. When 
Mr. McDonald bought the Jeffersonian, of Fort Wayne, in 1858, it and the 
Pioneer became merged under the name Columbia City News. When the 
rebellion burst upon the nation, Mr. McDonald enlisted and turned the paper 
over to Mr. Zimmerman, but retained his partial ownership. Thus the paper 
was continued until about 1864, when Engelbert Zimmerman's interest was 
transferred to Frank Zimmerman. About this time Mr. McDonald, having 
resigned from the army, took editorial control of the paper. In November, 
1865, the News passed to Eli W. Brown, and at that time had a circulation of 



28 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

about 500. The name was changed to the Columbia City Post a short time 
before this. In 1867, a power-press was obtained, and the paper enlarged. In 
April, 1879, John W. Adams became a partner, taking control of the business 
management. The circulation continued to increase, until a short time ago it 
was about 1,000. In April, 1881, Mr. Adams purchased Mr. Brown's interest, 
and has sole control of the Post at present. 

In the month of July, 1854, the Republicans of the county began to per- 
ceive that they ought to have an organ to oppose the views disseminated by the 
Pioneer, and to advance the principles of the new political party that was just 
springing into life. Quite a number accordingly purchased the necessary out- 
fit (at what place could not be learned), and came to Columbia City, where 
Henry Welker was installed as editor. In some way, Mr. A. Y. Hooper had 
guaranteed the payment for the press, type, etc., and about the first thing he 
knew he had paid the purchase price, and was the sole owner of the Repub- 
lican, which had been named in honor of the new party. Mr. Hooper remained 
owner of the Republican for many years. He sold out to Mr. Welker, but 
the latter could not pay for it, and the property reverted to Mr. Hooper. 
This peculiar procedure was repeated many times, to the disgust of the owner. 
Finally, during the winter of 1859-60, J. O. Shannon and W. T. Strother 
bought the paper and changed its name to the Columbia City Argus, hoping 
that a change of name and style might have a beneficial effect ; but they were 
doomed to disappointment, for the paper languished, and finally Mr. Hooper 
and S. H. Hill took the helm. After one issue the name was re-changed to 
the Republican. In February, 1861, Hill left and George Weamer became 
publisher and local and literary editor, Mr. Hooper still retaining chief com- 
mand. In September, 1861, Mr. Weamer went to the war, but the brave 
fellow was sacrificed to save the Union. The Republican was conducted 
through the war by Mr. Hooper. In 1865, the paper passed to John Davis, 
and during the same year to O. H. Woodbridge. In 1866, it was owned by 
W. B. Davis and Henry Bridge. In 1867, it was partly owned by A. T. 
Clark. In the latter part of 1867, Frank J. Beck became editor and proprie- 
tor, and continued until January, 1868. During all this time, if the writer is 
correctly informed, Mr. Hooper virtually owned the paper. When the present 
owner, J. W. Baker, took charge of the office in 1868, the name was changed 
to the Columbia City Commercial. Thus it has remained, doing good work 
until the present. 

In 1877, D. M. Eveland issued at Churubusco the first number of an 
independent Republican paper called the Herald. Its circulation at first was 
about three hundred. It was a newsy organ for those who wished to advertise 
at 'Busco, and was continued until December, 1880, when it was bought by 
I. B. McDonald and H. C. Pressler, the latter having but a small interest. 
At this time the politics became Democratic. After a very short time the 
paper passed to William Hall & Son, and in June, 1881, to C. T. & F. M. 



4' -K.v 



*S^- s» 



«? 




^•; V,,^ 



'^p jr o^n- &i*& j 



COLUMBIA CITY. 




HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 



31 



Hollis. These men conducted the paper at 'Busco until November, 1881, and 
then removed it to Columbia City, and soon afterward it passed to I. B. Mc- 
Donald, who seems to find it impossible to remain out of the ranks of journal- 
ism. The editor has increased the circulation from about three hundred to 
about eight hundred. 

In 1876, the Larwill Revieiv was issued, and was continued about a year. 
It was independent politically, and, being a very sickly sheet, soon died for the 
want of breath. About two wears later, Larwill was made superlatively happy 
by the appearance of the Larwill Blade, an independent paper of small size, 
edited by R. B. Locke. It afterward passed to C. T. Hollis, and finally to I. 
B. McDonald. The White Elephant was first issued about three and a-half 
years ago, at Churubusco, by Anes Yocura, editor and proprietor. The small 
quarto is a newsy semi-monthly, and lives and thrives, and does not seem an 
elephant on the hands of Mr. Yocum. 

There are three railroads which cross Whitley County. The Fort Wayne 
& Chicago Railroad was completed (this division) in 1855, and is now the 
Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad, one of the best in the country. 
So far as known, no aid whatever was given the company by the county. The 
Detroit, Eel River & Illinois Railroad was first projected during the last war ; 
but the owners, finding that the people were not willing to be taxed to death, 
dropped the matter until after the war, when another effort was made to secure 
aid ; but it went no farther than the County Commissioners. In 1869, the 
Commissioners were petitioned to order an election in the county, for the pur- 
pose of raising $85,000, or a sum not to exceed 2 per cent on the taxable 
property to aid in building the road. The Commissioners accordingly ordered 
an election, to be held on the 7th of August, 1869, to determine whether such 
aid should be rendered. The following is the vote by townships : 



TOWNSH IPS. 


FOR. 


AGAINST. 


TOTAL. 




346 

75 

28 

6 

31 

604 

153 

1 

75 

139 


10 
225 
113 

57 

57 

4 

O 
t> 

187 
125 

7 


356 




300 


Troy 


141 




63 




88 




608 




156 




188 




200 


Smith 


146 






Total 


1458 


788 


2246 







The total amount that has been paid to the railroad, up to the present time, is 
$98,088.07. The movement to vote aid to the road was met with severe oppo- 
sition. But the friends of the measure were successful, and saddled the burden 
of tax upon the county. It was money well spent, as the road was no sooner 
completed than the farmer could receive a better price for his grain than he 
could at Fort Wayne. This makes Columbia City one of the best grain and 



32 



HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 



shipping markets on the Pittsburgh Road. The writer was unable to obtain 
many interesting facts regarding this road, which, within the last year or two, 
has passed to the control of the Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific Company. There 
was but one man in the county who could have given the facts necessary for a 
complete history of the relations between this road and the county, and he, 
when politely asked to impart such information as would interest the citizens of 
the county, refused it for reasons purely his own. The New York, Chicago & 
St. Louis Railroad is now being built across the southern part of the county. 
It is reported that the citizens at South Whitley have contributed $ 5,000 to 
id the road, and, along the line in this county, individual help will amount to 
about as much more. It would be impossible to vote a tax in the county to aid 
the road. 

The following valuable compilation of school and church statistics of 1879 
will prove of interest to the citizens, as a matter of reference : 

SCHOOLS. 



STATE OF FUND. 



Amount on hand 
Amount loaned . . 

Total 



Common 
School Fund. 



$1,967 54 

17,495 17 



$19,462 71 



Congressional 
School Fund. 



$3,641 85 
13,636 75 



$17,278 60 



Total. 



$5,609 39 
31,131 92 



$36,741 31 



CHURCHES. 





Number of 
Organizations. 


MEMBERS. 


Admitted to 
Membership 
during 1879. 


Q 

U 

a 
B £ 

<~ - 

°t 

9 - 

■a* 

> 


1 = 

ID 


© 

00 

a 

9 

c 
M 

H 

u 

S 
J3 

53 
O 


"o 
o 

•° _: 

O 00 

£ si 
H «> 
goo 

go 


o O. 


DENOMINATIONS. 


00 

"3 


CD 

CD 

■* 

a 

© 


Average 
Attendanc 
on Worshi 




1 

1 
1 

3 
3 
2 


45 

3 

12 

174 

102 

49 

20 

40 


55 
5 

16 
160 
104 
62 
20 
50 


6 


850 




10 
1 


50 


120 




30 








800 

13000 

11000 

10700 

2000 

6000 

3000 

7000 










2030 

1720 

1575 

150 

700 


150 

128 
70 


593 
291 
226 


300 




10 


340 




75 






100 




2 

1 
3 

17 


7 




40 


67 










92 


134 


28 


500 


6 


155 


170 






Totals 


537 


606 


51 


54350 


6705 


365 


1355 


1172 







The following valuable statistics of 
are found in the report of the Assessors 
Bushels of wheat 442,810 



Bushels of corn 

Bushels of oats 

Bushels of barley 

Bushels of rye 

Bushels of Irish potatoes. 
Bushels of sweet potatoes. 



711,604 

231,357 

2 

222 

49,643 

372 



the county are for the year 1879, and 
of April, 1880 : 

Pounds of tobacco 796 

Bushels of buckwheat 1,166 

Tons of timothy hay 16,255 

Bushels of hay seed 435 

Bushels of clover seed 9,270 

Bushels of blue grass seed 114 

Bushels of flax seed 20,660 



HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 



33 



Bushels of hemp seed 

Bushels of fall apples 

Bushels of winter apples 

Bushels of pears 

Bushels of peaches 

Bushels of plums 

Bushels of cranberries 

Bushels of quinces 

Pounds of grapes 

Gallons of strawberries 

Gallons of other berries 

Gallons of cherries , 

Gallons of cider 

Gallons of vinegar 

Gallons of wine 

Gallons of sorghum molasses. 

Gallons of maple molasses 

Pounds of maple sugar , 

Acres of orchards , 

Pounds of butter 

Stands of bees 

Pounds of wool , 



402 

61,021 

36,575 

744 

195 

9 

172 

14 

20,415 

964 

4,749 

9,314 

129,885 

11,261 

669 

8,833 

1,963 

3,534 

3,153 

323,142 

1,590 

40,209 



Dozens of eggs sold 240,620 

Pounds of feathers picked 2,078 

Number of horses 5,013 

Number of mules 200 

Number of cattle 12,261 

Number of sheep 14,000 

Value of personal property. * $1,480,540 

County population, 1880 16,941 

Value of real property $4,004,381 

Taxable polls 2,736 

Unsatisfied mortgages $13,790 

Voters in 1880 4,203 

Enumerated school children 5,872 

Acres of land 210,458 

Value of land $3,360,598 

Value of improvements $643,783 

Miles of railroad 40.18 

Valuation for taxation $3,801,992 

Miles of common road 677 

Value of school buildings $92,875 

Value of church buildings $95, 720 

Value of public county buildings... $67,570 



CHAPTER II. 

by weston a. goodspeed. 
The Mound-Builders of Whitley County — Their Origin and Customs— 
The Structure and Contents of their Mounds— The Miamis and the 
Pottawatomies— Cession Treaties of Indian Lands— The Indian Res- 
ervations in Whitley County— The Defeat of Harmar and LaBalme 
—Mish-e-ken-o-qua— Cessions of the Reservations— Peculiar Customs 
of the Natives — Interesting Incidents — Departure Beyond the 

Mississippi. 

" An Indian chief went forth to fight, 

And bravely met the foe ; 
His eye was keen, his step was light, 
His arm was unsurpassed in might, 
But on him fell the gloom of night, 

An arrow laid him low : 
His widow sang with simple tongue, 

When none could hear or see, 

Ah,cher ami!" — Anonymous. 

T I \BE wisest antiquarians are at loss to account whence the Mound-Builders 
-■- originated, and what eventually caused them to fade away, leaving nothing 
behind save their crumbling bones and habitations. There is an attractive mys- 
tery enveloping their ancestry, their peculiar lives and final fate, that proves 
a constant bar to the investigations of scientific men. That a peculiar people 
inhabited this country prior to its occupation by the Indians, is no longer a mat- 
ter of doubt. That they were of a higher antiquity than the Indians, is not 
doubted by men who have studied the subject; nor is it doubted that they pos- 



34 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

sessed a higher civilization than the red race found here by the first white set- 
tlers. Their osseous structure, their manner of living, their type of habitation, 
and their customs regarding their ceremonies over and burial of their dead, 
render it improbable that they were the ancestors of the Indian tribes. This 
view is taken by the majority of students. It is found, with reasonable cer- 
tainty, that the people were agricultural in their pursuits, of necessity, as they 
were too numerous to live by the chase alone. They had large farms, but what 
they raised is a mystery. They cultivated the ground with stone implements; 
in fact, all their implements were of stone, or copper, or, perhaps, some acci- 
dental metal they had found and had worked into rude ornaments or imple- 
ments. They were weavers of a coarse cloth made from reeds, strong grass, or 
the inner bark of trees ; and their weaving implements are found in all direc- 
tions. They manufactured earthenware with a considerable degree of skill and 
intelligence ; and large quantities of vessels of this character are often found 
buried in mounds, probably intended for that purpose. Their large and small 
earthen or stone embankments indicate much regarding this people. They 
show that animals, birds, beasts, and, probably, the sun, moon or stars, were 
worshiped. Animals and, probably, human beings were immolated to secure 
the favor of the being worshiped by the Mound-Builders. \ 

Several mounds have been discovered in Whitley County, and a few of 
them have been opened by novices, and as a consequence the more important 
features have been lost or overlooked. It may be stated in general that, in this 
locality, the earthworks are of three kinds — sepulchral, where the dead lie 
buried ; sacrificial, where offerings were burned to gain the favor of the deity ; 
and memorial mounds, which were erected to commemorate some great event, 
similar to the Bunker Hill Monument, or to that beautiful column of marble 
on the bloody field of Gettysburg. A number of years ago, a sepulchral 
mound was opened about three miles east of Columbia City, and a quantity 
of crumbling bones and a few stone implements were taken therefrom. This 
was a sepulchral mound, and, if a cross-section had been examined, the alter- 
nate layers of clay, sand and small cemented pebbles would have been seen. 
This kind of mound was wisely made. There was first the stratum of fine gravel, 
almost as good as cement, placed directly over the skeletons ; next was a hardpan 
of clay that was almost as impervious to water as the cement ; then came a stratum 
of sand that would carry all percolating water down the sides of the mounds and 
away from the skeletons. It is maintained on good authority that corpses, placed 
under these conditions, with additional strata of earth above the sand, will be pre- 
served for centuries. The burden of authority places the erection of the mounds 
throughout the country at a period preceding the Christian era and co-existent 
with the old Assyrian, Egyptian and Babylonian nations. People who do not 
understand the structure of the mounds, quite naturally believe the impossibility 
of such an extended preservation of the skeletons. Those who nave never 
examined the soil above these moldering bones, are the ones who assert that the 



HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 35- 

skeletons could not be preserved longer than about one hundred years. The 
sacrificial mounds — those where a considerable quantity of charcoal and ashes 
are found — were unnecessarily built in the same manner. Charcoal and ashes 
buried in the ground under any conditions will keep for ages. This proves 
that the Mound-Builders were not aware of the preservative qualities of those 
substances. 

Several mounds have been opened in the county, in which charcoal has 
been found. If carefully examined, these mounds will present the following char- 
acteristics always present in sacrificial mounds. A small earthen altar, sometimes 
two or more yards square, in the center and at the bottom of the mound, upon 
which is often found a bushel or more of charcoal and ashes, often 
mingled with the half consumed bones of the animals that were burned to pro- 
pitiate the deity. Over this altar are found the strata of earth already men- 
tioned. A careful person can trace the shape and size of the altar, by first 
making an excavation in the center, going down until the charcoal is reached, 
and then following the latter out on all sides. The altar is generally about a 
foot above the surface soil, and is often burned into a sort of brick by the 
repeated fires upon it. Nothing of note is ever found in the memorial mounds 
proper. No attention to the strata of earth seems to have been paid. Some 
of the sepulchral mounds contain not a vestige of human remains ; this is due 
to the careless structure and location of the mounds, where the conditions of 
rapid decay were not avoided. These mounds can be told from memorial mounds 
by the structure. The writer learns from various sources that there are mounds 
in the following townships : Etna, Jefferson, on its eastern line, Troy, Thorn 
Creek, Smith, Union, and possibly in Columbia and Cleveland. Openings 
have been made in the most of them, and bones, charcoal, ornaments and im- 
plements have been discovered. Real Indian graves are found here and there 
in the county ; but they must not be confounded with those of the Mound- 
Builder. The earthworks in northeastern Union Township are probably the 
remains of an old Indian village. Indian skeletons have been found there. 
Occasionally a horse-shoe is found there to indicate the presence of white men, 
probably French. Care should always be used in examining mounds. 

The Indian history of Whitley County, though somewhat meager of 
prominent events, contains many items that will prove of interest to those who 
are passing their lives where, less than a century ago, the native North Ameri- 
can roamed unmolested. Previous to the appearance in Eastern Ohio of that 
hardy and courageous race of earliest pioneers, all the country, whose proxi- 
mate corners were Detroit, the mouth of the Scioto River, the mouth of the 
Wabash River, and the southern point of Lake Michigan, was the property of 
the Twigtwees, or Miamis.* Within this vast scope of country they had lived 

*At the treaty of Greenyille, in 1795, Little Turtle, a distinguished Miami chief, said to Gen. Wayne: " I hope 
you will pay attention to what I now say. * * * It is well known by all my brothers present that my 
forefather kindled the firnt fire at Detroit; from thence he extended his liries to the head waters of the Scioto ; from 
thence to its mouth ; from thence d >wn the Ohio to the mouth of the Wabash, and from thence to Chicago, on Lake- 
Michigan." — American State Papers, Indian Affairs, I, 570. 



36 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

through many generations, engaged in all the barbarous and peculiar customs 
of savage tribes. Here they were found as early as 1672 by French traders 
and missionaries, and here they had undoubtedly lived for centuries before. 
As the dauntless white settlers of the East began to cross the Alleghany Mount- 
ains, and invade the Indian territory northwest of the Ohio River, the lands 
of the latter were slowly yielded to the resolute and unscrupulous former, 
though not without countless effusions of blood ; and the red race which had 
so long occupied the country, and which manifested that unfaltering devotion 
to the memory of ancestors and home that is always exhibited by semi-barbar- 
ous man, was compelled to retire westward and join other tribes. It thus oc- 
curred that numerous Ohio tribes were obliged to appeal to the Miamis, and 
were allotted portions of territory within the broad domain of the latter. 
Slowly but surely the tide of emigration swept westward, forcing the savages 
back into the unexplored wilderness, until, finally, the Miamis were induced to 
cede portions of their territory to the avaricious whites. Numerous treaties 
for the purpose of securing peace or cessions of land were effected, and the 
imposture then often practiced was sooner or later perceived by the Indians, 
who, thereupon, resented the indignity with frequent and bloody onslaughts on 
the border settlements. The native North American was not the most tracta- 
ble and reasonable creature in the world ; yet, after he had spent the pittance 
paid him for his land, his intellect was sufficiently acute to see that he had been 
fleeced. He knew of but one way to redress his wrongs; that was to imitate 
the bloody example of Logan and "fully glut his vengeance." Consequently, 
the border settlements were laid waste. Scores of expeditions were sent out 
to subdue the Indians, destroy their crops and villages, and disperse the 
inhabitants — no one cared where. Several expeditions of this character were 
sent to Indiana, some of which suffered severe defeats at the hands of the infuriated 
savages. During the latter part of the last century and the first of the present 
one, Ko-ki-on-ga (Fort Wayne) was one of the most important of the Miami 
villages. This tribe was really a confederacy — the Twigtwees, or Miamis 
proper, the Weas or Ouiatenous, the Shockeys, and the Piankeshaws. 

The first treaty made with the Miamis was held before Benjamin Shoe- 
maker, Joseph Turner and William Logan, at Lancaster, Province of Penn- 
sylvania, in 1748, the tribe being represented by Aque-nack-qua, As-se-pau-sa 
and Nat-oe-que-ha. At this treaty, the Miamis pledged themselves firm friends 
of the English. They remained so until the time of colonial independence, 
and even after that, for they generally sided against the colonies and fought for 
England. The treaties afterward held between the United States Commissioners 
and the Miamis were as follows : Greenville, August 3, 1795 ; Fort Wayne, June 
7, 1803 ; Vincennes, August 7, 1803 ; Vincennes, August 27, 1804 ; Grouse- 
land, August 21, 1805 ; Vincennes, December 30, 1805 ; Fort Wayne, Sep- 
tember 30, 1809 ; Vincennes, October 26, 1809 ; St. Mary's, Ohio, October 2, 
1818; same, October 6, .1818 ; Vincennes, August 11, 1820; near mouth of 



HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 37 

Mississinewa River, October 3, 1826 ; with the Eel River Miamis, near 

Wabash, February 3, 1828 ; Forks of Wabash, October 23, 1834 ; ratified 

November 10, 1837; Forks of Wabash, November 6, 1838; Forks of 

Wabash, November 28, 1840. 

As Whitley County has but little to do with any tribe of Indians, except 

the Eel River Miamis, reference to any others will be omitted, save where it is 

necessary to connect the narrative. At the treaty of Greenville, the Miamis 

ceded to the whites (among other lands) " one piece two miles square, on the 

Wabash River, at the end of the portage from the Miami (Maumee) of the 

lake, and about eight miles westward from Fort Wayne." As the end of the 

portage in high water was at the mouth of the Aboite River, and about eight 

miles west of Fort Wayne, this ceded land might have been partly in Whitley 

County, as the Wabash is twice eight miles from Fort Wayne. All along Eel 

River, and on some of its branches, where the streams were of considerable 

size, the Eel River Miamis had resided for many years. About the year 1820, 

much of the land in Whitley County was claimed by the Miamis ; and the 

greater portion of that north of the Wabash was claimed by the Pottawatomies. 

This will be seen more fully farther along. At the Greenville treaty, it was 

agreed that thereafter the sum of $500 should be paid annually to the Eel 

River tribe, with the following proviso : 

If the tribe shall hereafter, at any annual delivery of their share of the goods aforesaid, 
desire that a part of their annuity be furnished in domestic animals, implements of husbandry, 
and other utensils convenient for them, and in compensation to useful artificers who may reside 
with or near them, and be employed for their benefit, the same shall, at the subsequent annual 
deliveries, be furnished accordingly. 

This treaty was signed on behalf of the Eel River band by Sha-me-kun- 
ne-sau, or Soldier, their chief. The principal village of this band was on Eel 
River, about six miles from its mouth, and was known among the Indians as 
Ke-na-pa-com-a-qua, and by the whites as Thorntown, or in French, l'Anguille. 
On the evening of the 7th of August, 1791, Gen. Wilkinson, at the head of 
about five hundred and twenty-five men, destroyed this town, killing six war- 
riors and (accidentally) two squaws and a child, and taking thirty-four 
prisoners, with the loss of two men killed and one wounded. Nearly all the 
warriors, about one hundred and fifty, were absent at the time. Prior to this, 
in autumn, 1780, a Frenchman named La Balme recruited about thirty men at 
Kaskaskia, and, going thence to Vincennes, was joined by about as many 
more. The design was to attack Detroit. He moved up the Wabash River 
to capture, first, the British trading-post, at Fort Wayne. He succeeded in 
surprising the traders (nearly all the Indians were away at the time), though 
they artfully eluded him ; whereupon he plundered the post, his men filling 
themselves with whisky, and retired to a point about where the Erie Canal 
crosses the Aboite River ; or, perhaps, to the old Indian village near there, on 
the line between Allen and Whitley Counties, where, in fancied security, he 
encamped for the night. While himself and band were locked in slumber, the 



38 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

Indians, headed by the distinguished Miami chief, Little Turtle, or Mish-e- 
ken-o-qua, fell upon them, and slaughtered almost the entire party. A few 
succeeded in effecting their escape. This massacre was undoubtedly partly 
within the limits of Whitley County. 

The Indian tribes living in Northern Indiana were not entirely distinct 
from each other, but were more or less leagued together for the purpose of pro- 
tection and concentration against the whites. It was also true that, as many of 
them had come from Ohio, having being obliged to flee before the whites, they 
were compelled, by reason of not owning any land themselves, to undergo the 
ceremony of adoption into other tribes. The Miamis thus became sprinkled 
with refugees from many nations. The Pottawatomies had obtained the greater 
portion of the land north and west of the Wabash, and had, by confederacy and 
conquest, extended their domain far westward on the prairie of Illinois. Seek's 
village had been established on the line between Columbia and Union Town- 
ships for many years before the appearance of the first white settlers. The 
most important place, by far, on Eel River, except, perhaps Thorntown, was 
the favorite camping place of Little Turtle, in the northeast corner of Union 
Township. During all the latter half of the last century, this point was second 
to none in Northwestern Indiana, except the large place at Fort Wayne, as it 
contained a numerous population ; for, upon the site of this old village, several 
lines of earthen embankments had been thrown up in the formation of a large 
and flourishing village, extensive fields had been cultivated, and the inhabitants 
that had died were found reposing near by in the cemetery of the band. These 
things, together with many trinkets and implements, have been discovered since 
the settlement of the country by the whites. Aque-nac-gue was the father of 
Mish-e-ken-o-qua, or Little Turtle, and for many years was the chief of the 
Miamis. The mother af Little Turtle was a handsome, intelligent squaw of 
the Mohegans, who transmitted her noble appearance to her distinguished son. 
The biographer of Little Turtle locates his birthplace " at the Turtle village of 
the Miamis, sixteen miles northwest of Fort Wayne, on Eel River." This 
could have been at no other place than at the old village in the northeast cor- 
ner of Union Township, or, perhaps, at what afterward became Seek's village. 
The indications are that the former was the birthplace. As the mother of 
Little Turtle was not the descendant of a chief, and as the right of Indian 
children to claim a title to chieftainship depended upon the ancestry of the 
mother, Little Turtle did not become a chief by inheritance. He was granted 
that distinction, at an early age, by reason of his remarkable intelligence, per- 
sonal valor and ability to command. He was the prime leader of all the 
movements of the Miamis up to the time of his death, in about 1814. He 
was undoubtedly born in Whitley County about the year 1747. A number of 
years ago, at Fort Wayne, Coesse, the nephew of Little Turtle, and a dis- 
tinguished chief of the Miamis, delivered a touching and eloquent eulogy in 
memory of the latter. Soon after the death of Little Turtle, Jean (or John) 






, 



^ jj&m^. -mmm. 



'^^00 




ylicJit^C ^ 



COLUMBIA CITY 



HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 41 

B. Richardville, the son of a Frenchman by an Indian squaw, became the 
principal chief of the Miamis, with village on the Mississinewa River. Little 
Charley was the principal chief of the Eel River Miamis, his village being Thorn- 
town ; while subject to him was Seek, or Mack-on-sau, with a band of about 
one hundred, twenty-five of whom were warriors. This was the order when 
the first white settlers began to arrive nearly sixty years ago. 

Going back to an early period — back to the autumn of 1790 — the reader 
will find that an expedition, composed of 1,453 men, two battalions of whom 
were regular troops, the entire force commanded by Gen. Harmar, left Fort 
Washington, on the Ohio River, to reduce the Indian towns on the head- 
waters of the Wabash, the Miami village at Fort Wayne being the objective 
point. On the 30th of September the command started northward, and, on 
the 15th of October, a detachment under Col. Hardin, sent in advance, 
reached the Miami village (Fort Wayne), which was found just abandoned. 
The militia, without regard to orders, began to plunder the place.* Thus the 
time was passed until the arrival of the main body, on the afternoon of the 
17th. The commanders could not compel obedience from the militia, as the 
latter, in violation of orders, attempted all sorts of wild goose chases around 
the village, and indulged in all manner of boasting as to what would be done 
when the red-skins were encountered. On the 18th, a detachment under Col. 
Trotter was sent out to inspect the surrounding country ; but the militia, in 
defiance of the commander, returned to the village in the evening. On the 
following day, Col. Hardin was given command of the same detachment 
(thirty regulars and about one hundred militia), and moved northwest, leaving 
by mistake a portion of his men at a point five miles out, but being joined by 
them about six miles further on. About this time, Capt. Armstrong reported 
to Col. Hardin that he had heard a gun fired in advance — an alarm gun — and 
that he had " seen the tracks of a horse that had come down the trail and had re- 
turned." The Colonel, however, moved on carelessly, giving no special orders 
to his men to be prepared for business, and even saying that he did not believe 
the Indians would fight. At length the camp-fires were seen ; but the troops 
moved on, unconscious of the calamity that was to result from their careless- 
ness and lack of military discipline. No sooner were the fires reached, than a 
terrific storm of leaden balls was poured upon the frightened column, from be- 
hind trees and embankments; and scores of painted and infuriated savages 
leaped forth to continue the awful work of butchery. All the militia, except 
nine, immediately fled like frightened deer in the direction of Fort Wayne, 
throwing down guns, clothing and anything that would impede their rapid 
progress through the woods before the yelling and pursuing savages. The 
whole force of the charge of the Indians was thrown like an avalanche upon 
the heroic little band of regulars and the nine resolute militiamen ; and the 
yelling and advancing Indians were met by a hot and destructive fire, and 

*From the private record, kept daily by Capt. Armstrong, commander of the regulars. 



42 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

forced back to the shelter of the trees and embankments. The remainder of 
the band of whites immediately began to retreat, keeping up, in the meantime, 
a rapid fire as the Indians appeared, and moving swiftly without rout. 
They were pursued the greater portion of the distance back to the Miami vil- 
lage, twenty-two out of the thirty regulars suffering death. A total of about 
one hundred men was killed (that being about the size of the attacking force 
of Indians) ; and this sad result was occasioned by the cowardly conduct of the 
militia. Little Turtle commanded the Indians on this occasion, and Jean B. 
Richardville, afterward, during his life, always claimed to have been present 
with the assailants. The Indians gained a complete victory, though not with- 
out severe loss, as many were shot or bayoneted by the regulars and the nine 
militiamen. This battle took place in Eel River Township, Allen County, so 
near the Whitley County line that it is highly probable that some of the scenes 
of death were enacted within the limits of the latter. Without a doubt several 
of the militia were captured, and made to pay the penalty of their rashness and 
cowardice in agonizing deaths by torture with fire. Perhaps the hills and dales 
around the old Indian villages in Whitley County, though now so silent and 
peaceful, once echoed with the frenzied death-cries of white men, while around 
them circled the leaping and exulting savages, tearing up with hot iron the 
bleeding flesh of the despairing sufferers, and filling the air with their dreadful 
yells of revenge. 

Gen. Harmar was greatly mortified at the terrible defeat of his men, and, 
on account of the glaring insubordination of the militia, concluded it wise to 
retreat to Fort Washington. On the way back, one day out, Col. Hardin asked 
permission to return with a strong detachment of men and regain the laurels 
he had lost, and vindicate the hooted courage of his militia.* Permission was 
granted, and accordingly he returned with 340 militia and sixty regulars. 
The town was reached ; but on account of the incompetency of the com- 
mander and the cowardice of the militia, the force became scattered, and 
was terribly beaten in detail by the Indians under the sagacious Mish-e-ken- 
o-qua. 

The old Indian trail which afterward became the Fort Wayne and Goshen 
road, extended from the former place, first to a small Indian village on Section 4, 
Smith Township, thence onward to Flat Belly's reservation in western Noble 
County, thence onward to the Indian villages near Elkhart. As near as can be 
learned, the only Indian villages in Whitley County, in about 1825, were the one in 
Smith Township, the small one on Chapine's reservation in Union Township, 
the small one on Beaver's reservation, in Columbia Township, a portion of the 
old one on Raccoon's reservation, in southeastern Jefferson Township, and the 
large one (Seek's village) near the line between Union and Columbia Town- 
ships. The following extracts from treaties made at different times between 
Special Commissioners of the United States and the Miamis and the Pottawat- 

♦History of Indiana, by John B. Dillon. 



HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 43 

omies, will show when the lands of Whitley County were first the property of 
the Government, and also various important facts regarding the reservations : 

Articles of a treaty made and concluded near the mouth of the Missitsinewa, upon the Wabash, 
in the State of Indiana, October 23, 1826, between Lewis Cass, James B. Ray and 
John Tipton, Commissioners on the part of the United States, and the chiefs and warriors of the 
Miami tribe of Indians : 

Article 1. The Miami tribe of Indians cede to the United States all their claim to lands 
in the State of Indiana, north and west of the Wabash, and the Miami (Maumee) Rivers, and 
of the cession made by the said tribe to the United States by the treaty concluded at St. Mary's, 
Ohio, October 6, 1818. 

Art. 2. From the cession aforesaid, the following reservations, for the use of the tribe, 
shall be made : 

Fourteen sections of land at Seek's village. Five sections for the Beaver below and adjoin- 
ing the preceding reservation. Thirty-six sections at Flat Belly's village. Five sections for 
Little Charley above the old village (Thorntown) on the north side of Eel River. 

********* 

One section for Laventure's daughter, opposite the Islands, about fifteen miles below Fort 
Wayne. One section for Chapine above and adjoining Seek's village. Ten sections at White 
Raccoon's village. Ten sections at the mouth of Mud Creek, on Eel River, at the old village. 

Ten sections at the Forks of the Wabash. 

********* 

And it is agreed that the State of Indiana may lay out a canal or a road through any of the 
reservations, and for the use of a canal six chains along the same are hereby appropriated. 

Art. 3. There shall be granted to each of the persons named in the schedule hereunto 
annexed, and to their heirs the tracts of land herein designated ; but the land so granted shall 
never be conveyed without the consent of the President of the United States. 

Art. 4. The Commissioners of the United States have caused to be delivered to the 
Miami tribe goods to the value of $31,040.53, in part consideration for the cession herein made, 
and it is agreed that, if this treaty shall be ratified by the President and Senate of the United 
States, the Government shall pay to the persons named in the schedule this day signed by the 
Commissioners and transmitted to the War Department, the sums affixed to their names respect- 
ively, for goods furnished by them, and amounting to the sum of $31,040.53. And it is further 
agreed that payment for these goods by the Miami tribe shall be out of their annuity, if this 
treaty be not ratified by the President and Senate. 

And the United States further engage to deliver to the said tribe in the course of the next 
summer the additional sum of $26,259.47 in goods. And it is also agreed that an annuity of 
$35,000, $1,000 of which shall be in goods, shall be paid to the said tribe in the year 1827; and, 
also, $30,000, $5,000 of which shall be in goods, shall be paid said tribe in 1828, after which time a 
permanent annuity of $25,000 shall be paid them as long as they exist together as a tribe, which 
several sums are to include the annuities due by preceding treaties with the said tribe. 

And the United States further engage to furnish a wagon and one yoke of oxen for each 
of the following persons: Joseph Richardville, Black Raccoon, Flat Belly, White Raccoon, 
Frangois Godfrey, Little Beaver, Seek, Met-to-sin-eau and Little Huron, and one wagon and a 
yoke of oxen for the band living at the Forks of the Wabash. And also to cause to be built a 
house, not exceeding the value of $600 for each of the following persons : Joseph Richardville, 
Frangois Godfrey, Louison Godfrey, Frangois Lafontaine, White Raccoon, La Gros, John B. 
Richardville, Flat Belly, and Wau-wau-es-se. And also to furnish the said tribe with 200 head 
of cattle, from four to six years old, and 200 head of hogs, and to cause to be annually delivered 
to them 2,000 pounds of iron, 1,000 pounds of steel, and 1,000 pounds of tobacco. And also 
to provide five laborers to work three months in the year for the small villages, and three 
laborers to work three months in the year for the Mississinewa band. 

Art. 5. The Miami tribe being anxious to pay certain claims existing against them, it is 
agreed, as a part of the consideration for the cession in the first article, that these claims, amount- 



44 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

ing to $7,727.47, and which are stated in a schedule this day signed by the Commissioners and 
transmitted to the War Department, shall be paid by the United States. 

****** * * * 

Art. 8. The Miami tribe shall enjoy the right of hunting upon the land herein conveyed, 
so long as the same shall be the property of the United States. 

Art. 9. This treaty, after the same shall be ratified by the President and Senate, shall 
be binding upon the United States. 

In testimony whereof the said Lewis Cass, James B. Ray and John Tipton, Commissioners 
as aforesaid, and the chiefs and warriors of the said Miami tribe, have hereunto set their handg, 
at the Wabash, October 23d, 1826. 

(Signed by, on behalf of the Miamis), Flat Belly, La Gros, Wau-wau-es-se, White Raccoon, 
Black Loon, Seek, Mes-e-qua, Nota-wen-sa's son, Lafrombroise, Nego-ta-kaup-wau, Osage, Met- 
to-sin-eau, Little Beaver, Black Raccoon, Chin-quin-sau, James Abbot, Lahgua, Little Wolf, 
Pun-ge-she-nau, Won-se-pe-au, Francois Godfrey, Joseph Richardville, Frangois Lafontaine, 
Wau-no-sau, Popular, Chapine, Pe-che-wau (John B. Richardville), Chin-go-me-shau, Little Sun, 
Shin-gau-leau, Louis Godfrey, Ou-san-de-au, Me-shan-e-qua, Un-e-cea-sau, She-qua-bau, Shin- 
qua-keau and Little Charley's son. 

William Connor, Lewis Cass, 

J. B. Bourie, J. B. Ray, 

Interpreters. John Tipton, 

U. S. Commissioners. 

The Frenchmen, who had come into the Indian country to trade, found 
the business so lucrative that they usually remained, having but little difficulty 
in making warm friends of their red brothers, or in acquiring the semi-civil- 
ized habits of the race they were endeavoring to hoodwink and fleece. They 
became thoroughly conversant with the customs and dialects of the various 
Indian tribes, were often employed as interpreters at treaties, or witnesses to 
the assent and signatures of the savages, and many of them became the hus- 
bands of the handsome squaws of the leading chiefs and the fathers of their 
half-breed children. In all treaties thereafter, when the children had reached 
maturity, they were considered in all respects as Indians ; and, when reserva- 
tions were retained from cessions of land granted by the Indians to the whites, 
the half-breeds were considered on an equal footing with full-blooded Indians 
as regards rank, purity of blood and right to tracts of land. Hence it is found 
that, in almost every treaty with the Indians, where lands were reserved, half- 
breeds came in for their share, and they also came in for their share of the 
annuities. 

As was stated some distance back, the first annuity paid by the Govern- 
ment to the tribe of Eel River Miamis was in 1795, and consisted of $500. 
At the treaty held by Gen. Harrison at Grouseland, near Vincennes, August 
21, 1805, a further annuity of $250 was paid them ; and, still later, at the 
treaty held by Gen. Harrison at Fort Wayne, September 30, 1809, the annuity 
was increased $350, making a total paid them yearly, from that time onward 
until they were removed to Kansas, and even after that, of $1,100. This, of 
course, only refers to the Eel River branch of the Miamis, numbering in all 
about 500 souls, with the principal village on Eel River, about six miles from 
its mouth. Of this number, about 100 lived in Whitley County, the greater 



HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 45 

number being at Ma-con-sau's (Seek's) village. This was the condition of 

things in about 1830. The following selected portions of a treaty made 

between the United States and the Miami nation of Indians, October 23, 1834, 

explain themselves : 

Article 1. The Miami tribe of Indians agree to cede to the United States the following 
described tracts of land within the State of Indiana, being a part of reservations made by said 
tribe from former cessions, now conveyed for and in consideration of the payments stipulated 
to be made to them in the second article of this treaty of cession : One tract of land, thirty-six 
sections, at Flat Belly's village, a reserve made by the treaty of Wabash of 1826 (this reserva- 
tion lay partly in Noble and partly in Kosciusko Counties, Flat Belly being a Miami. See Part 
II of this volume). Also one other tract of ten sections at Raccoon's village (including the 
southeast corner of Jefferson Township, about four sections) and a tract of ten sections at Mud 

Creek, on Eel River, reserves made at Wabash treaty of 1826.* 

******** * *** 

Article 8. The United States agree to cause patents in fee simple to issue to the following- 
named persons, for the several tracts of land attached to their names, granted to them by 
former treaties: To Chapine, one section of land (partly in Whitley County), to include Rac- 
coon Village, commencing two poles west of the village, thence in an easterly direction to River 
Aboit, thence with said river until it strikes the reserve line, thence with said line for quantity, 

to include within the bounds one section of land. 

****** ** *** 

This treaty (quite a lengthy one) failed in some of its provisions to satisfy 
the administration at Washington, and was not ratified until the autumn of 
1837, at which time it received in its amended form the signatures, or rather 
marks, of seventy-three chiefs and warriors, among the signers being Jean B. 
Richardville, Little Charley, Ma-con-sau (Seek), Chapine, Wau-wau-es-se, 
Frangois Godfrey, Flat Belly, and others of no less distinction. The well- 
known Frangois Comparet acted as interpreter, and A. C. Pepper as Indian 
Agent. Thus the territory of Whitley County remained, as far as the Miamis 
were concerned, until the 6th of November, 1838, at which time, by a treaty 
of cession held at the Forks of the Wabash, the following land, among many 

other tracts, was ceded by them to the United States : 

****** ** ** 

The reservation of land made for the use of said (Miami) tribe at Seek's, or Ma-con-sau's 
village on Eel River, by the second article of a treaty made and concluded on the 23d of Octo- 
ber, 1826. 

Article 8. It is further stipulated that the Unite 1 States patent to Beaver the five sections 
of land (in Columbia Township), and to Chapine the one section of land (in Union Township), 
reserved to them respectively, in the second article of the treaty made in 1826, between the 
parties to the present treaty. 

The United States agree to possess the Miami tribe of Indians of and guarantee to them 
forever, a country west of the Mississippi River, to remove to and settle on when the said tribes 
may be disposed to emigrate from the present country ; and guaranty is hereby pledged that the 
said country shall be sufficient in extent and suited to their wants and condition, and be in a 
region contiguous to that in the occupation of the tribes which emigrated from the States of 

Ohio and Indiana. t 

*** ***** *** 

Article 12. The United States agree to grant by patent to each of the Miami Indians 
named in the following schedule the tracts of land designated : To Chapine, one section of 

*This was not the Mud Creek in Whitley County ; but was another small stream of the same name which joined 
Eel River, six miles from its mouth, at the old village of Little Charley. No traces of such a reservation in Whitley 
County could be discovered. 



46 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

land where he now lives (Allen County) on the Ten-Mile reserve. To Seek, one section of land 
(in Huntington County), south of the section of land granted to Wau-pau-se-pau by the treaty 
of 1834, on the Ten-Mile Reserve. To Ki-was-see, a chief, one section of land, now Seek'i 
Reserve, to include his orchard and improvements (probably in Columbia Township). 

The ten-mile reserve did not include any portion of Whitley County. 
The treaty just mentioned was approved January 23, 1839. Francis Godfrey, 
though a full-blooded Frenchman himself, had been adopted by the Indians, 
had married one or more squaws, by whom he had several children. Upon his 
adoption he was given the name Ke-ki-lash-we-au, and afterward, for meritori- 
ous action, was made a chief. Both he and Richardville played their hands 
shrewdly with the Miamis ; and, being men of more than ordinary ability, the 
latter at last became chief of the entire tribe, and the former became war chief 
of the same. Francis Godfrey is said to have been a man of enormous physical 
strength and endurance, of unusual sagacity and alertness of perception, and 
of that character of courage so coveted by the Indians In all the annuities 
paid to the Miamis, and in all the lands reserved by them, Godfrey and Rich- 
ardville came in for the lion's share. Descendants of both are yet living near 
Fort Wayne, and are yet regularly receiving their annuities. On the 28th of 
November, 1840, a treaty was concluded at the forks of the Wabash, whereby 
the Miamis, as a nation, ceded all their land in Indiana to the United States, 
save a few small tracts, none of which were in Whitley County. After some 
changes and amendments had been made to this treaty at Washington, and 
these alterations had been sanctioned by the Indians, the amended treaty was 
ratified on the 25th of February, 1841, and signed by John Tyler, President, 
and Daniel Webster, Secretary of State.* For the above important cession of 
land the Miamis were paid $550,000, partly by way of annuities. At this 
treaty, the Miamis were a3signed a tract of land estimated to contain 500,000 
acres, in Kansas, whither they removed a year or two later. Quite a number 
of the tribe did not go West, but remained on reservations along the Wabash 
and elsewhere. This is true of Richardville, who lies buried at Fort Wayne. 
It is also true of Coesse, a nephew of Little Turtle, who refused to leave the 
land where his affections were centered, but remained until his death, giving 
name to a small town in Union Township, upon the site of which he is said to 
have had a small village in early years. 

It seems that in the treaties made between the United States and the 
Miamis on the one hand and the Pottawatomies on the other, both of the 
Indian tribes claimed lands in Whitley County, the claim of the former tribe 
being far the smaller. The Miamis had formerly owned Whitley County, but 
whether they were overcome by the Pottawatomies, and the most of them driven 
south of the Wabash, or whether they permitted the latter tribe to occupy the 
country north of the Wabash as lease-holders, or whether the two tribes 
mingled at will over all Northern Indiana, each claiming a sort of an undivided 
interest in the land, cannot be determined with certainty. In view of estab- 

*Law8 of the United States, 1841. 



HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 47 

lished facts, the last supposition seems more plausible than the others. It 
should be noticed that at the Wabash treaty of 1826, the Miamis ceded to the 
United States (not their lands, but) " their claim to all lands in Indiana north 
and west of the Wabash and the Miami (Maumee) Rivers." The wording of 
the Pottawatomie treaties was different. The following-described tract of land 
was ceded by the Pottawatomies October 16, 1826, the treaty being held near 
the mouth of the Mississinewa : 

Beginning on the Tippecanoe River where the northern boundary of the tract ceded by 
the Pottawatomies to the United States, in 1818, crosses the same, thence in a direct line to a 
point on Eel River, half way between the mouth of said river and Perish's village; thence up 
Eel River to Seek's village, near the head thereof; thence in a direct line to the mouth of a 
creek emptying into the St. Joseph of the Miami near Me-te-au's village; thence up the St. 
Joseph to the boundary line between the States of Indiana and Ohio ; thence south with the 
same to the Miami ; thence up the same to the reservation at Fort Wayne ; thence with the lines 
of said reservation to the boundary established by the treaty with the Miamis in 1818; thence 
with the same to the mouth of the Tippecanoe ; thence with said river to the place of beginning. 

From this it will be seen that the Pottawatomies were the ones who really 
ceded to the Government the land in Whitley County, south of Eel River. 
This was done without any reservations of land in Whitley County. To show 
that the claims of the Miamis to the soil of this county were small, it may be 
stated that the latter were paid but a pittance by the Government, compared 
with what was paid the Pottawatomies. The following described tract of land 
ceded by the last-named tribe, September 20, 1828, included the greater por- 
tion of the county north of Eel River: 

Beginning at a point run in 1817 due east from the southern extreme of Lake Michigan, 
which point is due south from the head of the most easterly branch of the Kankakee River, and 
from that point running south ten miles ; thence in a direct line to the northeast corner of Flat 
Belly's reservation ; thence to the northwest corner of the reservation at Seek's village : thence 
with the lines of the said reservation and of former cessions to the line between the States of 
Indiana and Ohio ; thence with the said line running due east from the southern extreme of 
Lake Michigan, and thence with said line to the place of beginning. 

This treaty was signed, among others, by To-pin-e-be, Po-ka-gon, Ship- 
she-wan-nau, Wau-ban-se, Ash-kum and Mish-qua-buck. The only reserva- 
tion in this county kept by the Indians at the time of this treaty was Section 
4, Smith Township, which was retained by Stephen Bennack, a Pottawatomie. 
It remained his property until July 14, 1831, when it was sold by the Indian 
to Alexis Coquillard and Francis Comparet for $800. The old Raccoon reser- 
vation took in about three and a half sections of Jefferson Township, while a 
section that was granted to Chapine some time afterward, was included within this 
reservation, and extended across the corner of Section 36, same township. The 
six-chain reserve also included a portion of Section 36, and was retained by 
the Government, as will be seen above, for canal purposes. The land was 
laid off into lots, and was sold afterward as " canal lands." It is probable that 
the transfer of Section 4, Smith Township, from Stephen Bennack to Coquil- 
lard and Comparet was the first in the county to white men. 



48 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

At the time the various treaties mentioned above were made, all the land, 
before it was ceded to the Government, was the property of the Indians. As 
cessions were made, portions were reserved by the Indians, who had owned 
the land at the time of the treaty, and who had the unquestioned right to reserve 
any portion of such land they chose. By subsequent purchase or cession these 
reservations became the property of the Government ; but this was not always 
the case, as some of the Indians preferred to retain their land and cast their 
lot amo'ng the whites, rather than follow their tribes to lands beyond the Mis- 
sissippi. Whether the Government, in order to confirm the ownership of the 
reservations, issued patents to the Indians who saw proper to reserve portions 
of their lands, is not known to the writer ; but it would seem that the reverse 
was true, as to patent to an Indian something that already belonged to him 
was certainly unnecessary. From the treaty of 1838, it will be seen that the 
Government agreed to patent to Beaver five sections now in Columbia Town- 
ship. One of two things is true : Either the Government did patent to Indians 
their reservations, or else Beaver had transferred his five sections, so that, at 
the treaty of 1838, they were the property of the Government, in which case 
the latter had the right to patent. At least, the Government agreed to grant 
Beaver a patent for his five sections ; and what is peculiar about the case is, 
that the agreement ended with the promise, or, in other words, Beaver never 
received his patent. If the granting of the patent was vital to the ownership 
by Beaver, the title to the lands on this reserve is clouded, as all such titles 
are traced to Beaver, or his heirs, who really never owned the title. If this 
reservation was ever the property of the Government, such fact could not be 
learned. It is only presumed from the fact of the agreement to patent to 
Beaver the land. The cloud to the title is, that, as Beaver never received the 
patent promised him by the United States (none having ever been issued), he 
had no power to convey. But he did convey (or his heirs did), and the present 
holders of deeds of those lands trace their titles to this promise on the part of 
the Government to patent the soil to Beaver. Notwithstanding all this, no 
harmful results can happen to the present owners, as, in case the validity of a 
title is questioned on the score that the patent to Beaver had never been 
issued, Congress would come to the rescue and, at this late day, with all the 
known descendants of Beaver dead, would remedy the neglect by issuing the 
patent to Beaver. This would simply result in confirming the power of Beaver 
and his heirs to convey, and would therefore place the titles on a firm founda- 
tion. To do much damage, it would require a smart lawyer, even as the case 
stands at present. 

The cession of all the land of Whitley County by the Pottawatomies, 
except a considerable portion of the western part, has been accounted for in 
preceding pages. Access to the treaty concerning the cession of this part 
could not be gained by the writer ; but the land evidently became the property 
of the United States in about 1828, and was soon afterward surveyed and 








(DECEASED; COLUMBIA TF^ 



HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 51 

thrown into market. The settlers began to come in 1833, and at that time 
about 150 Indians lived within the county limits. About eighty were congre- 
gated at Seek's village ; a few were at a small village on Beaver's reservation, 
the chief being Coesse; another small band was near Blue River Lake, in 
Smith Township, while others were at Raccoon's village. From this time 
onward, until the Indians were removed West, they were constantly associated 
with the white settlers. A well-worn Indian trail extended along the banks of 
Eel River, from which side- trails branched to the principal Indian villages 
throughout the surrounding country. The Indians, who, but a comparatively 
short time before, had been at war with the whites and with other Indians, still 
retained their war-like customs. They always went armed with butcher-knives, 
tomahawks, rifles and huge plugs of tobacco. They were then armed to 
the teeth. Dances were often held, being largely attended both by the Indians 
and the white settlers. The latter were usually invited to take part in the 
games or dances, and often did, but from awkwardness were usually the laugh- 
ing-stock of the Indians. Some of the settlers became quite expert savages, 
and could whoop, brandish their weapons, swear, chew tobacco, and drink like 
a native. In truth, it seems as if these strong traits in the present generation 
were inherited from fathers who innocently acquired them from the cruel 
Indians, and then transmitted them to their offspring. 

Many incidents might be told regarding the contact of the whites with the 
Indians. In 1837, the Indians, nearly 1,000 in number, met at Seek's village 
to have a big feast and dance. Evening came, and twenty or thirty fires were 
burning, around which squaws were preparing savory dishes of dog soup, 
venison or bear steak or wild turkeys that had received no dressing save pluck- 
ing. About twenty of the warriors were having a war-dance around a pole, 
the rendition being a sort of limping motion, while one of the Indians with an 
otter skin would approach each dancer in succession, pointing the skin at him, 
at the same time uttering a continued " Poo-oo-oo-oo," until at last, reaching 
the one he wished, he would exclaim, shortly and loudly, " Poo-poo !" at 
which the individual pointed at would drop to the ground as if dead. This 
creature was carried from the ring, the dance was continued, and another being 
was shot in like manner. After a few minutes the dead (?) ones would return 
and join the sport. While this was going on a very savage Indian named 
Tau-tau, who was sitting on a log at the side of a wigwam, arose 
quickly and, walking a few paces to an Indian near by, plunged his 
knife into the heart of the unsuspecting savage. The latter, with an unearthly 
whoop, leaped high in the air and fell dead upon the ground. Quite a com- 
motion was created by this act, but it was not permitted to interfere with the 
dance or the supper. Mr. Tau-tau had, in some dispute with the murdered 
Indian the previous morning, been grievously wronged, as he considered, but 
any trouble had been prevented by the interference of Mack-on-sau, or Seek. 
The savage resented the supposed wrong as related above. 

c 



52 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

The Indians had a sure cure for snake-bite. It was a poultice of some 
weed quite common in the woods ; but the white settlers, for some reason or 
other, could not find out what it was. Mr. Minor, of Columbia City, says that 
an Indian boy one day entered a swamp near the village, but after a few 
minutes came running out with a big " massauger" fastened to his foot. An 
old squaw went forward, and, taking the reptile by the neck, unfastened its 
fangs, and then killed the snake. She went out a short distance in the woods 
and soon came back, chewing a huge mouthful of some herb ; as soon as the 
"cud" was in suitable condition, she applied it with a bandage to the wound. 
No harm, whatever, resulted from the poison of the bite. 

Another incident is told of the Indians that the people of to-day could 
wisely imitate. The Indians at Seek's village, having invited in some of their 
friends, concluded to have a steam dance. Quite a large heap of dry wood 
was formed, upon which was piled many stones, after which the heap was set 
on fire. The wood burned away, leaving the stones as hot as blazes. A large 
deer-skin wigwam was immediately placed around this pile of hot stones, as 
near air tight as possible ; and then some fifteen or twenty Indians entered, 
and threw on the hot stones enough water to completely fill the wigwam with 
steam. Water was kept near, so that the supply of steam could be replenished. 
The Indians, who were entirely naked, except an insignificant breech-clout, 
began a wild dance around the hot and steaming stones. They practiced all 
sorts of artful activities within the wigwam, filling the air with discordant and 
hideous cries. Of course this procedure threw them into a profuse perspira- 
tion ; and, when they emerged from the wigwam, after the lapse of about half 
an hour, they were covered with water that ran from their bodies in streams. 
Without delay they clothed themselves, and it may be assured that they en- 
joyed the remainder of the festivities. These dances were called " dum-dums," 
and were a common occurrence, often participated in by the whites. It was a 
source of unalloyed enjoyment for the Indians to try to frighten new settlers. 
When Samuel Minor was a strippling about seventeen years old, he had occasion 
to pass near the spot where Seek was straightening a gun-barrel. As soon as 
the latter saw the boy, he drew a long knife from his belt, gave an unearthly 
whoop and started for him ; but, although the boy was scared half to death and 
thought the Indian in earnest, he advanced toward the chief to give him 
the best he had. When Seek fancied he had not scarced the boy, he sat down 
on a log and laughed heartily. Mr. Minor has always considered that he got 
the best of that affair ; for, while he was really scared, Seek was never aware 
of that fact. 

John Owl, a Miami Indian, died at Seek's reservation, expressing a wish 
on his deathbed to be buried after the manner of white men. Rudolph Crow 
and Adam Hull, who were present, agreed to see that his last wish was carried 
into effect. After Mr. Owl had passed away, his grave was dug in the ordi- 
nary way, a big slab was placed on the bottom, two more on the sides, two short 



HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 



53 



ones at the ends, after which the corpse was placed in the box thus formed. 
The relatives of the dead Indian then came forward with a teacup containing what 
appeared to be browned coffee, and a saucer containing small cakes. After 
these had been placed at the sides of his head, a heavy slab was placed over 
the whole, after which the grave was filled with earth. A volley was fired over 
his grave, as in the case of soldiers, and Seek fired twice, as a chief should. The 
exact location of this grave is unknown, and it is safe to say that old Mr. Owl 
yet sleeps with the tea-cup and saucer at his head, near Seek's old village. 
Similar instances of Indian customs might be related by the score, but it is 
unnecessary. The race so glorified by the pens of Longfellow and Cooper is 
slowly passing away and becoming extinct. The social influences of civilization 
could not soften the hearts that, through thousands of generations, had been 
taught to stifle the nobler sentiments of humanity, and to kindle into terrific 
conflagration the most wrathful forms of brutality. The whole nature must be 
altered, or the uncivilized race must pass away. The savage heart was con- 
stitutional. It is his sorrowful destiny to pass from the earth forever. 







54 



HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 



CHAPTER III. 
by richard collins. 

The Condition of the County Before its Creation— Survey of the Lands- 
First Entries Made— Organization of the County— Proceedings of 
the County Commissioners— Location of the County Seat— Early 
Courts— Juries— Trials for Murder— County Buildings— Names of 
County Officers— Political Organizations— Votes Polled for Presi- 
dential Candidates— The Blacklegs. 

THE county of Whitley was formed of territory originally occupied by the 
Indians, and claimed by the Miami and Pottawatomie tribes. The 
Miami tribe, by treaty made with the Government in 1826, and by subsequent 
treaties, ceded to the Government its claim to all lands north of the Wabash 
River. In 1828, the Pottawatomies by a like treaty did the same, for it seemed 
that each tribe held an undivided claim in the same land. The next thing 
in order after the land had become the property of the Government, was to 
survey it into townships and sections, after which, when the proper time had 
arrived, it was thrown into market and sold in size to suit purchasers. All 
the land in the county, sold at private sale, was at the rate of $1.25 per acre. 
A few tracts were settled and held under the pre-emption laws then in force 
giving the occupant one year to make payment at $1.25 per acre, that being 
the usual entry price. The lands in the county of Whitley were surveyed and 
offered for sale as shown in the following tabular statement : 



Townships 
North. 



30. 
30. 
81. 
32. 

30. 

31. 
31. 
32. 
30. 
30. 
31. 
31. 
32. 



Ranges East. 



8 

8 
8 



9 
9 
9 
10 
10 
10 
10 
10 



Parts of Congressional 
Townships. 



South of Eel River. 
North of Eel River. 

Whole 

Whole 



Whole. 



All except Reserve.. 

In Reserve 

Whole 

All except Reserve., 

In Reserve 

All except Reserve., 

In Reserve 

Whole , 



When 
Surveyed. 



1828 
1834 
1834 
1834 

1834 

1834 
1840 
1834 
1828 
1840 
1834 
1840 
1829 



By Whom Surveyed. 



Basil Bently 

John Hendricks... 
John Hendricks.., 
John Hendricks... 
Basil Bently and. 
Wm. Brookfield... 
John Hendricks... 
Chauncey Carter., 
John Hendricks... 

Basil Bently 

Chauncey Carter., 
John Hendricks.., 
Chauncey Carter. 
David Hills , 



When Sales 
Commenced. 



1834 
1834 
1835 
1835 

1836 

1835 
1848 
1835 
1835 
1848 
1835 
1848 
1833 



The Reserve of fourteen sections at Seek's village was surveyed in a 
whole tract in 1827, closing November 9, 1827, by Chauncey Carter, Deputy 
Surveyor. In January, 1840, Chauncey Carter surveyed this Reserve into 
sections, conforming to the general survey. The sales of the lands in that 
Reserve appear to have commenced in March, 1848. The lands were all sold 
nt the land office at Fort Wayne, except a few remaining tracts at the time the 



HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 



55 



land office was removed to Indianapolis, the same lands being portions ceded 
to the State by the General Government as swamp land. 

The following were the first tracts of land purchased in the county, and 
the only ones during the years 1833 and 1834 : 



PURCHASERS' NAMES. 



a 
o 



SB 

a 
a! 
M 



Description. 



Date of Entry. 



Jesse W. Long 

Jesse W. Long. 

George Slagle 

George Slagle 

Absalom Hire 

M. P. C. Wood 

Samuel Smith 

Aaron Bixby 

William Vanmeter ~l 

Christian Corner j 

Jesse W. Long 

Jesse W. Long 

Samuel Nickey 

Aaron Bixby 

John Shade 

John Shupert 

Christopher Shupert 

Jacob Sine 

Richard Baughan 

Jesse W. Long 

John H. Falkumph 

John H. Falkumph 

John H. Falkumph 

John Wilcox and William ) 

Vanmeter j 

William Beall 

William Beall 

Francis Tulley 

Francis Tulley 

John Strean and Luther Nott 

John Strean 

John Strean and John W. ) 

Moore [ 

Jacob Sine 

John W Moore 

John W. Moore 

Otho W. Gandy 

Zachariah Garrison ") 

J. A. Vanhouten j 

Samuel Walker 

Samuel Walker 

William Walker 

Morse P. C. Wood 



36 


32 


10 


36 


32 


10 


36 
36 
35 


32 
32 
32 


10 
10 
10 


13 
34 


30 
32 


8 
10 


35 


32 


10 


35 


32 


10 


36 


32 


10 


36 


32 


10 


35 


32 


10 


26 


32 


10 


14 


32 


10 


11 
15 


32 
32 


10 
10 


11 


32 


10 


36 


32 


10 


36 


32 


10 


14 


32 


10 


5 


32 


10 


9 


32 


10 


35 


32 


10 


36 


32 


10 


36 


32 


10 


34 


32 


10 


34 


32 


10 


27 


32 


10 


22 


32 


10 


22 


32 


10 


11 


32 


10 


27 


32 


10 


22 


32 


10 


23 


32 


10 


34 


32 


10 


22 


32 


10 


22 


32 


10 


22 


32 


10 


7 


30 


8 



40 

80 

40 

40 

40 

160 

160 

320 

160 

40 
80 
40 

320 
80 

160 
80 
40 
80 
40 
80 
40 
80 

40 

40 
40 
40 
40 
80 
80 

40 

40 
80 
80 
80 

160 

80 

40 

160 

91 



S.WiS.E. J 

E. JS. E. J 

S.W. J S.W. J 

S. E.J S.W.J 

S.W. J S.E.J 



N. W. J. 



S. E. J. 



N. 



S.W.J 

N. E.JN. E. J. 
W. J N. E. J... 
N.W. JS. E.J.. 

S. J 

N.J N.W.J... 

S.W. J 

W. J N.E. J... 
N.W. JS.E. J.. 
W. J N.W. J.. 
N.W. JS.E. J.. 
S. * N.W. J.... 
S.E. JS. E.J.. 
W. J N.W. J... 

S.E. J S.E. J.. 



N.W. J S.W.J 
N. E. J S.W.J 
S.E. J N.W. J 



N.E. J S.W. 



w. j s 

S. JS. 



E.J. 



N.E. 



50 



W. J N.E J. 

N.E.JS.W.J... 

N.W. 

N. E. 



l ... 
Fract'nl. 



Sept. 10, 1833. 
Sept. 10, 1833. 
Sept. 11, 1833.. 
Sept. 11, 1833. 
Sept. 24, 1833. 
March 24, 1834. 
June 10, 1834. 
June 10, 1834. 

June 10, 1834. 



June 
June 
June 
June 
June 
June 
June 
June 
June 
July 
July 
July 
July 



10, 1834. 
10, 1834. 
10. 1834. 
10, 1834. 
10, 1834. 
10, 1834. 
16, 1834. 
16, 1834. 
28, 1834. 
4, 1834. 
19, 1834. 
19, 1834. 
19, 1834. 



E. J N.W. J 

E. J N.W. J 



S.E. J S.W. J 

N.E. J S.E. J 

W. JN. W. J 

W.J 



Aug. 2, 1834. 

Aug. 8, 1834. 
Aug. 8, 1834. 
Aug. 28, 1834. 
Aug. 28, 1834. 
Sept, 24, 1834. 
Sept. 24, 1834. 

Sept. 24, 1834. 

Sept. 30, 1834. 
Oct. 11, 1834. 
Oct. 11, 1834. 
Oct. 11, 1834. 

Nov. 19, 1834. 

Nov. 10, 1834. 
Nov. 20, 1834. 
Nov. 20, 1834. 
Dec. 6, 1834. 



Making in all 240 acres entered in 1833, and 3,417.50 acres in 1834. 
Section 4, Township 32, Range 10, was probably the first tract of land in the 
county owned by white men. See Chapter II of this volume. As a continua- 
tion of the above facts, it may be stated that, in 1835, there were not less than 
118 tracts of land entered in Cleveland Township; 63 in Richland; none in 
Troy ; 20 in Washington ; 26 in Columbia ; 14 in Thorn Creek ; 93 in Jeffer- 
son ; 11 in Union, and 52 in Smith. 



56 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

The first settlement in Smith Township was made in the southeast corner ; 
in Union, in the northeast corner and southern part ; in Jefferson, in south half; 
in Thorn Creek, near the center ; in Columbia, northern part ; in Washington, 
in the northern part ; in Troy, near the center ; in Richland, scattering ; in 
Cleveland, near Eel River. Reference is here made to Congressional town- 
ships, and not as they are now divided into civil townships. Large numbers of 
settlers arrived in 1836, 1837 and 1838 ; and, before 1840, all the better por- 
tions of land in the county were purchased, except the lands in Seek's village 
reservation, which were not in market until 1848. 

Whitley County was named in honor of Col. William Whitley, of Lincoln 
County, Ky., who was killed at the battle of the Thames, in Canada, in the 
war of 1812. The county was originally eighteen miles square, containing 
nine Congressional townships, each six miles square, makftig 324 square miles, 
or 207,360 acres of land (if the surveys were all full). The boundaries of the 
connty were fixed by the Legislature, at the session of 1833 and 1834, as fol- 
lows : Bounded on the east by Allen County, on the north by Noble, on the 
west by Kosciusko and on the south by Huntington. The boundaries of the 
county were changed, in June, 1859, by the addition of twelve sections of land 
taken from the south side of Township 33, Range 8 east, in Noble County, 
making an addition of 7,680 acres. Allen County, at first, embraced all the 
territory in Whitley County, and exercised jurisdiction over it from the organi- 
zation of that county, in 1824, until the year 1837, when this county was 
attached to the county of Huntington for civil and judicial purposes, and re- 
mained so until organized in 1838. 

The Legislature, at their session in 1837 and 1838, declared Whitley to 
be an independent county from and after the 1st day of April, 1838, and 
Richard Baughan was appointed Sheriff, by Gov. Wallace, by commission dated 
March, 1838, to serve until the next annual election, in August, 1838. It 
being his first duty to advertise and cause an election to be held at the most 
convenient places in the settled portions of the county, where they would be 
most accessible to the electors, he fixed only four voting places, as follows: 
One at the house of Lewis Kinsey (now Cleveland Township) ; one at the 
house of Andrew Compton (now Richland Township) ; one at the house of 
Richard Baughan (now Thorn Creek Township) ; and one at the house of John 
N. Moore (now Smith Township). There then being no organized townships, 
for the purpose of electing a County Clerk, Recorder, two Associate Judges 
and three County Commissioners, after notices of the election were posted on 
trees at important points on the various Indian trails passing through the 
county and on the cabin doors of the pioneers, a meeting of the citizens was 
called, and fifteen or twenty assembled at the house of Calvin Alexander (near 
where Beech Chapel is now located), in what is now Thorn Creek Township, 
and organized by the appointment of a Chairman and Secretary, and proceeded 
to select candidates for the different offices to be filled, which resulted in the 



HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 57 

unanimous selection of Abraham Cuppy for Clerk and Recorder, Jacob A. 
Vanhouten and Benjamin F. Martin for Associate Judges and Otho W. Gandy, 
Nathaniel Gradeless and Joseph Parrett, Jr., for County Commissioners, all of 
whom were elected and qualified, and all discharged the duties of their respect- 
ive offices. They have all gone to their final rest, some of them many years 
ago. Otho W. Gandy was the last, by a number of years, to pass away. He 
died in 1879, at the age of eighty-five. The place designated for holding 
courts in the county was the house of James Parret, Jr. There being no 
James Parret, Jr., in the county, the Board of County Commissioners met at 
the house of Joseph Parrett, Jr., where South Whitley is now located (that 
being the place intended by the Legislature for holding courts), on the 7th 
day of May, 1838, and, after taking the oath of office, proceeded to select 
Otho W. Gandy as President of the Board. Their first important act was the 
appointment of John Collins, Treasurer ; Henry Pence, Assessor ; Benjamin 
H. Cleveland, Three Per Cent Fund Commissioner; and Henry Swihart, 
County Agent. They adopted the eagle side of a ten cent piece as the seal 
of the Board of Commissioners of the County, to be used until they could pro- 
cure a proper seal. The Board granted a license to Joseph Pierce and Robert 
Starkweather to vend foreign merchandise and foreign and domestic groceries 
for one year for $5, capital to be less than $2,000, place of business near 
Pierce's saw-mill, on Eel River, in Union Township, that being the first store 
in the county, except an Indian trading-post, kept by John B. Godfrey, on the 
Goshen road, north of Blue River, in Smith Township, which had been estab- 
lished a number of years previously, probably as early as the year 1828. 

The Legislature, at their session in 1838-39, appointed Madison Switzer, 
William H. Coombs, Daniel R. Bears and David Bennett, Commissioners, to 
locate the seat of justice of the county, and directed them to meet at the house 
of James Parret, Jr., on the first Monday of May, 1838, for that purpose. 
Madison Switzer, being the only Commissioner in attendance at the supposed 
point at that time, adjourned to meet at the house of Joseph Parrett, Jr., on 
the 18th day of June, 1838, at which time Madison Switzer, William H. 
Coombs and David Bennett met, and proceeded to examine the different sites 
offered. After due deliberation, they decided to locate the county seat upon 
lands offered by Lott S. Bayless, on Section 19, Township 31, Range 9 (now 
Union Township), occupied as a farm by John Metz at the present time. As 
a consideration, Bayless was to pay the county $500 in money, furnish a set 
of record books (worth $100) for the county offices, and pay all expenses of 
the location. The citizens of the county generally being dissatisfied with the 
location, petitioned the Legislature to appoint Commissioners to relocate the 
seat of justice, and the Legislature, at their second term of the session of 
1838-39, appointed Samuel Edsall, John Jackson, A. S. Ballard and Isaac 
Covert, Commissioners, for that purpose, to meet at the house of Richard 
Baughan (the place then designated for holding courts in the county), on the 



58 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

first Monday of June, 1839. On that day, Samuel Edsall and John Jackson 
met at the place and time designated, and, there not being a majority of the 
Commissioners present, they adjourned to meet at the same place, on the 19th 
of October, 1839. On that day, they all met, and proceeded to discharge the 
duties assigned them. After carefully examining all the sites offered, and after 
mature deliberation, they decided to locate the county seat on fractional Sec- 
tion 11, in Township 31, Range 9, containing 443 acres of land, owned by 
Elihu Chauncey, of the city of Philadelphia, in consideration of his conveying 
to the county one-half of said land, and building a saw-mill on Blue River, at 
a site on said land, all of which he complied with on his part. 

The Board of County Commissioners, the Clerk and the Sheriff, and 
Zebulon Burch, conducting a supply train, went into camp on the land selected 
as the county seat, near where Jacob Ramp's lumber office is now located, on 
the 25th day of November, 1839, there not being a white family living nearer 
than one and a half miles. The meeting was called for the purpose of making 
suitable arrangements for surveying a town plat, and Richard Collins was 
employed to survey and plat a town on said site, which he commenced at once, 
and completed as soon as possible, making a plat of twenty-eight blocks or 
squares of eight lots each, and one of four lots, including the public square, on 
which the court house now stands, and the town was then christened Columbia. 
The balance of the section was surveyed by the same person into lots and 
outlots of different sizes, in January, 1841, the County Commissioners and 
Elihu Chauncey each paying one-half the expense, by agreement. After setting 
apart the public square, and one outlot of four and a quarter acres of land for 
a public cemetery, the balance of the land was equally divided between the 
county and Elihu Chauncey. By order of the Board of County Commissioners, 
the County Agent, Richard Collins, advertised and sold at public auction, on 
the town plat, on the 25th of May, 1840, $800.05 worth of lots at very low 
figures. David E. Long had previously contracted for a lot on the corner of 
Main and Van Buren streets, now owned by Dr. Linvill, where the building 
now occupied by Ruch Brothers as a drug store stands. Mr. Long built a 
one-story frame house, of two rooms, on the lot, and was living in the same at 
the time of the sale, running it as a boarding house and hotel ; but the rooms 
were insufficient to comfortably accommodate his guests during the terms of 
court, until he enlarged his buildings some time afterward. This hotel building 
was, if not the first, one of the first, in Columbia City. When the county seat 
had been located with certainty, the young town began making rapid strides 
toward a populous and commercial point. One store after another appeared, 
and residences, some of them quite elegant, began to form themselves into 
streets, and ere long the place assumed the appearance of a thriving town. 

The county of Whitley formed a part of the Eighth Judicial Circuit of 
the State, composed of the counties of Miami, Wabash, Huntington, Allen and 
Whitley. Charles W. Ewing, President Judge of the Circuit, and Thomas R. 




< 
y 

H 
Z 

D 

O 

U 

u 



HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 61 

Johnson, Prosecuting Attorney, were both residents of Fort Wayne. The place 
designated for holding courts in the county was the house of James Parret, 
Jr., the first term to be held on the fourth Thursday of September, 1838. The 
Judges, Clerk, Sheriff, jurors, attorneys and all parties interested, met at the 
house of Joseph Parrett, Jr. (there being no James Parret, Jr., in the county), 
at the time appointed for holding court. The Judges, finding a mistake in the 
name of the place for holding courts, decided if they proceeded to hold a term of 
court their acts would not be legal, and for that reason they did not continue the 
session. The following is a list of the names of the panel of grand jurors sum- 
moned to serve at that term : Jesse W. Long, David Wolfe, James Jones, John 
Collins, Daniel Miller, Samuel Dungan, William Parrett, George Pence, Benjamin 
Krusan, Steadman Chaplain, Jacob Hartsock, Ezra Thompson, Thomas Cleve- 
land, Jesse Spear, Benjamin Gardner, Samuel Smith, Benjamin H. Cleveland 
and Joseph Egolf. The following is a list of the names of the traverse jurors 
summoned to serve at that term : Thomas Geiger, Joseph Ecker, Jacob Sine, 
John Turner, John W. Moore, Samuel Nickey, John H. Alexander, Joseph 
Crow, Jacob Brumbaugh, John Egolf, Calvin Alexander, Edwin Cone, Samuel 
Creager, Tolcut Perry, William McDaniel, James Gordon, Charles Chapman, 
James Rousseau, David Haydon, John Jones, Zachariah Garrison, Henry 
Swihart and Zebulon Burch. The first term of the Circuit Court held in the 
county was at the house and saw-mill of Richard Boughan, in Thorn 
Creek Township, two and a half miles northeast of Columbia, on the 9th day 
of April, 1839. Court was composed of the following officers : Charles W. 
Ewing, President Judge of the Eighth Judicial Circuit ; Benjamin F. Martin 
and Jacob A. Vanhouten, Associate Judges ; Abraham Cuppy, Clerk ; and 
Richard Collins, Sheriff. 

The Prosecuting Attorney not being present, the court appointed Reuben 
J. Dawson Special Prosecutor for the term. The Sheriff then brought into 
court the following grand jurors: David Wolfe, Seth A. Lucas, James Jones, 
William Vanmeter, Jesse Spear, Samuel Creager, Peter Circle, Christopher W. 
Long, Horace Cleveland, John S. Braddock, Adam Egolf, Levi Curtis, Will- 
iam Cordill and Joseph Tinkham — fourteen in all — the law then requiring 
eighteen grand jurors to be summoned at each term of court, any number not 
less than twelve forming a panel. Christopher W. Long was appointed foreman, 
and the grand jury were sworn, charged and sent to their quarters with their 
bailiff, and soon reported to the court that they had no business before them, 
whereupon they were discharged. There were no criminal cases on the docket 
at that term, and but three civil cases, viz. : 

Webster et al. ~\ j n Chancery. Petition for Partition. 

vs. y 

Webster et al. J Case continued for publication. 

Jesse S. Perrin } Domestic Attachment. 
v». s- 

John A. Thompson. J Judgment for the Plaintiff. 

Jesse S. Perrin ) q q appeal from Justice of the Peace. 
Asel Bennett. \ A PP eal dismissed • 



62 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

The names of the petit jurors selected and summoned to serve at that term 
of court were as follows : Samuel Hartsock, Stephen Martin, Aaron M. Col- 
lins, B. H. Cleveland, John W. Moore, Jesse Briggs, Zebulon Burch, Jacob 
Brumbaugh, Lewis Kinsey, J. H. Alexander, David Haydon, George C. 
Pence, Thomas Estlick, Jesse W. Long, James H. Russan, Daniel Hively, 
Benjamin Gardner, Benjamin Grable, Benjamin Krusan, James Zolman, John 
Collins, Philetus Wood, Francis Tulley and William Blair. There were no 
cases tried by jury, and the court at that term appointed John H. Alexander 
County Surveyor. 

The October term of the Circuit Court was held at the same place by 
the Associate Judges (in the absence of the President Judge) ; there were no 
important cases tried. The court held three days, and adjourned until court 
in course, to meet at the house of Zebulon Burch, in Richland Township. The 
Circuit Court was held there until the March term, 1841, when the session 
met at the house of David E. Long on the 29th of March, 1841, and forth- 
with adjourned to the house of Abraham Cuppy, in Columbia. The court was 
composed of the following officers : John W. Wright, President Judge of the 
Circuit; Associate Judges, Jacob A. Vanhouten and Benjamin F. Martin; 
Lucien P. Ferry, Prosecuting Attorney ; Abraham Cuppy, Clerk, and Richard 
Collins, Sheriff. The first important criminal case tried in this county, was 
the case of the State vs. Alexander Smith for forgery, in uttering and tend- 
ering in payment of a bill for a night's lodging for himself and comrade, John 
Adams, to Jacob Sine, who kept a house of private entertainment on the 
Goshen road, just north of Churubusco, a false, forged and counterfeit bank 
bill of the denomination of $5. They were both arrested and examined before 
John W. Moore, a Justice of the Peace of Smith Township, and Smith was 
adjudged guilty, and Adams acquitted. Smith not being able to give bail, 
was delivered to the Sheriff for safe keeping ; there being no jail in the county, 
and the Board of Commissioners not being willing to incur the expense of send- 
ing him to the jail of Allen County for safe keeping, he was permitted to run at 
large by the Sheriff until the next term of court. He was then indicted by the 
Grand Jury, tried, convicted, and sentenced to State Prison for two years ; he 
was ably defended by Judge Charles W. Ewing, counsel assigned by the court. 
The jurors who tried the case were as follows : George C. Pence, John L. 
Hamilton, John Buck, John Thompson, Jesse Briggs, Samuel Andrews, Joel 
McPherson, Lewis Kinsey, Robert Gaff, James B. Simcoke, George Harter 
and Zebulon Burch. Upon the trial of the case, John Adams came into court, 
and was sworn as a witness in the case, but was ordered from the witness 
stand into the custody of the Sheriff until the Grand Jury could find an indict- 
ment against him for perjury (the Grand Jury being then in session in the 
room adjoining.) In less than one hour, the Grand Jury returned a bill of 
indictment against him, and he was immediately arraigned upon the indict- 
ment and pleaded not guilty, and Judge Ewing, his counsel, moved the court 



HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 63 

for a change of venue upon affidavit, which was granted, and the venue changed 
to the county of Allen. He was tried at the next term of the Allen Circuit 
Court, commencing the week following, convicted, and sentenced to State 
Prison for two years. The house where court was held was located on the 
corner of Main and Jackson streets, where Henry McLallen now resides, being 
a one-story building divided into two rooms. The jury trying the case of 
Smith congregated around a large black walnut stump on the opposite corner 
of the street, near where the Lutheran Church now stands, to deliberate upon 
their verdict. The bailiff having charge of the jury had some difficulty in 
keeping them together, on account of the woods in their immediate vicinity. 

The first murder committed in the county was by Peen-am-wah, a Potta- 
watomie Indian, who killed a. Miami Indian named A-to-ke-suck, on the 10th 
day of June, 1843. Coesse, a Miami Indian (brother-in-law of A-to-ke-suck), 
offered a reward of $200 for the arrest of Peen-am-wah. William Thorn, of 
North Manchester, followed him into Northern Michigan, arrested him, brought 
him back, and delivered him to the authorities at Columbia. He was com- 
mitted to jail by the examining Justice to await the action of the Grand Jury. 
The next murder committed in the county was by John Turkey, a Miami 
Indian, who killed a squaw of the Pottawatomie tribe (name unknown), on the 
1st of January, 1844. He was arrested, examined and committed to jail to 
await the action of the Grand Jury. Afterward, at the March term of the 
Circuit Court, 1844, Peen-am-wah was indicted for an assault and battery with 
intent to murder ; and John Turkey was indicted for murder. They were 
arraigned upon the indictments, and pleaded not guilty, and both moved the 
court for a change of venue upon affidavits. The court sustained the motion in 
each case, and changed the venue in both to the county of Allen, and the 
prisoners were remanded to jail to await removal by the Sheriff to Allen 
County. Peen-am-wah, being a desperate Indian, was chained in his cell for 
better security. Before the close of the March term of court, on the Sheriff's 
going to the jail in the dusk of the evening with their food, accompanied by 
John C. Washburn, who remained in the doorway, while the Sheriff went into 
the jail to feed the prisoners and look after their wants, Peen-am-wah, having 
by some means separated a link in his chain, rushed past the Sheriff, knocked 
Washburn out of the door, and both prisoners made their escape, and were 
never arrested again ; the woods coming within a few rods of the jail, and the 
Indians being expert woodsmen, made good their escape. The county was 
thereby saved of a large expenditure in the trial and probable execution of 
John Turkey, and no good could have possibly resulted from it to the county, 
and would have only incensed the Indians. 

The first murder trial of a white man in the county was the State against 
Samuel Pegg, for the murder of his son, on the 1st day of October, 1843. He 
was indicted and tried at the March term of the Circuit Court, 1845, convicted 
of manslaughter, and sentenced to State prison for the term of eight years. 



64 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

There never has been a person executed for murder in this county since its 
organization, which speaks well for its inhabitants. The first application by 
an alien for naturalization was made by Charles Ditton, an Englishman, who 
made the proper proof, and took the oath of allegiance in open court at the 
October term of the Circuit Court, in 1840. The first term of the Probate Court 
in the county was held at the house of Richard Baughan, on the 11th of Novem- 
ber, 1839, the court being composed of the following officers : Christopher W. 
Long, Judge; Abraham Cuppy, Clerk, and Richard Collins, Sheriff. One of 
the first acts of the court was confirming the letters of administration on the 
estate of John Braden (deceased), granted to Price Goodrich by the Clerk in 
vacation of court, on the 9th of April, 1839, being the first letters of adminis- 
tration granted in the county. The first will admitted to probate in the county 
was one executed by James Perkins (deceased), which was admitted to probate 
in open court on the 11th of February, 1840. The Common Pleas Court was 
organized in 1852, and probate jurisdiction was transferred to that court, and 
the office of Probate Judge was abolished. The Common Pleas Courts were 
dispensed with, and probate jurisdiction transferred to the Circuit Court, and 
the office of Common Pleas Judge abolished in 1872. 

The following are the names of the Judges of the Circuit Courts in the 
circuit of which this county formed a part, from the organization of the county, 
in the order they served: Charles W. Ewing, John W. Wright, James W. Bor- 
den, Elza A. McMahon, Edward R. Wilson, Robert Lowery and Elisha V. 
Long, the present incumbent. None were residents of this county. The Com- 
mon Pleas Judges of the Nineteenth District, composed of the counties of Noble 
and Whitley, in the order they served, were Stephen Wildman, James C. Bod- 
ley and William M. Clapp (James C. Bodley was a resident of this county, 
the others of Noble County), who served until the jurisdiction of this court was 
transferred to the Circuit Court, and the office of Common Pleas Judge abol- 
ished in 1872. The bar of the county has been composed of the following- 
named attorneys, at different periods since the organization of the county : James 
L. Warden, James S. Collins, Joseph H. Pratt, Justus H. Tyler, Mr. Stout, A.Y. 
Hooper, C. W. Jones, I. B. McDonald, Abraham Myers, Mr. Hardesty, Alex- 
ander J. Douglass, D. H. Wilson, Samuel B. Eason, Michael Sickafoose, John 
S. Cotton, A. J. Gool, Walter Olds, Joseph W. Adair, John Krider, Cyrus B. 
Tulley, Ed A. Mossman, Thomas R. Marshall, William McNagney, J. A. 
Campbell, Mr. Brit, F. B. Moe, Hugh Well, Jr., 0. P. Stewart, W. S. 
Gandy, James E. Knisely, John Wigent and Charles Hollis. 

The first public building erected in the county by order of the Board of 
County Commissioners was a jail, built of hewn logs, located on the southeast 
corner of the public square, built on contract by William Blair in 1840, at a 
cost of $490, and used as a jail until burned by John Wheatley in March, 
1855, who was confined therein awaiting trial for larceny. He was indicted, 
tried, convicted and sentenced to State's Prison for two years, for the offense, 



HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 65 

at the March term of the Circuit Court, 1855, which was thought by many of 
the citizens to be a hard verdict. The next public building erected was a two- 
story frame structure, for a court house, on the west side of the public square, 
on the lot where the engine house for the Fire Department is located, built by 
Joseph W. Baker, on contract, at a cost of $411.50, and completed in October, 
1841 ; the lower story used for court room, a part of the upper story used as 
an office for Clerk and Recorder. The next public building was a one-story 
frame, located on the west side of the public square, divided into two rooms, 
one for Clerk and Recorder's office, the other for County Treasurer's office, 
built on contract by Benjamin Grable, Jr., completed in September, 1842, at a 
cost of $197. The next, a one-story building of stone and brick, located on 
the east side of the public square, with two rooms, one for office for Clerk and 
Recorder, the other for County Auditor, supposed to be fire-proof, having tin 
roof and iron shutters, built by David Shepley, on contract, and completed in 
1844, at a cost of $1,250. The next was a two-story brick court house, built 
on the public square, court room above and offices below for Clerk, Recorder, 
Auditor and Treasurer, built by Henry Swihart and Thomas Washburn, on 
contract, completed in 1849 at a cost of $7,747.50, and is now in use in a good 
state of preservation, but is not quite as fancy as many of the older coun- 
ties have. The next, a two-story jail and Sheriff's residence, built of brick, 
stone and wood, the cells lined with planks spiked together, the partitions be- 
tween the cells made in the same way, located on the site of the old court house, 
built by James B. Edwards, on contract, and completed and accepted October 
10, 1855, at a cost of $5,224. Owing to improper ventilation for the cells, it 
was very unhealthy and not at all secure for prisoners, rendering it necessary to 
construct a new one. The next was a three-story brick building on the county 
farm, one mile west of Columbia City, an asylum for the poor of the county, 
built by David J. Silvers, on contract, and completed and accepted December, 
1864, at a cost of $12,400. The next was a jail and Sheriff's residence, southeast 
of the court house, the jail two stories high, built of stone, iron and steel and 
roofed with slate, containing twelve cells and all the modern improvements. 
The Sheriff's residence is built of stone, brick and iron, two stories high, 
with mansard roof covered with slate ; contains two commodious cells on 
second story for female prisoners, and contains all the modern improvements, 
the whole building heated by steam ; the structure built by James M. Bratton, 
on contract, under the supervision of J. C. Johnson, architect ; completed and 
accepted June 26, 1876, costing the county $34,486. It is one of the best 
buildings of that character in the State, and is a credit to the county. 

On the following page will be found a tabular statement showing the 
county officers from the organization of the county up to the present time, 
including the present incumbents: 



66 



HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 



NAMES OF OFFICERS. 



What Office. 



Date of Comm'n. 



Date of Expiration of Term. 



Abraham Cuppy 

Richard Collins 

I. B. McDonald 

William E. Merriman 

James B. Edwards , 

E. W. Brown 

James Rider 

James M. Harrison, the present in- 
cumbent 

Abraham Cuppy 

Richard Collins 

Charles W. Hughes 

Henry Swihart 

Casper W. Lamb 

D A. Quick 

J. S. Hartsock 

John Wigent 

W. A. Lancaster (present incumb't) 

Richard Baughan 

Richard Collins 

James B. Simcoke 

Jacob Thompson 

Jacob Wunderlich 

James B. Edwards 

William H. Dunfee 

John Brenneman 

Adam Avey 

John Wynkoop 

Oliver P. Koontz 

Jacob W. Miller 

William H. Liggett 

Alexander T. McGinley 

F. P. Allwine (present incumbent) 

John Collins 

Benjamin Grable 



Clerk . 
Clerk , 
Clerk . 
Clerk . 
Clerk . 
Clerk . 
Clerk . 



Joseph H. Pratt 

Charles W. Hughes 

Jacob Wunderlich 

Charles W. Hughes 

James T. Long 

Robert Reed 

Jacob Wunderlich 

Henry Gregg 

John S. Cotton 

William Reed 

John Q. Adams 

Henry McLallen 

Jacob A. Baker 

Joseph Clark (present incumbent). 

Jacob Wunderlich* 1 

Charles W. Hughes* / 

Samuel Nickey 

Seth A. Lucas 

Asa Shoemaker 

David Richmond 

William Guy 

William M. Swayze 

Adam Avey 

Benjamin F. Beeson 

William Walter 

Henry H. Hackett 

A. Y. Swigart 



Clerk 

Recorder... 
Recorder... 
Recorder... 
Recorder... 
Recorder... 
Recorder... 
Recorder... 
Recorder... 
Recorder... 

Sheriff 

Sheriff. 

Sheriff. 

Sheriff. 

Sheriff 

Sheriff. 

Sheriff 

Sheriff...... 

Sheriff..... 

Sheriff. 

Sheriff. 

Sheriff..... 
Sheriff..... 
Sheriff..... 

Sheriff 

Treasurer. 
Treasurer... 

Treasurer.. 
Treasurer.. 
Treasurer.. 
Treasurer.. 
Treasurer.. 
Treasurer.. 
Treasurer.. 
Treasurer.. 
Treasurer.. 
Treasurer.. 
Treasurer.. 
Treasurer.. 
Treasurer.. 
Treasurer.. 



Treasurer. 

Coroner ... 
Coroner ... 
Coroner ... 
Coroner ... 
Coroner ... 
Coroner ... 
Coroner ... 
Coroner . . 
Coroner ... 
Coroner ... 
Coroner ... 



April, 1838.... 
July 16, 1842. 
Nov. 1, 1855.. 
Nov. 1, 1859.. 
Nov. 1, 1863.. 
Nov. 1, 1871.. 
Nov. 1, 1875.. 

Nov. 1, 1879.. 
April, 1838... 
August, 1842. 
Nov. 1, 1855.. 
Nov. 1, 1859.. 
Nov. 1, 1863.. 
Nov. 1, 1867.. 
Nov. 1, 1871.. 
Nov. 1, 1875.. 
Nov. 1, 1879. 
March, 1838.. 
Aug. 23, 1838 
November, '41 
Aug. 28, 1844 
Sept. 10, 1846. 
Sept. 10, 1860 
Nov. 11, 1854 
Nov. 8, 1858 
Nov. 19, 1860 
Nov. 19, 1862 
Nov. 19, 1866 
Nov. 19, 1870 
Nov. 19, 1874 
Nov. 21, 1878 
Nov. 1, 1880.. 
May 7, 1838.. 
May 5, 1840.. 

March 7, 1848 
August, 1848. 
Aug. 25, 1851 
August, 1852. 
Nov. 11, 1854 
Nov. 19, 1856 
Nov. 8, 1858.. 
Nov. 8, I860.. 
Nov. 8, 1862.. 
Nov. 19, 1864 
Nov. 24, 1866 
Nov. 8, 1870.. 
Nov. 23, 1874 
Nov. 8, 1878.. 



August, 1842 ; resig'd July 16, '42. 

November, 1855. 

November 1, 1859. 

November 18, 1863. 

November 19, 1871. 

.November 1, 1875. 

November 1, 1879. 

November 1, 1883. 
August, 1842. 
November 1, 1855. 
November 1, 1859. 
November 1, 1863. 
November 9, 1867. 
November 1, 1871. 
November 1, 1875. 
November 1, 1879. 
November 1.1883. 
August 23, 1838. 

August27, 1842. Resig'd July, '40. 
August 19, 1844. 
August 28, 1846. 
September 10, 1850. 
September 10, 1854. 
November 11, 1858. 
November 19, 1860. 
November 19, 1862. 
November 19, 1866. 
November 19, 1870. 
November 19, 1874. 
November 21, 1878. 
November 21, 1880. 
November 1,1882. 
May 5, 1840. 
August, 1848. Office 
death, March, 1848. 
August, 1848. 
August, 1851. 

August, 1852. By appointment. 
November, 1854. 
November 11, 1856. 
November 19, 1858. 
November 19, 1860. 
November 8, 1862. 
November 8, 1864. 
November 19, 1866. 
November 8, 1870. 
November 23, 1874. 
November 8, 1878. 
November 8, 1882. 



August, 1838. 
Aug. 25, 1839 
Aug. 25, 1841 
Aug. 25, 1847 
Aug. 25, 1849 
Aug. 25, 1851 
Nov. 8, 1853.. 
Nov. 1, 1855.. 
Oct. 1, 1863... 
Oct. 28, 1865. 
Dec. 2, 1867.. 



vacant by 



Did not qualify. 

August 25, 1841. 

August 26, 1847. 

August 25, 1849. Died Mar. 6, '49. 

August 25, 1851. 

August 25, 1853. 

November 8, 1855. 

November, 1863. 

October 1, 1865. 

October 28, 1867. 

December 2, 1869. 



* Jacob Wunderlich and Charles W. Hughes each received an equal number of votes for County Treasurer at 
the annual election in August. No person being elected, Jacob Wunderlich was appointed Treasurer. 



HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 



67 



NAMES OF OFFICERS. 



What Office. Date of Comm'n 



Date of Expiration of Term. 



John B. Firestone 

John Richards 

William Yontz (present incumbent) 

Abraham Cuppy , 

Richard Collins 

Charles W. Hughes 



Thomas Washburn 

Adam Y. Hooper 

John S. Cotton 

Simon H. Wunderlich 

Theodore Reed 

Robert A. Jellison 

W. H. H. Rutter 

Wm. E. Merriman (present incum.) 

Joseph Pierce 

Christopher W. Long 

Charles W. Hughes 

Price Goodrichf 



Coroner ..., 
Coroner .... 
Coronor ... 
Auditor .... 
Auditor .... 
Auditor ..., 

Auditor ..., 
Auditor ..., 
Auditor ... 
Auditor ... 
Auditor ... 
Auditor ... 
Auditor ... 
Auditor ... 
Probate Judge. 
Probate Judge. 
Probate Judge. 
Probate Judge. 



Oct. 23, 1870. 
Decernher'74. 
Oct. 28, 1878. 
August, 1841. 
August, 1842. 
June 7, 1844. 

August, 1844. 
Nov. 11, 1855 
Nov. 8, 1859.. 
Nov. 8, 1862.. 
Oct. 18, 1869. 
November, '74 
Dec. 4, 1877.. 
April 26, 1881 
August, 1838. 
August, 1839. 
August, 1846. 
August, 1848. 



December 5, 1874. 

December, 1878. 

October 28, 1882. 

August, 1845. Resigned. 

August, 1845. Resig'd June 7, '44. 

August, 1844. Appointed until 

annual election. 
November 11, 1845. 
March 1. 185 i. 
March 7, 1863. 
November 8, 1870. Died. 
November, 1874. 

November, 1878. Died Dec. 1, 1877. 
November 8, 1882. Died Apl 21,'81. 
November 8, 1882. 
Did not qualify. 
August, 1846. 
August, 1848. 



The Board of County Commissioners, at their session in June, 1838, dis- 
tricted the county into three Commissioners' Districts, as follows: Range 8 to 
form the First District, Range 9 the Second District and Range 10 the Third 
District. 

The following are the names of the persons who served as County Com- 
missioners, from the organization of the county, from each district, in the order 
they served: 



DISTRICT NO. 1. 


DISTRICT NO. 2. 


DISTRICT NO. 3. 






Otho W. Gandy. 
Joseph Pierce. 
Daniel B Rice 












Henry Knight 


Thomas Neal 




Adam Egolf 


Daniel B Rice 




Adam Creager 


Jacob Nickey. 
R. M. Paige. 


Christian H. Creager 






Andrew Adams 


William Dunlap 


George Eberhard 






George W. Hollinger 






M. B. Emerson 




Benjamin F. Thompson 


Jacob A. Ramsey 






William Tanneyhill 











Shaw, Thompson and Tanneyhill are the present Commissioners. 

The following is a list of the County Surveyors, in the order they served, 
from the organization of the county: John H. Alexander, appointed 1839; 
Stephen Martin, elected 1842; George Arnold, elected 1846; John H. Alex- 
ander, elected 1848 ; Jonathan Miller, elected 1850, resigned ; Richard Knisely, 
appointed 1851; Levi Adams, elected 1854; Amasa W. Reed, elected 
1856; Eli W. Brown, elected 1858, resigned in 1864; John H. Tucker, ap- 
pointed 1864; Thomas B. Hathaway, elected 1864, left June, 1865 ; D. A. 



t Price Goodrich served until Common Pleas Court was organized in 1852, and the office was then abolished. 



68 



HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 



Quick, appointed 1865, to fill vacancy; Edward A. Mossman, elected 1865, 
resigned; C. B. Tulley, appointed and elected 1867 ; Charles D. Moe, elected 
1870; James E. Dorland, elected 1872; Herman Theil, appointed and elected 
1874; Levi Adams, elected 1878: Roscoe A. Kaufman, elected 1880, now 
serving. 

The following are the names of the Commissioners appointed to expend 
the three per cent fund, which they were entitled to receive from the State, in 
the order they served: Benjamin H. Cleveland, appointed 1838; Richard 
Boughan, appointed 1840; Zebulon Burch, appointed 1840. 

The Clerk of the Circuit Court was ex officio Clerk of the Board of 
County Commissioners from the organization of the county until 1841. Then 
the duties of the office were transferred to the County Auditor. 

The following were the Associate Judges : 



NAME OF JUDGES. 



Benjamin F. Martin. 
Jacob A. Vanhouten. 

John Wright 

Richard Knisely 

Henry Swihart 

Lorin Loomis 



Appointment. 



April, 1838... 
April, 1838... 
August, 1842 
August, 1845. 
August, 1846. 
August, 1847. 



Expiration. 



August, 1845. 
August, 1845. 
August, 1845. 
August, 1852. 
August, 1852. 
August, 1852. 



Remarks. 



Died in 1841. 
Died in 1845. 
Resigned in 1847. 



Loomis and Knisely served until the office was abolished by the Legislature 
in the year 1852. The following were the School Commissioners : 



NAMES OF COMMISSIONERS. 



Andrew Compton.. 
James B. Edwards. 
Henry Hanna 



Appointment. 



August, 1839. 
August, 1845. 
August, 1847. 



Expiration. 



August, 1845. 
August, 1847. 
August, 1850. 



Hanna served until the duties of the office were transferred to the County 
Auditor, and the office of School Commissioner was abolished. 

There were no political organizations in the county prior to 1844. The 
first political caucus in the county was held at Columbia by the Democrats some 
time before the annual election held on the first Monday of August, 1844, to select 
candidates for the county offices then to be filled. The first regular political 
convention held in the county was at Columbia, previous to the annual election 
in 1848 by the Democracy, followed in a short time by the Whigs holding a 
convention at the same place. Conventions were regularly held after that 
date for the selection of candidates for the different county officers, delegates to 
the State Congressional, Senatorial and Representative Conventions in the 
district of which this county forms a part. The leading political organizations 
in the county were the Democrats and Whigs until 1854, when the Whig party 
changed their name to that of Republican. In 1854, the party known as 
Know-Nothings flourished, but was short-lived. In 1878, the party known as 
Greenback flourished in this county, and there are men yet who clamor for 
more greenbacks. The Democrats have claimed, since the first political caucus, 




CV^VXAJ M^V-~isiSv4. 





HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 



71 



in the county, majorities ranging from twenty-five to four hundred, in the 
greater number of cases electing their candidates, and holding the important 
offices of the county a greater portion of the time. The following statement 
shows the vote of the county at each Presidential election since the organiza- 
tion of the county : 



NAME OF CANDIDATE. 


Of what Party. 


Date of Election. 


No. of Votes. 




Whig 


November, 1840 


98 






November 
November 
November 
November 
November 
November, 
November 
November, 
November 
November 
November 
November 
November 
November 
November 
November 
November 
November 
November 
November 
November 
November 
November 
November 
November 


1840 
1844 
1844 
1848 
1848 
1848 
1852 
1852 
1856 
1856 
1856 
18-0 
1860 
1860 
1864 
1864 
1868 
1868 
1872 
1872 
, 1872 
1876 
1876 
, 1876 
, 1876 


91 






219 




Whig 


216 




Whig 


355 




318 






21 






568 


Winfield Scott 


Whig 


497 






851 






797 




Free-Soil 


57 




Republican 


1133 




1067 




4 


George B McClellan . 




1327 






1074 


Ulysses S Grant 




1372 






1628 


Ulj'sses S Grant 


1401 




Lib. Republican... 


1650 




28 


Samuel J Tilden , 


2052 


Rutherford B Hayes 




1660 


James B Weaver 




23 


Neal Dow 




3 









At the annual election in August, 1838, there were only four organized 
townships in the county, as follows : Cleveland, Richland, Thorn Creek and 
Smith, and only four voting precincts. At that election, there were seventy-two 
votes polled in the county. The offices were not very lucrative, and but few 
persons were desirous of being promoted. There is no means of knowing the 
precise date of the first election held in the county, the returns of the election 
having been made to Richard Baughan, Sheriff, the only officer in the county ; 
and the poll-books and tally-sheets of that election were never filed in the 
Clerk's office ; hence there is no means of knowing the exact date of the elec- 
tion, or the number of votes polled ; there certainly were not more than sixty 
votes cast. 

There was but little trouble with blacklegs in this county. Professionals 
of that class were not very numerous at any time. There were a few bad men 
in the county, who were connected with organized bands of horse-thieves and 
counterfeiters who made raids into this county, scattering counterfeit 
money (coin, principally) and running off horses, giving information as to the 
whereabouts of good horses and the proper routes to travel and the safe harbor- 
ing places on the route. Our horses generally traveled north, and may have 
found a market in Michigan. There were, at different periods, organizations 



72 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

of Regulators formed for the better protection of their horses, following and 
recovering them when stolen, and, if possible, arresting the thief or thieves. 
It was reported, and generally accepted as true, that there was one or more 
of the citizens of this county roughly handled by an organization in Noble 
County, known as the " Regulators." (They understood keeping their secrets.) 
The public knew but little of their operations, yet they were credited with 
effecting a very decided reformation in the behavior of the roughs throughout 
quite an extent of country. 

The first State road located across the county of Whitley ran from Fort 
Wayne, Allen County, to Goshen, in Elkhart County, crossing Eel River 
where Adam Hall settled, who, after the location of the road, erected and 
maintained a toll-bridge across the river, at his place, for a number of years, 
or late as the year 1838 or 1839. The road passed where the town of Churu- 
busco is now located, and the trading-post of John B. Godfrey, north of Blue 
River, who was located there at the time the road was surveyed and located in 
1833. He was engaged in trading with the Indians, they being his principal 
customers. In those days, that was a very lucrative business, if men were not 
scrupulously honest. The next important road located across the county was 
the State road, running from Fort Wayne, the nearest and best route, to Yel- 
low River, where the Michigan road crosses the same by way of Turkey Creek 
Prairie. This road passed the Indian village in Whitley County (known as 
Seek's village) and several other Indian villages. It also crossed Blue River 
two and a half miles northeast of Columbia,, where Richard Baughan's mill 
was erected, in Thorn Creek Township. The road was located and surveyed 
in the summer of 1834, under the direction of Francis Comparet, a Commis- 
sioner appointed by the Legislature of the State, and known as the Yellow 
River road. The next was a State road running from Huntington, in Huntington 
County, to Goshen, in Elkhart County, crossing Eel River where South Whitley 
is now located, and passing where the old town of Summit was afterward lo- 
cated, just west of Larwill. It was located and surveyed in the year 1835. The 
next road of importance located across the county was a State road from Osceola 
to Rochester, in Fulton County. This road was located, in 1836, by Reuben 
Howe, commencing at Rochester and terminating in the woods near Pierce's 
saw-mill, in Union Township, the Commissioner being unable to find the place 
called Osceola. The next road across the county was a State road from Fort 
Wayne to intersect the La Gros road where the same crosses the Tippecanoe 
River at Peter Warner's, near the center of Kosciusko County; located, in 
April, 1838, by Peter Warner and Jacob Sebring. This survey crossed Blue 
River some distance south of Columbia City, and is now known as the Colum- 
bia and Warsaw road. The next was a State road from Logansport to Sparta, 
the then county seat of Noble County; located by Samuel Lowman in 1838. 
This survey passed some distance west of Columbia City ; but little, if any, of 
this line was ever improved, on account of the manner in which it angled across 



HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 73 

the county. The next important road was a State road from Lima, in La 
Grange County, to Huntington, in Huntington County ; located and surveyed, 
in November, 1839, by Isaac Spencer and W. T. McConnell, Commissioners 
for that purpose. This road passed along Line street, in Columbia City, and 
the south part of it is much traveled. 

A part of the State roads described was partly cleared of timber and the 
impassable places bridged and crosswayed by appropriations from the three per 
cent fund set apart for the improvement of State roads in the different counties, 
of which the county of Whitley received and disbursed the sum of $3,192.21. 
This was quite an advantage to the early settlers of the county. Had it not 
been for the improvement of the roads with that fund, it would have been many 
years before the roads could have possibly been opened. 

The early settlers of this county suffered many privations, and endured 
many hardships incident to the settlement of a new country heavily timbered 
as this was. Just for one moment think of a family of husband and wife and 
one, two or more small children hewing a passage for team and wagon into the 
forest, miles from any white inhabitant, then encamping until logs could be cut 
and a cabin erected into which they could find shelter, in the meantime, the 
husband having to leave the family in charge of his trusty dog, and absent 
himself for a number of days in quest of provisions. The settlers in the west- 
ern portion of the county in 1836 generally got their meal and flour in the 
land of Goshen, located near the Elkhart Prairie in Elkhart County, at the 
mill of one Wyland. In the spring of 1837, a number of parties joined and 
sent a team of cattle and wagons to the Wea plains, below La Fayette, for a 
cargo of corn-meal and bacon. When that cargo arrived and was distributed, 
there was great rejoicing in the land. Near the streams, the inhabitants fared 
better than those a distance away, owing to the great amount of wild onions 
growing there spontaneously, and they were much used and appreciated by the 
settlers in the absence of better and more palatable vegetables. In the spring 
of the same year, a party of men from the west part of this county and the east 
side of Kosciusko County constructed a mammoth canoe (or pirogue) out of a large 
yellow poplar tree found some distance northwest of where the town of Colla- 
mer is now located, conveyed it to Eel River and successfully launched and 
christened her " Pioneer," provisioned and placed her in charge of two ex- 
perienced sailors, and she started down the river under full sail for the south- 
ern port of La Fayette, to purchase a cargo of corn-meal and bacon, and after 
forty-eight hours' sailing, they ran the Pioneer into harbor, not having encount- 
ered any adverse winds or fogs. Eel River was somewhat dangerous to navi- 
gate on account of dams, and driftwood running in the stream. The parties 
succeeded in purchasing a cargo of corn-meal and bacon, and started up the Wa- 
bash River, and after a great amount of hard poling succeeded in getting up into 
Eel River a short distance, but finding their vessel drew so much water, they 
could not navigate Eel River any farther. They tied up the pirogue, and one 



74 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

of the party remained in charge of the vessel and cargo, while the other came 
home on foot, about fifty miles, and collected some teams and went after the 
freight. When they arrived with the provisions, there was great rejoicing in 
the neighborhoods; the meal and bacon were distributed partly in the vicinity 
of where Dodgertown is now located, in Kosciusko County. It is not positively 
known whether that event had anything to do with furnishing a name for that 
town. The other part of the cargo was distributed in this county, in the 
vicinity of Collamer. After roasting ears and potatoes in due course of grow T th 
were ready for eating, the inhabitants fared sumptuously. There were plenty 
of deer and some bear in the country, and plenty of fish in the streams ; but 
men could not hunt, fish and clear a farm at the same time, and hence there 
were but few professional hunters in the country in those days. 

The lands in this county were very productive when first improved and 
cultivated, and many of the early pioneers reared large families of children ; 
not unfrequently were found families numbering ten, eleven and sometimes a 
dozen children, healthy and vigorous. But there has been a great change 
brought about for some cause within the last few years. There is rarely now 
seen a family of more than from two to six children. What this unproduct- 
iveness is to be attributed to, the reader is left to conjecture. 



CHAPTEE IV. 

BY WESTON A. GOODSPEED. 

War History— Soldiers of 1812 and of the Mexican War— A Sketch of 
Their Services— Public Sentiment in Whitley County When Sumter 
Fell— The First War Meeting, and the First Company of Volunteers 
—Intense Excitement — Progress of the Enlistment — Loyalty and 
Disloyalty — The Arrest of Deserters— The Draft— The "News" and 
the "Republican"— Aid Societies and Bounty— Sketches of the Regi- 
ments— Whitley County's " Roll of Honor." 

IT is not known that any Revolutionary soldiers ever settled within the limits 
of Whitley County ; but it is known that their descendants, proud of the 
military services of their fathers, are scattered throughout the length and breadth 
of the land. Years passed by, leaving no hearts rent with anguish at the separ- 
ation from loved ones who had gone to the wars. At last, the Eastern horizon 
was obscured by the black clouds of war with the mother country ; and brave 
men were called out to maintain the prerogatives of the nation. Among those 
who stepped forth, in 1812, at their country's call, was Daniel Hemmick, who 
served as Orderly Sergeant in one of the militia regiments under Gen. Harrison. 
He thus fought the Indians in Indiana, and was very probably at the battle of 
Tippecanoe in November, 1811, and at the various other smaller battles which 
made the name of Harrison famous. He lived to an old age, but is now at rest 
in the grave. Thomas Walker served in a Virginia regiment. He lived east 



HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 75 

of Columbia City. James Jones also went out from the Old Dominion to fight 
his country's battles. John Jackson, who lives west of town, also served his 
country in 1812. William James, yet living some distance from Columbia 
City, was a soldier in the war of 1812; but in what regiment, or from what 
State, has not been learned. Mr. Maring, who lived near Forest for a number 
of years, was among the number. These are all the names of soldiers of 1812 
that could be learned that ever resided in " Little Whitley," although there were 
several others. 

In the Mexican war, there were Thomas Kelley, John Sleesman, William 
Smith, Joseph Crow, James Van Ness, Mr. Disbrow, Edward McMahon, Peter 
McMahon, William McMahon, Charles Howe and James E. Serjeant. So far 
as known, all these served with Gen. Taylor along the Rio Grande, except 
William Smith, who claims to have been with Gen. Scott. Some of these- 
men did not go from this county. Charles Howe was in Van Arnim's regi- 
ment from Chicago. The most of the others were in the First Regiment, Com- 
pany E, the officers being : Captain, J. W. McLain ; First Lieutenant, Thomas 
Lewis ; Second Lieutenant, Charles Colerick ; Third Lieutenant, George 
Humphrey. The boys of this county enlisted at Fort Wayne. In June or 
July, 1846, the regiment reached New Orleans, and was then transported across 
the Gulf to Point Isabel. It occupied Brownsville, Beretta, Monterey, Buena 
Vista and other places of less importance, doing guard duty the most of the 
time. It took the regiment thirteen days to cross the Gulf coming back, owing 
to a terrific storm that swept away all the masts of the schooner " Maria 
Thomas." When within several miles of the mouth of the Mississippi, and 
when the storm had spent its fury, a steamer came out at the end of two days 
and pulled the disabled vessel and the half-starved soldiers into port. We must 
not forget our soldiers of the older wars, under the gigantic shadow of our last 
civil war. Let their names be recorded and remembered with gratitude. 

Public sentiment in Whitley County on the question of the impending 
civil war between the States, prior to the tragic fall of Sumter, was somewhat 
bitterly divided. It is probable that no living representative of Southern policy 
and principles resided in the county when the war burst upon the nation ; but 
but there were all gradations, from those who believed, on the one extreme,, 
that, rather than have a gigantic civil war, it was better to let the '* erring sis- 
ters" go out of the Union, with all their coveted rights of secession, State 
sovereignty and power to expand slave territory, to those who believed, on the 
other extreme, that the Union must be preserved, and the principles of seces- 
sion, State sovereignty and growth of slavery be forever blotted out of hearts 
that had been taught to love the name of liberty. Between these extremes there 
were the " War Democrats," who were willing to fight solely for the preserva- 
tion of the Union, without regard to the claims of the Secessionists on one 
hand or the demands of the Abolitionists on the other. The majority of the 
Republicans were confident that secession and State sovereignty were unconsti- 



76 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

tutional. The bulk of the Democracy was ready to fight to preserve the Union, 
therefore saying by their action that they opposed the right of the Southern 
(or any other) people to secede. This was about the condition of opinion in 
Whitley County early in 1861. 

As the news of the fall of Sumter was received, and doubt was changed 
to certainty, the excitement became intense. Occupations and pursuits were 
almost wholly neglected, and the loyal men of all parties announced their read- 
iness to follow their country's call. The great mass of the Democracy of the 
county came loyally forward, and the citizens as a whole immediately united on 
the question that the "Jeff Davis rebellion" must be promptly put down. 
The country became almost deserted, and the towns and news-stations were 
thronged with excited Republicans and Democrats, asking for the latest news 
from the seat of war. The following extracts are taken from the Columbia City 
Republican of April 17, 1861 : 

Since the news of the attack made upon Fort Sumter by the Southern traitors, our town 
has been a scene of continual excitement. Look which way you might, you would see crowds 
of angry, excited men on the streets, all talking about the Southern rebellion. The policy of 
the President, as recently developed, meets with almost universal approbation here, and when 
the news reached us that Fort Sumter was to be supplied with provisions at all hazards, joy and 
gladness were exhibited in the countenance of nearly every one. We doubt if Columbia City 
was ever in such a state of excitement as during the past week. 

Whatever difference of opinion may have existed in the minds of our citizens as to the 
policy to be pursued by the Administration, now that a blow has been struck and actual war in- 
augurated by the rebels, we rejoice to hear an almost unanimous expression of opinion that the 
Government must and shall be sustained. It is no longer a question as to what policy. ought to 
have been pursued in the past ; but war is upon us, our Government has been attacked, and one 
of its strongholds has been taken at the mouth of the cannon, and we must now be either for or 
against ihe Government. Men of Whitley County! we appeal to you — not as Republicans or 
Democrats, but as American citizens — and say to you, Rally as one man to the support of this 
Government. Let the past bury the past, let by-gones be by-gones, and let us look only at the 
present and the future. As sure as we are living men, so sure is it that our very existence as a 
nation depends upon sustaining the Government at all hazard and at any cost. It is a question 
involving all that is sacred to us in the future. Let there be no faltering in this hour of our coun- 
ry's peril. 

The Democratic paper, the News, came out with loyal editorials, and the 
excitement, instead of subsiding, continued to increase, until at last notices 
were posted in public places that a mass meeting of the citizens would be held 
at the court-house on Saturday, the 20th of April. The following is quoted 
from the Republican of April 24 : 

Pursuant to notice, a very large and enthusiastic meeting met at the court house on the 
20th of April, 1861, for the purpose of raising a volunteer company to respond to the call of our 
country. On motion, Mr. J. C. Cotton was called to the Chair and H. D. Wilson appointed Sec- 
retary. The Chairman, on taking his seat, made a patriotic speech, explaining the object of the 
meeting and urging prompt action in support of the Government. Addresses were delivered by 
Hon. J. S. Collins, Hon. A. Y. Hooper, H. D. Wilson, Dr. C. Kinderman, I. B. McDonald, C. W. 
Hughes, T. Washburn, Dr. D. G. Linvill, A. W. Myers and E. W. Brown. The speakers were 
frequently interrupted by immense applause from the audience, and the whole scene was enliv- 
ened by the stirring strains of martial music. On motion of H. D. Wilson, the following reso- 
lutions were unanimously adopted : 



HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 77 

Resolved, That we support this Government because we love it. 
Resolved, That we will follow the stars and stripes wherever they lawfully lead. 
Resolved, That the constitution must and shall be maintained. 

Resolved, That, laying aside, for the time being, all party feelings and prejudices, the pres- 
ent administration, in this trying emergency, must and shall be sustained. 

Volunteers to respond to the call of the country were then called for by George Stough, 
and fifty-four names were quickly enrolled. On motion of A. Y. Hooper, the following addi- 
tional resolutions were unanimously adopted : 

Resolved, That if those who shall volunteer in this county shall be called into service, we 
will contribute of our money and means to maintain and support their families while they shall 
be in the service of their country. 

Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed by the Chair to carry into effect the 
above resolution. 

The following gentlemen were appointed on said committee: Messrs. Hooper, Washburn, 
Linvill, Foust and Keefer. On motion of Dr. Linvill, the following gentlemen were appointed 
a committee to solicit subscriptions for suitable outfit for Whitley County volunteers : A. A. 
Bainbridge, C. W. Hughes and I. B. McDonald. A telegraphic dispatch was just then received, 
announcing that Fort Pickens had been attacked by the secessionists «nd 300 of them killed by 
the well-aimed fire of Lieut. Slemmer. Unanimous cheering ! After giving three cheers for our 
flag, three cheers for our Government, three cheers for Lieut. Slemmer and three cheers for our 
patriotic volunteers of Whitley County, the meeting adjourned amidst the wildest enthusiasm 
and the patriotic music of fife and drum. 

We noticed in circulation yesterday a petition asking the Board of Commissioners to make 
an appropriation for the support of the families of those who shall volunteer from this county. 
This is a good move in the right direction, and should be acted upon promptly and a generous 
appropriation made by the board. 

The formation of the volunteer company was continued and soon com- 
pleted. In the meantime, anxiety, loyalty and enthusiasm were displayed 
everywhere. War seemed the only topic of discussion. Even the usual re- 
marks regarding the weather and the health, strange as it may seem, were 
neglected and apparently forgotten. The loyal ceremony of raising poles and 
hoisting flags was freely indulged in; and, of course, the actions' of the older 
members of the community were reflected by the transparent spirits of the 
youths, who raised poles, organized companies, filled the air with discordant 
martial music, fought mock battles, where rebels were always worsted, and, in 
short, imitated the example of patriotism exhibited by their elders. About this 
time, Union pole-raisings by both parties were very popular. Five or six were 
erected in different portions of Columbia City and scores throughout the 
county. In the Republican of May 1, 1861, appeared the following: 

During the past week, the excitement of our citizens on the war question was intense. 
And no wonder, for, amidst the firing of guns, the thrilling notes of the fife, the beating of 
drums and the parading of soldiers, who could help being excited? Whitley County is thor- 
oughly aroused and even the children are rushing to arms. The ladies, too, who were never 
known to falter in the hour of our country's need, are fully awake to their duty, and have 
gotten up quite a large company of infantry. Below we publish the roll of the Whitley Volun- 
teers. The company is composed of the right kind of material — mostly young men, who are 
fearless and brave — and, if called into active service, we expect to hear of their coming off vic- 
torious at every engagement. Certain it is, that they never will allow their flag to trail in the 
dust. The company is ready and waiting for marching orders. Their worthy Captain, Mr. 
Stough, is daily putting the boys through the drill, and we notice that they are making rapid 
advancement toward perfection. The ladies of this place are engaged in making a splendid silk 
banner, which will be presented to the volunteers at the proper time. 



78 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

Officers — George W. Stough, Captain; James E. Serjeant, First Lieutenant; Isaiah B. 
McDonald, Second Lieutenant; Nimrod Smith, James K. Ward, Cyrus J. Ward, John F. Drury- 
am, John J. Weiler, Sergeants; Edward B. Beeson, David Garver, E. A. Mossman, D. R. Hem- 
mick, J. M. Hartman, William L. Biruey, D M. Shoemaker, T. J. Gardner, Corporals ; Nicholas 
Beesack and John Ward, Musicians ; Jacob J. Conrad, Wagoner. 

Privates — Nimrod Asbury, Henry Banta, William M. Barnhill, Nicholas Bear, Joseph 
Beesack, B. F. Bennett, John Bennett, William Brubaker, W. S. Collins, G. P. Connett, Jacob 
Dinsmore, Oliver Droud, A. B. Dudley, Russel Earle, Joseph Effert, G. W. Elder, Samuel English, 
F. G. Ford, James Force, Franklin Freese, Joseph Fries, Otis J. Gandy, Samuel J. Goodin, J- 
H. Gurt, William Grimes, M. V. Hammond, Isaac Harrison. Lewis Hartman, G. W. Hartsock, 
James 0. Harvey, Conrad Hilligas, J. W. Hyler, W. F. Johnson, Charles S. Keech, N. H. King, 
Jesse Kyler, G. W. Lamson, J. W. Lawhorn, Isaac Leaman, G. F. Loveless, J. G. N. Marks, 
George Mar3h, Conrad Miller, Henry Moore, J. H. Nelson R. H. Norton, Samuel Parke, II. R. 
Pegg, T. W. Piper, Joseph Plummer, J. A. Poff, H. C. Pressler, R. S. Pumphrey, C. W. Ramsey, 
John Raypole, G. T. Roily, F. L. Rhodes, Jesse Rowles, J. E. Sherrod, S. O. Shoup, Isaac Shin- 
neman, Alexander Showalter, John Simpson, J. H. Slagle, F. M. Slagle, John Smith, H. D. 
Smith, Frederick Smith, T. A. Smith, Henry Snavely, Anderson Spear, Peter Stephens, David 
Stough, William B. Summy, Anthony Seymour, Jr., Sidney Tuttle, Allen Underbill, W H. 
West, Lewis Whiteman, Milton Whiteman, C. L. Wilder and John Wireman. Total officers and 
men. 101. [This was the first muster-in roll of the company, and was made by Lieut. I. B. 
McDonald on the 11th of June, 1861, at Camp Morton, Indianapolis. — Ed.] 

It was at first the intention of this excellent company to get into the 

Twelfth Regiment ; but, failing in that, they next tried for the Sixteenth, and 

again met with failure, though immediately after this they were assigned to the 

Seventeenth, remaining a part of the same throughout the war. While they 

remained at Columbia City, they were daily subjected to drill and discipline to 

fit them for active service. Great enthusiasm and pride were manifested by 

the citizens over the boys, who performed the manual of arms so skillfully, and 

executed the military maneuvers so gracefully while on parade. They were 

permitted to participate in an engagement, as the following, from the Republican 

of May 22, will show : 

Our citizens were thrown into a fever of excitement on Thursday of last week, upon the 
receipt of intelligence to the effect that a secession fort, from the walls of which floated the 
Confederate flag, had actually been erected west of this place, aud that from all appearance an 
attack upon our city was about to be made. So speedily had the work of erecting this fort been 
accomplished, that our citizens were at a loss to understand how it could be. But no time was 
to be lost. All saw at a glance the perilous situation of our city, and vigorous measures were at 
once resolved upon for the storming of the fort. Lieut. Serjeant was immediately detailed on a 
reconnoitering expedition. Upon his return, he reported the rumors correct, and that three 
ten-inch Columbiads were leveled directly upon the town. Our brave volunteers were immedi- 
ately marched to the walls of the fort, showing thereby that they were not afraid to face the 
cannon's mouth in defense of the stars and stripes. An attack upon the fort was ordered, and> 
with a daring worthy of older and more experienced soldiers, our volunteers stood their ground, 
though the cannon of the enemy was playing heavily upon them. The battle was brisk, and in 
a very short time our soldiers had the fort silenced. The Captain of the fort was captured, and 
marched through the streets as a prisoner of war. The fort, in honor of its builder, had been 
named " Pap Shoemaker's Fort." 

It should be noticed at this point, that, about the time the company was 
preparing for the field, the two newspapers at Columbia City — the Republican 
and the Neivs — were indulging in rather bitter personal attacks upon those who 




JO* J? M. M> e &*™M 



COLUMBIA CITY. 



HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 81 

opposed the policy of the party, of which each was the organ. These animosi- 
ties have no place in a volume of this character, though they serve to shed light 
on subsequent events. The following extracts are taken from the papers of 
May, 1861, as showing, in a general way, the progress of events, and to some 
extent the condition of public sentiment : 

Much praise is due Mrs. C. H. Pond, Mrs. J. W. Brigg, Miss Carrie Ford and other ladies 
of this city and vicinity, for their efforts in getting up a nice silk star-spangled banner [the silk 
was purchased in Indianapolis by I. B. McDonald. — Ed.], for the Whitley County Volunteers. 
The banner is said to be one of the finest in the State. May it ever wave over and protect the 
fair women who made it. — News. 

The " Lutheran Union Mite Circle" will meet at the residence of W. W. Kepner, on Tues- 
day evening. May 14. Readers — Rev. Hugh Wells, A. H. Swihart, Mrs. Morehouse and Miss 
Jennie Kepner. A cordial invitation is extended to all. — News. 

An artillery company was organized last evening (May 7), composed of some of our best 
citizens, and the following officers were elected : Captain, J. C. Bodley ; First Lieutenant. P. 
Simonson ; Second Lieutenant, A. Avey ; Third Lieutenant, T. B. Hathaway. — Republican. 

Those who have given their names for the purpose af forming an independent cavalry Com- 
pany are requested to meet at the court house on next Saturday, at 1 o'clock, P. M. — Republ'h-ui. 

On yesterday afternoon, at about 3 o'clock (May 7, 1861), the ladies presented to the Whit- 
ley Volunteers a beautiful silk flag, together with the necessary rigging. The presentation speech 
was delivered to Judge Bodley in behalf of the ladies, and the flag was received by Capt. Stough 
in the name of the volunteers, in a few appropriate remarks. Lieut. McDonald also made a few 
remarks, after which three cheers were given for the ladies of Whitley County, and then three 
more cheers for the volunteers. The company made a fine appearance, dressed as they were in 
red flannel shirts, and black pants with red stripes down the legs. — Republican. 

Pursuant to call, the residents of Union Township met at Coessa (May 4), for the purpose 
of raising a Union pole in honor of the glorious flag of our country. At an early hour, the 
bridge was densely thronged with ladies, and, on the grass plat south of the railroad, the gen- 
tlemen, both Republicans and Democrats, rallied together to raise the Union pole. On motion of 
Mr. J. Kaufman, Rev. Mr. Wolf was elected Chairman, H. Cleveland and M. McGinley Vice Pres- 
idents, and D. F. Manning, Secretary. The Chairman stated the object of the meeting in a few 
patriotic remarks. A pole, seventy feet long, was then raised, from the top of which floated in 
the pure air of heaven the stars and stripes, the symbol of American union, liberty and inde- 
pendence. On motion, three cheers were given for our national banner, after which short 
patriotic speeches were delivered by A. J. Douglas, H. D. Wilson, A. W. Myers, Dr. E. Pierce 
and Simon Kerr. Three hearty cheers were given for the Union, after which the meeting ad- 
journed. — Republican. 

On Saturday, May li, the residents of Union Township met at Coesse for the purpose of 
organizing a military company for home defense, S. H. Pierce, Chairman, D. F. Manning, Sec- 
retary. The Chairman explained the object of the meeting and urged the necessity of being 
trained to military duties. Upward of fifty names were quickly enrolled, and the following gen- 
tlemen chosen officers of the company. S. H. Pierce, Captain; D. P. Spore, First Lieutenant; 
G. B. Bonestil, Ensign. On motion, it was decided that the uniform of this company be blue 
pants, red shirts and glazed caps. Adjourned to meet Saturday, May 25. — Republican. 

On Saturday last (June 25), a Union pole was raised at Huntsville (Larwill). It is said 
that the flag, which now floats on the breeze at 115 feet, is one of the finest in the county. It 
was run up by the ladies of the neighborhood, and immediately afterward excellent speeches 
were made by Rev. Mr. Baker, N. Andrews and E. L. Berber, of this place. Huntsville was 
never so crowded as on this occasion. We have been informed that the Democrats of Huntsville 
are about to raise a pole. We hope that we were misinformed, however, for this is not the time 
to enter into party strife. — Republican. 



82 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

On Monday, the 13th of May, the following dispatch was received by the Whitley vol- 
unteers : 

Indianapolis, May 13, 1861. 

Capt. Stough, Columbia City — Your Company is accepted, and will be ordered here when 
quarters are provided. John M. Wallace, Adjutant General. 

When the messenger appeared with the dispatch, the boys — who were on parade — threw 
down their arms, broke ranks, and rushed with a yell to meet him. When the news became 
known, cheer after cheer rent the air, and the boys seemed wild with delight. — Republican. 

On Tuesday evening, May 21, Capt. Stough' s command took its departure from this place 
for headquarters, in pursuance of orders received the day before. At about 10 o'clock, P. M., 
the order was given to march to the depot, the utmost enthusiasm prevailing, both soldiers and 
citizens being in good spirits. Messrs. Douglas and Myers entertained soldiers and people in 
appropriate speeches until the cars arrived. It was a sad spectacle to witness the parting of 
husband and wife, brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers with their sons, the lover with his 
sweetheart, and friends with their neighbors. — News. 

The Republicans of Huntsville erected what they termed a Union pole in the aforesaid vil- 
lage about a week ago. The pole has three divisions— first ash, then hickory, then ash again — 
signifying Republicanism, Democracy and Abolitionism. The Democrats did not like the idea 
of being thus amalgamated to two isms, so they on Saturday last erected a large hickory pole 
in that village about oue hundred and seventy feet high, from which proudly waws the "star 
spangled banner." Speeches were made by A. W. Myers and D. T. Davis, of this place. Much 
enthusiasm was manifested and everything passed off agreeably. — News, July 2, 1861. 

Public feeling had been wrought up by the strong position taken by each of 
the two newspapers in the county ; and as time went on and events were devel- 
oped, the rancor and extreme bitterness became more intense and warlike. 

The Fourth of July, 1861, was celebrated at Columbia City by not less 
than six thousand people. There were present the Whitley Artillery, Capt. 
Bodley ; Whitley Cavalry, Capt. Keefer ; Richland Township Guards, Capt. 
Webster ; Union Township Guards, Capt. Bierce ; Washington Township 
Guards, and a martial band from Noble County. On the fair grounds, Rev. L. 
Dorland opened with prayer ; the Declaration of Independence was read by 
K. B. Miller ; speeches were made by H. D. Wilson and J. S. Collins ; " In- 
dependence Day " was sung by the children ; a picnic dinner was consumed by 
all ; twenty toasts were read by A. Y. Hooper and A. W. Myers, and re- 
sponded to by the citizens amid great enthusiasm. Patriotic songs closed the 
ceremonies of the day. 

During the autumn of 1861, some six or seven recruiting officers were 
posted in the county to secure men for the war. The County Commissioners soon 
made ample provision for soldiers' families and bounties. Strong, well-attended 
Union meetings were held from time to time throughout the county, and the 
able-bodie4 men were not permitted to sleep under the delusion that no more 
men would be required. On the 4th of September, 1861, " Popgun " Smith 
and Charles Case, from Fort Wayne, entertained a vast audience at Columbia 
City, on the issues of the war. The smaller villages " braced up " in a similar 
manner, and soon the country schoolhouses were made to echo with the patri- 
otic speeches, songs and cheers of loyal citizens. Some localities were silent, 
not daring, perhaps, to avow their real sentiments ; others grimly and senten- 



HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 83 

tiously muttered their maledictions against the Administration and the war. 
Notwithstanding the growing tendency not to enlist, recruits from the county 
were constantly entering the service. Many left the county, joining regiments 
raised in neighboring places. Isaiah B. McDonald, an uncompromising Dem- 
ocrat, one of the first men, so far as known to volunteer in Whitley County, 
set an example for his brethren that was worthy of imitation. He went out as 
Lieutenant of Company E of the Seventeenth Regiment at the first call for 
troops, and his loyal utterances in frequent letters written home and published 
caused many a man in Whitley County to halt at the brink of disloyalty and 
turn back toward the old flag. The following is an extract from one of his 
letters from Western Virginia : 

If some of the peace howlers were here awhile, they would get bravely over their com- 
plaints. Mr. Lincoln's modification of Fremont's proclamation is well received here by all. 
This last strike of the President will do more for us than 100,000 soldiers well armed. I say, 
God bless Old Abe. 

Such sentiments, coming from a prominent Democrat, could only have an 
excellent effect among the Democracy of Whitley County. Capt. Cuppy's 
company was completed about the middle of October, and Capt. Simonson's 
a short time before. Capt. Cuppy was from Cleveland Township, where the 
greater number of his company was enlisted. On the 17th of October, this 
company were ready to depart. The village, South Whitley, was filled with 
relatives and friends of the brave boys. A stand was erected, from which the 
principal citizens said, 4> God bless you" to the untried soldiers. A splendid 
dinner had been spread out, free to all, which was often thought of afterward 
by the boys when half starved down in Dixie. At last, hands were wrung, 
tears were shed, good-bys were spoken with pale faces and white lips, and the 
boys marched proudly away to Columbia City, whence they were conveyed by 
rail to Fort Wayne, the place of rendezvous. 

In response to the Governor's "Appeal to the Patriotic Women of Indiana," the ladies of 
Columbia City met on Saturday afternoon, October 19, for the purpose of organizing a society 
to aid in furnishing the Indiana Volunteers with the articles of clothing specified in the call of 
Gov. Morton. The following preamble and resolutions were adopted, and a society organized 
to be called the " Whitley County Soldiers' Aid Society:" 

Whereas, The Governor of the State has appealed to the patriotic women of this State in 
behalf of the Indiana Volunteers now on the tented field, asking them to aid in furnishing blank- 
ets, mittens, socks, woolen drawers and shirts for our needy soldiers, therefore 

Resolved, That in response to the call of the Governor, we, the ladies of Columbia City and 
vicinity, do hereby organize ourselves into a society to be called the AVhitley County Soldiers' 
Aid Society. 

Resolved, That the officers of this society shall consist of a President, Vice President, Sec- 
retary, Treasurer and a committee of six members to solicit contributions. 

Resolved, That the object of this society shall be to purchase and make such articles of 
clothing for the soldiers as are enumerated in the Governor's appeal, and solicit contributions 
from all who can render aid in this sacred cause. 

Resolved, That the society meet every Wednesday and Saturday afternoon of each week. 

Resolved, That an earnest invitation be extended to the ladies throughout the county to 
co-operate with us in this holy and patriotic effort. 

Resolved, That a membership fee of 2o cents shall be paid by each member for the pur- 
chase of material for the making of the articles needed. 



84 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

The following-named officers were chosen by the society : Mrs. J. L. Collins, President ; 
Mrs. Samuel Keefer, Vice President ; Mrs. H. D. Wilson, Secretary, and Mrs. A. Y. Hooper, 
Treasurer. Mrs. John Rhodes, • Mrs. N. D. Torbet, Mrs. T. P. Gaylord, Mrs. Wm. Lohman, 
Mrs. George Stough and Mrs. Leonard, committee to solicit contributions. — Republican, Oct. 22. 

About the same time, a similar society was organized at Huntsville (Lar- 
will), the officers being Mrs. H. McLallen, President ; Mrs. E. M. Baker, 
Vice President; Mrs. D. B. Clugston, Secretary; and Mrs. David Kerr, 
Treasurer; Mrs. Truman Hunt, Mrs. William Rice, Mrs. J. E. Hayden, Miss 
Lucinda Carder, Miis Matilda Kerr and Miss Maria Burns, Soliciting Com- 
mittee. Another was organized at Coesse with the following officers : Mrs. J. 
Root, President ; Mrs. F. Mossman, Vice President ; Mrs. M. J. Swayne, Sec- 
retary; Mrs. S. Douglas, Treasurer; Mrs. Joseph Mossman, Mrs. Joseph 
Pierce, Mrs. D. S. Morse, Mrs. Rachel Edger, Mrs. George Omans, Mrs. G. 
Pettit, Mrs. R. Drew, Mrs. W. Taylor, Miss Barbara Rouch and Mrs. J. II . 
Clark, Soliciting Committee. $22.25, the receipts of an exhibition, were paid 
to the Aid Society at Columbia City in October, 1861, by the young ladies of 
the public school. Another society was organized in Richland Township, the 
following being the officers: Mrs. W. Goldsmith, President; Mrs. J. Graham, 
Vice President ; Mrs. N. G. Parret, Secretary ; Mrs. A. F. Marvin, Treasurer ; 
Mrs. R. Rollins, Miss H. Munger, Mrs. W. Newman, Mrs. D. Kimes, Mrs. 
G. P. Cullimore and Mrs. W. Rollins, Soliciting Committee. 

Similar organizations, with similar laws, were created all over the county, 
and large quantities of blankets, shirts, socks, drawers, mittens, etc., were 
boxed up and sent to the boys in the field. Goods of this character and pro- 
visions to the value of at least $800 were sent out of the county during the 
war. The effect of all this was realized only by the poor boys who were suffer- 
ing from wounds or disease in Southern hospitals, or who were undergoing 
protracted and harassing marches and fatigues in the rebellious States. Many 
a poor fellow has cried out, "God bless the noble and loyal women of the 
North ! " 

After the first few months of excitement had passed away, people settled 
down, prepared to hear almost anything. The enlistments went on generally 
under the stimulus of a war meeting, where spread-eagle speeches were delivered, 
with much eclat, to appreciative and applauding assemblages. Every encourage- 
ment, in the way of bounty, loyalty and national preservation, was held temptingly 
out to lure into the service the stalwart sons of noble old Indiana. Capt. Stough 
had resigned his position and had come home, and, in July, 1862, he began raising 
another company for the service. About the same time, Capt. Serjeant began 
the enlistment of a company for the Seventy-fourth Regiment. Enthusiastic 
meetings were held, in July, at Coesse, Concord, Troy Center, Etna, Thorn 
Creek Center, Richland Center, Bechtel's Grove, Springfield, Jefferson Center 
and Columbia City. Mr. Serjeant had been with Taylor in the Mexican War 
and had the confidence of the citizens, and, as a consequence, his company 
rapidly filled. These companies were dispatched to the field during the early 



HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 85 

autumn of 1862. An artillery company, previously mentioned, of which 
Judge Bodley was at first Captain and which had been largely raised in the 
county, was dispatched to the field, under Capt. Peter Simonson, in about No- 
vember, 1861. The Indiana Regiments which contained men from Whitley 
County were the Ninth, Eleventh, Twelfth, Thirteenth, Seventeenth, Twenty- 
ninth, Thirty-fourth, Thirtieth, Thirty-eighth, Forty-second, Forty-fourth, 
Forty-eighth, Seventy-fourth, Eighty-eighth, One Hundredth, One Hundred 
and Twenty-ninth, One Hundred and Forty-second, One Hundredth and Fifty- 
second, Fifth Light Artillery, Eighth United States Colored Troops, Four- 
teenth Light Artillery and the Twenty-third Light Artillery. Other regiments 
also contained a few men from the county. The writer, by careful count and 
estimate, has found that " Little Whitley " sent into the war of the rebellion 
about eight hundred men. Company E of the Seventeenth was commanded 
by Capt. G. W. Stough. Company E of the Forty-fourth was commanded by 
Capt. William E. Cuppy. Company B of the Seventy-fourth was commanded 
by Capt. James E. Serjeant. Company K of the Eigty-eighth was commanded 
by Capt. James C. Bodley. Company F of the One Hundredth was com- 
manded by Capt. Abram W. Myers. Company D of the One Hundred and 
Twenty-ninth was commanded by Capt. Francis M. McDonald. Company G 
of the One Hundred and Forty-second was commanded by Capt. John H. 
Slagle. Company I of the One Hundred and Fifty-second was commanded 
by Capt. John M. Albright. All these officers were from Whitley County. In 
addition to these, there was the Fifth Light Artillery, commanded by Capt. 
Peter Simonson, who was shot in battle, and who was succeeded in command 
by Capt. Alfred Morrison. There must also be mentioned the " Whitley 
County Legion of Honor," composed of the following companies : Whitley 
Guards, iUbert Webster, Captain, August, 1861; Richland Guards, Isaac N. 
Compton, Captain, September, 1863 ; Whitley Artillery, James C Bodley, 
Captain, June, 1861. The men composing these guards were afterward re- 
quired to face the bullets of the Southern Confederacy. Taking into consid- 
eration the influences brought to bear upon the citizens not to enlist, and even 
to discourage assistance to continue the war, the reader will be led to think 
that Whitley County did her full share in suppressing the rebellion. But it 
must be borne in mind that several drafts were instituted to compel localities to 
fill their quotas, and great exertions were necessary on the part of recruiting 
and enlisting officers to fill their companies. The first draft occurred October 
6, 1862, and gave the citizens a taste of what was to follow. The following 
were the officers of the draft: Alexander Hall, Provost Marshal; James S. 
Collins, Commissioner ; and Dr, D. G. Linvill, Surgeon. The call for 300,000 
men had been made in August, 1862, and as Whitley was considerably behind, 
or at least that was the understanding, it was thought here that unless some- 
thing very important was done in the way of filling the required quota, the 
county must submit to the humiliation of a draft. A fair bounty was imme- 



86 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

diately offered by the County Commissioners, and this, with the State and Ra- 
tional bounties, besides the regular pay per month, proved almost sufficient to 
relieve the county. On the 20th of September, 1862, the townships in the 
county stood subject to draft as follows: Richland, 6; Troy, 9; Washington, 
38; Columbia, 18; Jefferson, 34; Union, 5; Smith, 9; Thorn Creek, 34; 
total, 153. 

Between the 20th of September and the 6th of October, a sufficient num- 
ber enlisted to clear all the townships except Thorn Creek, Washington and 
Jefferson, these townships being behind some twenty-five men. The draft was 
conducted in the Court House by the above-named officers, amid such severe 
excitement as to indicate, if anything was done to precipitate events, a success- 
ful resistance to the draft. There were read out the names of men who violently 
cursed everything, from Lincoln to the Draft Commissioner, and who swore 
that they would never enter the ranks to continue the damnable war. There 
were also read out the names of those who looked like death when they knew 
they were in for it. Others, of both parties, loyally faced the music, and de- 
clared they had taken their chances and were ready to go. The drafted men 
were taken to Indianapolis, where, through the neglect of a number of military 
" nincompoops," they were compelled to " cabbage," without orders or payment, 
a large barrel of crackers. This food, with a little water, constituted their only 
supper. The aforesaid " nincompoops " were summarily cashiered for their 
neglect and dismissed the service, and payment was made for the barrel of 
crackers. 

This draft, promptly made and executed, proved to the citizens that the 
Government was in earnest, not trifling, and thereafter all but rebel sympa- 
thizers exerted themselves to avoid any further conscription. Yet, notwith- 
standing all efforts, several drafts occurred afterward, under the supervision of 
Hiram Iddings, Provost Marshal ; William S. Smith, Commissioner, and Ste- 
phen Morris, Surgeon, draft officers, located at Kendallville, for the Tenth Con- 
gressional District. The commissions of these officers took effect in May, 1863. 
Charles W. Hughes was appointed Assistant Provost Marshal for Whitley 
County. On the 4th of July, 1863, Mr. Hughes attempted the arrest of a 
deserter whom he met on the street of Columbia City. The deserter resisted, 
and, escaping, ran out of town, but was pursued by Lieut. Slagle and 
brought back. The day had been one of great political excitement, and 
the celebration had been interrupted several times by riots and fights. As soon 
as it became known on the streets that the deserter had been arrested, a rescue 
was determined upon, regardless of the consequences. A small body of men had 
assembled to sustain the arrest, but they were greatly outnumbered. Everybody 
was excited at the prospect of the impending conflict, and the interest became 
intense. Women began to cry out and shed tears, and even some men sought 
the presumably safe fortification of female crinoline. The crowds met, the 
smaller was swept back and scattered, and the law-breakers rescued their friend 



HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 87 

with shouts of joy. This was not done, however, without desperate resistance 
from the Marshal and his band, and sundry noses were made to flow, and eyes 
made to assume the hue of Erebus. 

Almost every week, news was received that women had met in sanguinary 
conflict at schoolhouses or cross-roads. Every week or two, the papers contained 
highly sensational pen portraits of the fights. It was certainly a scene to make 
the blood of the boldest run cold. The men were not behind in " scrimmages " 
of this nature. During the entire continuance of the war, scores of terrific 
fights occurred over hard names and bad blood. 

The condition of affairs in Whitley County was announced to the District 
Provost Marshal at Kendallville, who, thereupon, resolved that he would arrest 
the three or four deserters who were lurking in the county. Accordingly, on 
the 17th of July, 1863, the District Marshal, in command of about seventy- 
five men — soldiers — from Kendallville, entered the county from the north, 
arresting a deserter in Thorn Creek Township, thence moving to Larwill, where 
another deserter was taken, thence to Columbia City, arriving there about 8 
o'clock in the morning. The deserter there was soon found and arrested, and 
the three taken to the Tremont House, handcuffed and closely guarded. [News, 
July 21, 1863.] This paper stated that the cause of the last man's arrest was 
not because he had deserted ; but because he rescued, as above stated, on Inde- 
pendence Day, the deserter who had been arrested by Marshal Hughes. The 
statement of the paper is probably correct. As soon as it became known that 
a body of troops was in town, and that arrests were being made, hundreds of 
people appeared on the streets to see what was transpiring. Excitement ran 
to mountainous heights when it was discovered that all efforts would fail to 
prevent the arrests. The soldiers breakfasted, and, in the meantime, it became 
apparent on the streets that trouble would ensue. The military body, with the 
deserters in charge, had no sooner reached the street (Van Buren) than it was 
surrounded by a shouting mob, which heaped insult upon insult upon the soldiers, 
until the latter were compelled to chastise a few with swords and bayonets. 
During this conflict, two prominent citizens were arrested, one for disloyal 
expressions and unwarranted interference with the arrests that were being made 
by the soldiers ; the other, for resisting the arrest of his friend, who was a rela- 
tive. During the arrest of these two, it became necessary to resort to stern meas- 
ures. The commanding officer of the detachment of soldiers drew his revolver 
and fired three or four shots, one or two of which took effect in the person of 
one of the citizens under arrest, both of whom, when the soldiers moved, were 
taken some distance into the country with the rest of the prisoners, where, after 
a parley with the officers, they were released ; but the deserters were retained, 
and, after a few months, the one arrested at Columbia City for resisting the 
arrest of a deserter returned to Columbia City, and was given a public ovation 
by his friends. 

Disturbances much of a similar character were afterward enacted in the 



88 
county 



HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 



. This was the condition of public feeling and action during the entire 
war. The drafts of 1863 and 1864 came on, and many were thus called into 
service. 

The following was the condition of the quotas of the different townships 
of Whitley County under the call of July 18, 1864 : 



Smith Township 

Thorn Creek Township 

iEtna Township 

Troy Township 

Richland Township 

Columbia Township 

Union Township , 

Jefferson Township 

Washington Township.. 
Cleveland Township 



Total. 



Excess. 



20 
6 



52 
33 



37 



148 



Deficit. 



3 
2 



2 

1 



Quota. 



28 
39 
9 
38 
29 
78 
32 
27 
33 
36 



349 



To furnish. 
31 

19 
3 

40 
29 
26 

29 
34 



211 



A draft was ordered for this call of 500,000 men, but was postponed 
until December, 1864, at which time another call for 300,000 men was issued. 
The citizens well knew that, unless the county exerted itself wonderfully, the 
quota of Whitley County under these two calls, as shown in the two tables — a 
total of 418 men — would have to be filled by draft. The quota of Whitley 
County under the last call of the President, in December, 1864, for 300,000 
men, was 207. The quotas of the different townships were : Men 

Smith Township 31 

Thorn Creek Township 17 

Mtna, Township 5 

Troy Township 40 

Richland Township 32 

Columbia Township 16 

Union , 4 

Jefferson 24 

Washington 27 

Cleveland 11 

Total 207 

The citizens resolved to fill the quotas, if such a thing were possible. The 
County Commissioners met and raised the county bounty to $450, and then the 
inducements held out took the following excellent shape : 

The quota of Whitley County is not quite full yet, and, unless the men come forward and 
enlist, the draft will certainly come off at no distant day. Drafted men get no bounties. Volun- 
teers receive the following for one year's service : 

Regular Government bounty $100 00 

County bounty 450 00 

Township bounty 100 00 

Monthly pay for one year 192 00 

Clothing, not less than 150 00 

Rations — lowest rate of boarding 200 00 



Total for one year's service $1,192 00 




I'M- 



sarah- 







COLUMBIA CITY. 



HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 91 

This is a good chance to make a little money. For one year's service you get $1,192, of 
which amount $583 — nearly one-half — is paid in advance, in shining greenbacks at that, before 
departing for the tented field. Recruiting offices have been opened at the Tremont House, in this 
city, and at the American House, in Springfield, this county. — News, last of February 1865. 

These inducements were too much for the boys, who volunteered rapidly 
from all quarters. Soon it beeame apparent that, even if Whitley County did 
not quite fill its quota, no draft would be held. 

The following table shows what the county paid during the war as bounty 
and relief fund : 

County, City or Township . Bounty. Belief. 

Whitley County $105,900 $13,883 

Cleveland Township 2,750 500 

Richland Township 11,072 304 

Troy Township 5,000 300 

Washington Township 2,200 200 

Columbia Township 6,020 500 

Thorn Creek Township 2,250 200 

Jefferson Township 1,500 200 

Union Township 1,126 260 

Smith Township 4,719 200 

Etna Township 500 100 

Whitley County Total $143,037 $16,647 

Total Bounty and Relief $159,684 

The regiments from Indiana which contained the greatest number of men 
from Whitley County were the Eleventh, Seventeenth, Forty-fourth, Seventy- 
fourth, Eighty-eighth, One Hundredth, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth, One 
Hundred and Forty-second, One Hundred and Fifty- second, and the Fifth 
Light Artillery. The Eleventh Regiment fought at Forts Heiman, Henry and 
Donelson ; at Shiloh ; siege of Corinth ; Yazoo Pass Expedition ; the Vicksburg 
movement; the siege of Vicksburg; battle of Winchester; and battle of Fisher's 
Hill, besides many other smaller engagements. The Seventeenth Regiment 
fought at Greenbrier, siege of Corinth, battle with Gen. Forrest, skirmish with 
Bragg. February, 1863, the regiment was mounted and supplied with Spencer 
rifles ; desperate battle at Hoover's Gap ; Manchester ; Cowan ; Dalton ; near 
Ringgold ; numerous small skirmishes ; Chickamauga ; Thompson's Cove ; 
McMinnville; Shelbyville; Farmington ; battle with Kelley's Brigade; skir- 
mished constantly on the Atlanta campaign ; Pumpkin Vine Church ; Big 
Shanty ; Belle Plain Road ; Kenesaw Mountain ; Marietta ; Chattahoochee 
River; Stone Mountain ; Flat Rock ; New Hope Church ; Rome; Coosaville : 
Leesburg ; Goshen and pursuit of Hood; then followed the " Wilson raid," in 
which the Seventeenth took a prominent part ; Bogue's Creek ; assault on 
Selma ; Tobesofl'kee Creek ; numerous hot skirmishes ; Rocky Creek bridge ; 
captured, without aid, Macon, Ga., with one Major General, three Brigadier 
Generals, 3,000 prisoners, 60 pieces of artillery, 3,000 small arms, etc., etc. 
The Union troops numbered 451 men. Here the regiment was mustered out 
of service. The loss of the regiment during the Wilson raid, from March 22d 

E 



92 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

to May 1st, was twenty-one killed and ninety-four wounded. Up to this time, 
the Seventeenth Regiment had marched over 4,000 miles ; captured over 5,000 
prisoners, together with 6,000 stands of arms ; 70 pieces of artillery ; 11 
stands of colors, and more than 3,000 horses and mules. This was done with 
the total loss of 3 officers and 66 men killed, and 13 officers and 126 men 
wounded. The Mumfordsville affair was engaged in in 1862 by a detachment 
of the regiment. The Seventeenth was one of the most active regiments in 
the war from any State. 

The Forty-fourth Regiment, the latter part of October, 1861, went to 
Indianapolis, and, in December, to Henderson, Ky. In February, 1862, it 
was ordered to Forts Henry and Donelson, where it suffered severely in killed 
and wounded. It went to Pittsburg Landing, and was in both days' battle of 
Shiloh, where it lost the appalling number of thirty-three killed and one hun- 
dred and seventy -seven wounded. It was at Corinth and at Boonville. It 
pursued Bragg northward, reaching Louisville, Ky., on the 26th of September. 
It fought at Perryville and at Russell Hill. In less than three months and a 
half, the regiment had marched on an average ten miles per day, without 
tents. It had suffered terribly on the long marches. The regiment was at 
Stone River, suffering eight killed, fifty-two wounded and twenty-five missing. 
It was present at Chickamauga and Mission Ridge. In these two battles, the 
loss was eighty-two killed, wounded and missing. While at Chattanooga, the 
bovs " veteranized " and went home on a visit. It returned to Chattanooga in 
the spring of 1864, and did provost duty there until September, 1865, when it 
was mustered out of service. The regiment, during its term of service, lost 
350 in killed and wounded, and 58 by disease. Recruits after this from the 
Forty-fourth served in the closing scenes of the war. 

In August, 1862, the Seventy-fourth Regiment, less two companies, left 
Indianapolis for Louisville, Ky. It went to Bowling Green and then to Louis- 
ville. It participated in the pursuit of Bragg. In November, it reached 
Gallatin, and in December it was joined by Companies C and K. These two 
companies had had a severe fight with Bragg's army, and were captured, 
paroled, and in November, 1862, were exchanged and then joined their regi- 
ment. The regiment fought Gen. Morgan. It occupied Gallatin in January, 
1863, then Lavergne, then to Triune, where it arrived in June. It moved in 
the campaign against Tullahoma, skirmished the enemy at Hoover's Gap, and 
in August, participated in the campaign against Chattanooga. In September, 
it skirmished at Dug Gap, Ga. It was one of the first regiments engaged at 
Chickamauga, and with the Tenth Regiment was the last to leave the field. 
The regiment was with that old hero, Gen. Thomas, and lost 20 killed, 129 1 
wounded, and 11 missing. The Seventy- fourth was constantly skirmishing at 
the siege of Chattanooga. It was at Mission Ridge in November, losing 
eighteen killed and wounded. It followed the enemy to Ringgold, Ga., and 
then returned. It was at Buzzard's Roost, February, 1864, but returned to 



HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 93 

Ringgold, where it remained until May, when it moved on the Atlanta cam- 
paign. It fought at Dallas, Kenesaw and Lost Mountains, Chattahoochie 
River, near Peach Tree Creek. The Seventy-fourth on this campaign lost 
forty-six men. The regiment fought at Jonesboro, pursued Hood, fought at 
Rocky Creek Church. It marched around via Savannah, Raleigh, Richmond 
and Washington, D. C, and finally reached home during the summer of 1865. 
This was one of the best regiments from Indiana. 

The Eighty-eighth Regiment reached Louisville late in September, 1862. 
On the 8th of October, the regiment fought like veterans at Champion Hills, 
losing heavily. It then moved to Nashville, thence to Murfreesboro, where it 
fought at Stone River, participating particularly in the last charge. Again the 
regiment suffered terribly. In the summer and early autumn of 1863, the Eighty- 
eighth fought at Hoover's Gap, Tullahoma, Hillsboro, Elk River and Lookout 
Mountain. On the 10th of September, it had a severe skirmish with Polk's 
command. It fought desperately three days at Chickamauga. It charged on 
Mission Ridge, and was personally complimented by Gen. Thomas. It 
fou»ht at Graysville and Ringgold, and was on the terrible Atlanta campaign, 
fighting at Tunnel Hill, Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Dallas, 
Kenesaw Mountain, Chattahoochie, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta and Utoy 
Creek. The loss in this campaign was sixty-five killed, wounded and missing. 
The Eighty-eighth pursued Hood, and then moved to the sea with Sherman. 
It also went with Sherman north, fighting at Averysboro and Bentonville — loss 
at the latter thirty-nine. It started home via Washington, D. C, and was 
greeted all along the route by crowds of grateful people. 

The One Hundredth Regiment, organized in Fort Wayne in August, 1862, 
took the field at Memphis, where it arrived on the 16th of November. It 
moved on the first Vicksburg campaign, but soon returned to Memphis, near 
where it was assigned guard duty. In June, 1863, it went with Grant, and 
participated in the siege of Vicksburg. It marched and fought with Sherman 
at Jackson, being under fire for five successive days. The regiment then 
marched to Big Black River, where it remained during the summer. In Sep- 
tember, it moved to Memphis, thence to Bridgeport, Ala., thence to Trenton, 
Ga., where it turned the left flank of Bragg's army. It moved to Chatta- 
nooga, and afterward fought severely at Mission Ridge, losing in killed and 
wounded the appalling number of one hundred and thirty-two men. It pur- 
sued Bragg to Graysville, thence marched to Knoxville, thence to Scottsboro, 
Ala., arriving there December 26. Within a few weeks the regiment had 
marched over eight hundred miles and had fought bravely, and was only half 
clothed and half fed — all performed without a murmur. The One Hundredth 
moved with the Atlanta campaign in 1864, fighting at Dalton, Snake Creek 
Gap, Resaca, Dallas, New Hope Church, Big Shanty, Kenesaw Mountain, 
Nickajack Creek, Chattahoochie River, Decatur, Atlanta, Cedar Bluffs, Jones- 
boro and Lovejoy's Station. It had marched and fought nearly one hundred 



94 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

days. It pursued Hood, and then moved to the sea with Sherman, fighting 
at Griswoldville, Ga., reaching Savannah December 10, and moving through 
the Carolinas. It went to Washington, D. C, where it remained until June, 
1865, when it was mustered out. The One Hundredth, during its term of 
service, lost 464 men, killed, died of wounds and of disease. 

The One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Regiment took the field at Nash- 
ville April 7, 1864. After several severe campaigns, the regiment took up its 
march on the Atlanta campaign. It fought at Dallas, and skirmished with 
the enemy for several weeks near Lost Mountain. The regiment was in a ter- 
rific fight at Decatur, losing heavily. It skirmished around Atlanta and at 
Strawberry Run, losing twenty-five men killed and wounded. It pursued 
Hood, moved to Chattanooga, to Nashville, joined Gen. Thomas, thence to 
Johnsonville and Columbia. Here heavy skirmishing was carried on, and soon 
after the regiment moved rapidly to Franklin, at which place, as is often said, 
the hottest conflict of the war took place. The One Hundred and Twenty- 
ninth lost very heavily. It returned to Nashville, where it remained until Decem- 
ber 15, 1864, when it moved out with Gen. Thomas and participated two days 
in the fight with Hood. It joined in the pursuit, but was soon conveyed to 
the Atlantic coast, landing at Moorhead City. It moved out skirmishing at 
first, but finally fighting with great desperation at Wise's Forks, losing very 
heavily. It did provost duty during the summer of 1865 at Charlotte. In 
August it was mustered out of service. 

The One Hundred and Forty-second Regiment (one year's service) reached 
Nashville in November, 1864, and was assigned garrison duty. The regiment 
was at the battle of Nashville, when Thomas thrashed Hood, and was held as 
reserve. After the battle, it returned to Nashville, doing duty there until July, 
1865, when it was mustered out. 

The Fifth Battery Light Artillery, with six guns, took the field, near 
Louisville, November 29, 1861. It consisted of 148 men, under Capt. Peter 
Simonson. The battery was raised in Whitley, Noble, La Porte and Allen Coun- 
ties. After various movements, it won its first laurels near Huntsville, Ala., 
where it stopped several flying railroad trains of the enemy. The guns were put 
on locomotives, and sent down on the track to burn bridges, etc. The men were 
also used as scouts while here. The battery fought hard, at Stevenson, to pro- 
tect government stores. It fought desperately at Champion Hills six hours, 
losing two men killed and eighteen wounded, thirty-two horses killed and crip- 
pled and one caisson chest blown up by the enemy's shell. It was compli- 
mented by the commanding General. It skirmished with the enemy at Triune 
December, 1862, and finally participated in the fierce battle of Stone River. 
Early in the morning of the 31st of December (first day of the battle), the 
Fifth was terribly cut up, losing three men killed and sixteen wounded — one 
mortally — and thirty-two horses and two guns. The division commander paid 
the Fifth a high and merited compliment. In June, it skirmished heavily at 



HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 95 

Liberty Gap, but afterward moved gradually southward with the main army, 
fighting at Pond Springs in September, losing one gun and several horses. It 
fought desperately nearly all the next day, and when ordered back lost another 
gun. While at Chattanooga, it lost one man killed, nine wounded and two 
prisoners, besides twenty-six horses and two guns. It was ordered to Shell 
Mound, where it remained on guard until February, 1864. In a reconnoissance 
on Buzzard's Roost, the Fifth fought again, but without loss. The battery, in 
the Atlanta campaign, fought at Tunnel Hill, Rocky Face Ridge, Resaca, 
near Adairsville, Kingston, Cassville, Pine Mountain (where the gallant Capt. 
Simonson was shot through the head with a musket ball), Kenesaw Mountain, 
New Hope Church, Hurst's Station, Peach Tree Creek, before Atlanta and at 
Jonesboro. The loss in these engagements was six men killed and six wounded. 
At Pine Mountain, the shot that killed the rebel Gen. Polk was fired from one 
of the Rodman guns of the Fifth Battery. The battery lost during the war 
nine killed, three mortally wounded, forty-eight wounded, twenty-one died of 
disease, prisoners three. It also lost four guns, but was one of Indiana's best 
batteries. 

WHITLEY COUNTY'S ROLL OF HONOR. 

Lieut. Col. George B. Stough, died of wounds in Libby Prison, October 
29, 1863. 

Capt. Peter Simonson, killed in action at Pine Mountain, Ga., June 16, 
1864. 

Lieut. William Forrest, died of disease, September 28, 1863. 

Lieut. Daniel Little, died of wounds received in action, Decembar 15, 1863. 

Washington Acker, died at Memphis, November 1, 1863 ; William Abbott, 
died at Chattanooga July 20, 1864 ; Andrew Arnold, died at Chattanooga June 
25, 1864. 

Nicholas Beesack, killed at Noonday Creek, Ga.. June 20, 1864 ; Jacob 
Bryer, died of wounds, at Murfreesboro, January 3, 1863 ; Robert Blain, died 
at Mitchellsville, Tenn., November 10, 1862; Reuben Barnes, died of wounds 
at Murfreesboro, January 3, 1863 ; Edwin A. Briggs, died at Louisville, Ky., 
November 2T, 1862 ; William Boyd, died at Nashville July 9, 1863 ; Warren 
Banta, killed at Shiloh April 6, 1862 ; Henry Brenneman, died May 12, 1862; 
Samuel Baker (veteran), killed by cars, January 30, 1865 ; John C. Brown, 
killed at Chickamauga September 19, 1863 ; Emery Bennet, died at Gallatin, 
Tenn., December 2, 1862; James Barber, died of wounds at Ackworth, Ga., 
June 19, 1864; John Bennet, died at Camp Sherman, Miss., August 1, 1863 ; 
Nelson Bugbee died at Scottsboro, Ala., January 12, 1864; Christopher 
Burnsworth, died at Chattanooga October 1, 1861 ; Ansel Bloomer died at 
Murfreesboro May 2, 1864 ; John Batz, died at Indianapolis March 24, 1865. 

William Croy, died at Louisville November 13, 1862 ; Archibald Carter, 
captured at Chickamauga September 20, 1863 ; Joseph Carnes, died February 
4, 1862; John M. Collins, missing in action at Chickamauga, September 19, 



96 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

1863 ; Solomon Carpenter, died March 15, 1862 ; James Carpenter, missing 
in action at Chickamauga, September 19, 1863 ; John E. Cassel, died at Nash- 
ville October 3, 1863; John Cooper, died at Altoona, Ga., June 9, 1864; 
George Cummins, died at Danville, Ky., November 7, 1862. 

Stephen Donley, died at Gallatin, Tenn., December 11, 1862 ; Henry 
Dilater, died February 8, 1862 ; Jesse A. Denny, died at Nashville August 
29, 1864 ; William Denevy, died in the field June, 1864. 

George W. Elder, died at Huntsville,Ala., February 2, 1865. 

Richard Francis, killed at Hoover's Gap June 24, 1863 ; William Farris, 
died November 11, 1864 ; Andrew J. Fox, died at Nashville March 20, 1863 ; 
George Forrest, died at Peach Tree Creek, Ga., July 21, 1864 ; Leroy Foust, 
died of wounds received at Kenesaw, June 20, 1864. 

William Grimes, died of wounds, at Murfreesboro, July 20, 1863 ; B. F. 
Gingher, died at Euharlee, Ga., May 31, 1864 ; Josiah Gradeless, died at Gal- 
latin, Tenn., December 23, 1862 ; Walter Gruesbeck, died of wounds, August 
25, 1864; John P. Grace, died at Bentonville, N. C, March 20, 1865; As- 
bury Grable, died of wounds received at Stone River January 12, 1863 ; 
Nathaniel Gordon, died of wounds at Chattanooga, November 8, 1863 ; Elijah 
Graves, died at Memphis November 12, 1863 ; Isaac Groves, died at Chatta- 
nooga November 7, 1864. 

Isaac Harrison, died of accidental wounds, July 2, 1862 ; David Hyre, 
killed by guerrillas March 14, 1865 ; Peter Haynes, died of wounds at Ste- 
phenson, Ala., October 17, 1863 ; James Huston, died in Andersonville Prison 
June 23, 1864 ; Frederick Hively died of wounds at Chattanooga, June 25, 

1864 ; Daniel Herr, died at Tyree Springs, Tenn., November 29, 1862 ; George 
Holloway died in rebel prison, Danville, Va., March 7, 1864 ; George G. 
Hennemeyer, died at Bowling Green, Ky., January 1, 1863 ; William Huston, 
died at Bowling Green November 7, 1862 ; John D. Harbor, died at Nashville 
January 5, 1864 ; Reuben Householder, died at Camp Piatt, West Va., August 
3, 1865 ; William Hutchcraft, died at Savannah, Ga., January 1, 1865. 

William F. Johnson, killed at Shelbyville, Tenn., October 7, 1863 ; John 
A. Jameson, died of wounds at Nashville, November 1, 1863 ; Orange L. Jones, 
died at Murfreesboro September 23, 1863. 

Horace S. Klinck, died of wounds December 10, 1863 ; David Kime, died 
at Macon, Ga., April 23, 1865 ; C. L. Kaufman, died at Gallatin, Tenn., Jan- 
uary 1, 1863 ; William S. Kearns, killed at Mission Ridge November 25, 1863 ; 
Samuel B. Kernes, died at Beaufort, S. C. August 14, 1864 ; John W. Kline, 
died at Nashville July 30, 1864. 

David J. Lamb, died at Memphis November 10, 1863 ; William W. Lin- 
dle, died at Memphis. 

Conrad Miller, killed at Shelbyville, Tenn., October 7, 1863 ; James Mc- 
Donald, died in Andersonville Prison October 16, 1864 ; Jasper McNear, miss- 
ing in action at Chickamauga September 19, 1863 ; Jackson Mosher, died at 



HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 97 

Chattanooga, February 18, 1864 ; Allen Myers died at Calhoun, Ky., Febru- 
ary 8, 1862; Francis M. Martin, killed at Chickamauga September 19, 1863; 
William Marshall, died at Nashville January 20, 1863 ; John Mossman, died 
at St. Louis December 1, 1863 ; Calvin Mellet, died at Memphis November 
24, 1862 ; John McNabb, died at Holly Springs, Miss., January 15, 1863. 

George Neff, missing in action at Chickamauga, September 19, 1863 ; 
Abraham Nicheles, died at Nashville February 6, 1863 ; Edward North, died 
at Columbus, Ohio. 

John Owens, died at Indianapolis November 25, 1862 ; Anthony Olinger, 
died at Marietta, Ga., September 21, 1864. 

Solomon Payne, died at St. Louis May 10, 1862 ; Wesley Parret, died at 
Memphis July 7, 1862 ; Noah Pence, died at Nashville, December 21, 1862 ; 
Reason W. Pumphrey, died at Memphis November 28, 1862 ; Royer Pittman, 
killed at Mission Ridge November 25, 1863. 

George T. Roley, died at home February 21, 1864 ; Jesse Rowles, died 
of wounds at Shelbyville, Tenn., December 16, 1863 ; Albert Rovenstine, died 
at Bowling Green November 8, 1862. 

Nimrod Smith, died November 23, 1861 ; Francis M. Slagle, died March 
2, 1863 ; Henry Snavely died at home February 18, 1864 ; David Stough, 
killed by pistol shot December 16, 1862 ; W. B. Summany, wounded, supposed 
dead, Rock Springs, Tenn., September 12, 1863 ; David Smalley, missing while 
foraging near Calhoun, Ga., October 20, 1864; Linton Shoemaker, died at 
home November 2, 1863 ; John A. Shoemaker, died at Lavergne, Tenn., May 
13, 1863 ; Mahlon Sipe, wounded and missing at Stone River December 31, 
1862 ; Joseph Swisher, died at home February 24, 1864 ; Hiram Smith, died 
at Evansville March 1, 1864 ; William Stiver, died December 6, 1861 ; E. A. 
Smith, died at Gallatin, Tenn., February 26, 1863 ; James Samuels, killed at 
Mission Ridge, November 25, 1863 ; Charles Swindle, died at Grand Junction, 
Tenn., April 8, 1863; George Simpkins, died in the field November 16, 1863; 
Allen Sears, died at Tullahoma, Tenn., October 27, 1864 ; David Sprinkle, 
died at Louisville November 10, 1862. 

Andrew Tinkham died at Gallatin January 25, 1863 ; Samuel Taylor, 
died at Camp Sherman, August, 1863. 

Milton Whiteman, killed at Macon, Ga., April 20, 1865 ; John H. Wire- 
man, died September 16, 1862 ; James C. Watson, killed at Chickamauga, Sep- 
tember 19, 1863; Nathan Walton, died at Nashville September 13, 1863; 
James Walker, died at Murfreesboro, Tenn., January 20, 1863 ; Jacob Wise, 
died Mav 17, 1865; David Warts, died December 8, 1861; George Weamer, 
died of wounds received at Shiloh, April 7, 1862 ; Abram Walker, died at 
Louisville October 23, 1863 ; Josiah Walker, died at Springfield, Ky., Octo- 
ber 10, 1862 ; John Weil, killed at Mission Ridge, November 25, 1863. 



98 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 



CHAPTER V. 

by thomas k. marshall. 
Columbia City and Township— Locating Columbia— Survey and Plat— 
Elihu Chauncey— Town and Township Organizations— Early Settlers 
and Officers— First Buildings— Growth and Improvement — Indus- 
trial Interests— Present Business Men — Incorporation — Education 
and Religion— Secret Societies— Election Statistics— Other Valua- 
ble Information. 

" We have no title deeds to house or lands ; 
Owners and occupants of earlier dates, 
From graves forgotten, stretch their dusty hands, 
And hold, in mortmain still, their old estates." 

rj^HIS is indeed an age when men count lives by milestones and not by 
J- paces. The borning of yesterday has become the manhood of to-day. 
The mythologic era, when Minerva sprang in panoply from the brain of Jove, 
has found its counterpart in the sudden development of these once lately Wes- 
tern Wilds. " Life ripens in these later years, 

The century's aloe flowers to-day." 

Come with me to the spire of your temple of justice, this glorious spring 
morning. From the purple chambers of the East, a modern Phaeton is rising 
from his couch to harness the fiery steeds of the sun, and take such a ride as 
the elder Phaeton never dreamed of. Over cities of a million souls, beside the 
classic seats of learning, among the mountains, round the valleys, until at 
eventide he shall water his foaming steeds in the peaceful waves near our 
Golden Gate. I know that we are an English, liberty-loving people, and an 
aggressive one, too, for I hear the twitter of the English sparrow, that goes 
where it listeth, and stands back for no bird of beauty or of song. I know 
that we dwell in the midst of a Christian civilization — for I can see four 
spires pointing heavenward, and the place for five more to point. I have been 
told in my researches among the archives of this people that the reason why 
they do not point is because they have already built as high as they own. I, 
however, look upon this as abase canard, suggested by denominational jeal- 
ousy. I know, too, that the schoolmaster is abroad in the land. There are 
four of him — the other five of him are schoolmistresses. I know that we are 
a quiet, law-abiding people, for I see to the southeastward an immense pile of 
hewn stones, whose windows are of tempered steel and whose doors are of iron, 
double jointed. And yet when I hear, now and then, of the escape of a pris- 
oner, I realize with crushing force the truth of the poet's statement, 

" Stone walls do not a prison make, 
Nor iron bars a cage." 

I look upon the busy marts of trade, I hear the hum of industry, I see 
the smiling faces of the children of our town, and my heart goes out in adora- 




' 



"■■ '■* 





COUNTY CLERK, COLUMBIA CITY. 



HISTORi 7 OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 101 

tion to Him who hath made these things possible to be. I say to myself, 

truly tniS IS .< ^ land of settled government, and just renown, 

Where freedom slowly broadens down, 
From precedent to precedent;" 

and a longing comes over me to know whence and how all these things have come 
to pass in so short a time. Let us trace, therefore, as well as may be, the life of 
this town and township for the little more than forty years since from nothing 
it has grown to what it now is. 

Upon the 25th day of November, 1839, the Board of County Commis- 
sioners, consisting of Otho W. Gandy, Joseph Parrett and Nathaniel Gradeless, 
came to what is now the town of Columbia City, and the seat of justice of 
Whitley County, for the purpose of platting the town. Henry Swihart, County 
Agent, Richard Collins, Sheriif and Abram Cuppy, Clerk, came with them. 
Zebulon Burch was also of the party, and acting in the capacity of Commissary. 
The party stopped at the place where now stands the office of Jacob Ramp, in 
Block 7, Swihart's Addition to the town of Columbia City. At that time, the 
snow covered the ground- It was in the primitive days, and long before 
Prometheus had brought a second time fire from Heaven in the shape of 
Lucifer matches. It may be observed by the enlightened reader that Lucifer 
has not been in Heaven for a long time. The only excuse I can offer is that 
a country historian, like a spring poet, cannot afford to be too choice in the use 
of his similes and illustrations. Richard Collins, therefore, unlimbered him- 
self from his steed at the farm now known as the Essig farm, southwest of town 
about four miles, and where R. J. German then lived, and gathering from his 
hearth a tin pail of coals, bestrode again his foaming steed and carried the 
coals to the point of destination. This company proceeded to cut down timber 
and built a fire. Zebulon Burch then stretched a tent, and, amid the almost 
unbroken solitudes, the founders of this city lay down to rest. 

Upon the next day, Thursday, the 26th of November, 1839, Richard 
Collins began the survey of the town plat, and proceeded with the same until 
Friday afternoon. At that time, Dr. Connell and Isaac Spencer were Com- 
missioners to view, locate and lay out the Lima & Huntington State road. 
They came to the camp where Mr. Collins was on Friday night. From that 
point south, there were no settlers until you reached the vicinity of Hunting- 
ton. Isaac Spencer was a staid old Presbyterian Deacon, who had that extreme 
reverence for the Sabbath which has latterly grown to be only a reminis- 
cence of the past. He would not work on Sunday. He, therefore, went back 
to the cabin of Richard Baughan, two and a half miles up Blue River. On 
Saturday Mr. Collins set Mr. Kroiner, County Surveyor of La Grange County, 
and his hands at work surveying the town plat. On Saturday afternoon the 
snow had melted off. On Sunday morning, Richard Collins, who then resided 
near South Whitley, concluded to go home. At that date the only highways 
were Indian trails. He accordingly mounted his horse and struck out. Four 



102 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

or five hours taught him that if there was nothing in the faith of Isaac Spencer, 
it at least kept a man out of trouble. For upon examination of his compass, 
the day having grown foggy, Mr. Collins found himself in the neighborhood 
of Fort Wayne. He thereupon proceeded to reef and tacked about until finally 
he reached South Whitley. And thus was begun what in time, we hope, may 
be an honor and glory to our commonwealth. 

On the 1st day of February, 1840, one Elihu Chauncey appeared before 
William Milnor, one of the Aldermen of the city of Philadelphia in the Com- 
monwealth of Pennsylvania, and as such Alderman and ex officio Justice of 
the Peace, and in due form of law, executed a conveyance to Richard Collins, 
Trustee of Whitley County, Ind., which embraced these facts : 

Whereas, Elihu Chauncey is the owner of a certain tract of land situate in Columbia 
Township, Whitley County, Indiana, which has been selected by Commissioners duly appointed, 
as the location of the county seat of Whitley County ; and, 

Whereas, Elihu Chauncey hath agreed to appropriate and convey to and for the use of 
said county, one-half of the lots into which the site of said town ha* been laid off; and, 

Whereas, A plat or map of the said site has been made containing 28 squares, each 
square being subdivided into 8 lots, except Squares 21, 22 and 28, which are divided into 4 lots 
each, which map has been certified and acknowledged. 

Now, in consideration of said premises and one dollar to him in hand paid, the said 
Elihu Chauncey releases and quit-claims to Richard Collins, all the lots numbered 3, 4, 7 and 
8 in all the squares except 21, 22 and 28, and in 21 and 22, lots 3 and 4, and in 28, lots 1 and 
2, to have and to hold the same forever to the use of Whitley County, as and for the location of 
of a county seat. 

On the 4th day of May, 1840, the Board of Commissioners met at the 
house of David E. Long, in the town of Columbia, the county seat. Present, 
Otho W. Gandy, Joseph Parrett and J. G. Braddock, Commissioners ; Abra- 
ham Cuppy, Clerk ; and Richard Collins, Sheriff. On the 5th day of May, 
1840, the following entry appears upon the records of said board : 

Ordered, That Congressional Township 31, of Range 9 east, be organized as a civil town- 
ship, and call the same Columbia Township, and order an election of one Justice of the Peace in 
said town on the first Monday in August next, and appoint Raymond J. German Inspector of 
Elections therein. The election to be held at the house of David E. Long, in the town of 
Columbia, in said county. 

The first election in this township was accordingly held on the 3d day of 
August, 1840. After a closely contested election, Elijah C. Osborn was elected 
Justice of the Peace, having received four votes to two votes cast for Raymond 
J. German. He failed to qualify, and Joseph W. Baker was appointed and 
qualified as the first Justice of the Peace. On the 6th day of September, 1841, 
at a special election, Horace Tuttle was elected Justice of the Peace to fill the 
vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Joseph W. Baker. 

It is unfortunately true that the early records of the township of Columbia 

have been lost or mislaid, so that in this sketch it is impossible to give the 

names and periods of incumbency of the several township officers. In the early 

"days, however, not much attention was paid to the political affiliations of a man 

when he was a candidate for a local office. The simple query asked was, u Is 



HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 103 

he honest and capable? " In the year 1844, the Democrats made their first 
purely party contest in the township, and succeeded in giving Jacob Wunder- 
lich in the county a majority of five, as against his opponents, Gillespie and 
Thompson. Jacob Thompson at that time was running what was called in 
those primitive days a tavern. He was exceedingly anxious to be elected 
Sheriff, and for that purpose opened up on the day of the election a free lunch 
table, and poured his free whisky out to the electors by the pailful. It was of 
no avail, however, for upon the final count he had only forty votes. A close 
observer of any election of recent date may perhaps have noticed that a portion 
of this ancient mode of electioneering has not wholly passed into disuse. He 
might also observe that there be yet electors who will drink one man's whisky 
and vote for another. 

It may not be amiss, however, to give to the public, through this medium, 
a general idea of the manner in which township business was conducted prior 
to the passage of the new constitution in 1852. On the 17th day of February, 
1838, the General Assembly of the State of Indiana, passed an act, which 
provided as follows : 

First. Township elections were to be held annually on the first Monday 
in April. 

Second. The officers to be elected were three Township Trustees ; a 
Township Treasurer ; a Township Clerk ; two Fence Viewers ; two Overseers 
of the Poor, and as many Constables as there were Justices of the Peace. 

Third. The Township Trustees were to meet on the first Mondays in 
March, June, September and November. At their first meeting they were to 
divide townships into road districts and appoint Supervisors. 

Fourth. The Township Trustees were to assess the township taxes and 
they were to appoint one of the Constables collector thereof. 

Fifth. They were to have power upon the petition of twelve householders 
to establish, vacate or change highways. 

Sixth. This was a local act and applied only to the counties of Carroll, 
Delaware, Clay, Madison, Warren, Clinton, Adams, Jay, Wells, Huntington, 
Whitley, Allen and Hancock. 

At that date this county was in the Tenth Congressional District. It 
was joined with Elkhart and Kosciusko for senatorial and representative pur- 
poses. So stood the law until in 1843, Samuel Bigger, by authority of the 
Legislature of this State, revised the statutes of the State. In that year the 
officers created were one Inspector of Elections ; as many Constables as might 
be required ; a Supervisor for each road district ; two Fence Viewers, and 
two Overseers of the Poor. This act was in force until the year 1852, when 
the new constitution and revised statutes made a change. On Monday, April 
4, 1853, was held the first election under our present constitution, with the fol- 
lowing result : Jacob Wunderlich, A. A. Bainbridge, Samuel Brown, Trustees ; 
David M. Hammond, Township Clerk ; William H. Dunfee, Township Treas- 



104 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

urer. For license, 47 votes. Against license, 80 votes were cast. And so 
it seems that in the mythologic years of the fifties, Columbia Township would 
have been prohibitory in its vote. At this election 145 votes were cast. 

May 28th, 1853, an election was held for the purpose of determining 
whether a tax for school purposes should be levied. There were only nine- 
teen votes polled — eleven for and eight against the proposed taxation. The 
residue of the electors did not vote aye. It has been suggested that the reason 
why was because they did not know of it. 

The whirligig of politics shows strange things to the looker-on, for 
upon the 11th of October, 1853, the present incumbent of our guberna- 
torial chair, Albert G. Porter, as a Democrat, received in this township sixty- 
eight votes for Reporter of the Supreme Court, as against seventy votes cast 
for his Whig opponent, Jonathan W. Gordon, now Clerk of the Supreme 
Court. From out the crucible of life, how doth the alchemist of the ages melt 
into a common mass the divers elements. At this same election, James L. 
Worden was elected Prosecuting Attorney. If nothing more could be said 
of Columbia Township, the fact that in her borders first grew and strengthened 
the mind of Judge James L. Worden, now of the Supreme Bench of this 
commonwealth, would be sufficient to show that there were indeed giants in 
those days. 

It is not within the scope of this sketch to record the war period. As an 
instance however of how strong a hold a military title had upon the minds of 
the people, it may not be out of place to clip from the Township Records the 
following portion of the entry made in relation to the election in October, 1864 : 

"For Lieutenant Governor, Col. Conrad Baker received 178 votes and no 
more. For Clerk of the Supreme Court, Gen. Laz. Nobles received 178 
votes and no more. For Reporter of the Supreme Court, Col. -Gen. Benj. 
Harrison received 178 votes and no more." 

There is at the present time in the county of Whitley a large and very 
respectable number of people who are surprised that we still continue to vote 
the Democratic ticket. Nay more, by way of joke, they intimate that we are 
still casting our ballots for Andrew Jackson. Let me for the moment enter the 
arena as a politician, and deny the soft impeachment. Let me say that I have 
carefully examined the records, and I find that the last votes cast for Andrew 
Jackson were in 1860, when he received 247 votes in this township as Elector 
for the 11th Congressional District upon the Douglas ticket. 

This is neither proper time nor place to speak of the struggles and triumphs 
of the local politician. He is a race and a law unto himself. Nor is this the 
place to detail the life and fortunes of those who in humble as well as in exalted 
situations of public trust served this people faithfully and well. Be it for other 
pens to glide in Lydian measures softly and sweetly over the stories of their 
lives. The mere mention of their names suffices here to call up all the amen- 
ities and asperities of this township's political life. The calling to remembrance 



HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 105 

of the names of the Hon. Adams Y. Hooper, Thomas Washburn, nunc 
ad astra, of I. B. McDonald, Cyrus B. Tulley, Joseph W. Adair, Walter 
Olds, James S. Collins, Michael Sickafoose and others, in and of itself sheds 
a light upon that past which is the future in that what hath been in politics 
shall be again. Suffice it to say that the present officers of this township are : 
George Snyder, Trustee; George Eberhard, Jr., Road Superintendent; Cyrus 
B. Tulley and W. F. McNagny, Justices of the Peace ; William Meiser and 
Joseph Yontz, Constables ; John Perry, Assessor ; Daniel M. Marshall and 
John G. Leininger, Inspectors of Elections. 

In the year 1837, Asa Shoemaker came into the confines of what subse- 
quently became Columbia Township, and settled upon Big Spring Creek, in 
the northeast corner of Section 6, and resided there until his death. His son, 
Samuel F. Shoemaker, was the first white child born in the township. He 
was born upon his father's farm October 18, 1838, and still resides there. 
Joseph M. Baker was the second settler, and was also the grand architect and 
builder of the first court house. He then lived upon what is now known as the 
Cornell farm, just north of town, in Section 3. Raymond J. German moved 
into the township shortly afterward. The court house which Joseph W. Baker 
built was erected in 1841, and was used until 1849. It is still in existence, 
and used and owned by Joseph Zimmerman as a dwelling-house, and is situated 
upon Lot 1, Block 12, in the original plat of the town of Columbia. 

Elijah Scott and Livonia Witt were the first people married in the town- 
ship. Their marriage was solemnized April 8, 1841, by Henry Swihart, 
Justice of the Peace. David E. Long built the first house in what is now the 
town of Columbia City. He built at first a one-story back, and subsequently 
added a two-story front. It was erected upon the spot where now stands the 
drug store of Ruch & Bro., to wit, upon Lot 8, Block 7, of the original plat of 
the town of Columbia. At that spot David E. Long opened up a hotel ; and, 
in front of it hung a huge, creaking wooden sign, upon which was emblazoned 
in large characters, " David E. Long, Entertainment for Man and Beast." 
And here for many years, beside the ruddy glow of that hearth, gathered the 
prime factors of progress, and laughed, and joked, and talked of home and 
friends and native land. When will the time come again when such good cheer 
shall be found as this which threw itself at the weary traveler as he approached 
the tavern of those bygone days ? As the world has enlarged, has not man 
contracted ? And do not some among us even now sigh for the departed glory 
of other days, and mourn for the wassail and good cheer of the old-time bar- 
room ? 

It was in what is now the residence of Henry McLallen that the first 
court was held in Columbia City. The house at that time consisted of two 
rooms, and in one of them the grand jury held its sessions. John Wright, of 
Logansport, was then Judge. On the spot where now stands Grace Lutheran 
Church was an uprooted tree, on which the petit jury deliberated. A reform 



106 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

among juries might even now be accomplished by sitting them on a log until 
they agreed. 

The first stock of goods ever opened up in this town was by John Rhodes, 
on the lot he now owns, upon the corner of Van Buren and Chauncey streets. 
His stock consisted of a few calicoes, groceries and like articles, as are usually 
kept in the ordinary frontier store. It was not conducted upon an extensive 
scale, and yet it was of very great convenience to the few settlers in and around 
Columbia, enabling them to purchase the necessaries of life without a trip on 
horseback to Wayne, " twenty miles away," and to dispose of the scanty prod- 
uce they might have for sale. 

In the year 1844, James B. Edwards came to Columbia with a general 
assortment of dry goods, groceries, etc., and opened up his store beside the 
then tavern of David E. Long. Mr. Edwards, in the years following, became 
actively engaged in molding the political history of the county, and discharged 
at different times the onerous duties of Clerk and Sheriff of the county. Mr. 
Edwards was and is, in popular parlance, "a hail fellow well met," and his 
store soon became the popular resort of the settlers, where the tide of conversa- 
tion ebbed and flowed from politics to potatoes. 

Among the early settlers of this township, and men who afterward became 
prominent in the affairs of the county, were Jacob and Simon Wunderlich. 
They came from Pennsylvania, and arrived here in February, 1844. It grew 
dark before they were enabled to reach town. In the darkness they inquired 
of a man how far it was to Columbia. He replied, a short mile. Carefully 
pursuing their way, they suddenly saw tire flashing from the fire-place. They 
then observed that they were in front of a building of some kind. They 
stopped and made known their arrival by the usual backwoods salutation of 
"Halloo!" David E. Long came to the door. Jacob Wunderlich inquired 
how far it was to Columbia. The reply came back, " You are in town." The 
sarcasm of the answer so completely disarmed them that, without further parley, 
they dismounted and slept beneath the roof of Long's Tavern, the first night of 
many passed in Columbia. 

In the same year, 1844, Thomas Washburn brought the third stock 
of goods to Columbia, and opened up where the Columbia City Woolen 
Mills now are. Mr. Washburn was, perhaps, the most successful business 
man that ever came to the town. He was a man of sterling character, 
of irreproachable honesty and o£kindly ways. He was charitable and well dis- 
posed to all mankind, and had he not been so generous, might have left to his 
estate a princely fortune. 

In the year 1845, Thomas Ellis came from Wayne County, in this State, 
and built the house which is now the residence of Hon. William Carr. In it 
he also opened up a general stock of goods and seemed upon the highway to 
success, when, in 1847, he died. His widow disposed of the stock of goods, 
and returned to Wayne County. 



HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 107 

The approaching march of civilization soon made itself apparent, for before 
1845 Christian Hower started a saloon where enthusiasm was sold in quantities 
to suit. William W. Kepner came in shortly after, and bought him out. 
Among the strange things of those days was the fact that the law did not per- 
mit the sale of intoxicants to the Indians. From that it seems that the noble 
red man of the forest was not thoroughly reliable when under the potent in- 
fluence of the flowing bowl, and the records of the criminal courts of the county are 
full of incidents showing the evasion of that law, and the records of any people will 
be so filled as long as humanity hopes force will do what argument cannot do. 
Surely, it cannot be long until the world shall find out that that law is only 
strong and good which meets the hearty approval of the citizens. 

In the year 1842, Jacob Thompson started an opposition tavern, near 
where now stands the brick business block belonging to Henry Snyder. James 
B. Simcoke was the first physician and Sheriff of the county. How many there 
have since been, let yawning gallows and graveyards tell. I dare to make 
this cut direct, upon the assurance of the publishers that if a second and revised 
edition of this volume is ever issued, I shall have the honor of re-writing this 
chapter. 

In the year 1844, Henry Swihart, as the agent of Henry Ellsworth, 
erected upon the banks of Blue River, near where now stands the steam grist- 
mill of R. Tuttle & Co., a saw and grist mill which was run by water. Traces 
of the old race are still observable in the contour of the land just northeast 
thereof. Col. L B. McDonald, who was then a boy, helped to score the timber 
therefor. One of his friends has observed to me that he is still scoring. The 
erection of this mill was a God-send to the young and growing community, as 
it gave an opportunity for the grinding of wheat and corn without going many 
miles to mill. The mill now standing upon the site of that one is a grist-mill 
in fine running order, doing a large and extensive business, and owned and 
operated by R. Tuttle & Co. 

William M. Cafferty was the first shoemaker in the town of Columbia, and 
had his shop where is now the home of Benjamin F. Beeson, on the banks of 
Blue River. A. K. Goodrich started the first tannery in Columbia, just east 
of where the county jail now stands, upon the lot owned by Frank Supple. 
John A. Taupert erected the first foundry near what is now the depot of the 
Pennsylvania Railroad Company, and operated the same until it was consumed 
by the flames. 

Pause we here upon the early history of the business interests of this 
town, and with such a step as only a Colossus, or an historian could take, begin 
again at the year of grace, 1882. And since the dog law has come into force, 
and the season of the year is already at hand when the man with the tin box is 
once again around, it has become almost an impossibility to glean the necessary 
facts to make a full and accurate statement of the now business of the 
town. As a pointer in that direction to all uninformed brethren, let me here 



108 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

insert under the captions of their several businesses a list of those engaged 
therein : 

Agricultural Implements — Thomas J. Cuppy, William Sell. 

Attorneys — Joseph W. Adair, Curtis W. Jones, Thomas R. Marshall, 
W. F. McNagny, Michael Sickafoose, Cyrus B. Tulley, James S. Collins, Ros- 
coe A. Kaufman, I. B. McDonald, Walter Olds, John C. Wigent. 

Bankers — F. H. Foust & Co., Columbia City Bank ; E. L. McLallen & 
Co., Farmer's Bank. 

Barbers — John Feist, R. T. Weibe, Henry Noxall. 

Blacksmiths — B. F. Beeson, John W. Lynch, Horth & Cutter. 

Booksellers — Liggett & Crider. 

Boots and Shoes— David Garver, W. W. Kesler, R. Tuttle & Co., Fred- 
erick Grund, Charles Saunders, Adam Weick. 

Brick — John Brand. 

Brooms — Christian Shaffer. 

Brewery — Raupfer & Walter. 

Butchers — Carver & Circle, Simon Levy, Daniel & Brother, Charles 
Ulerick. 

Clothing — Charles J. Eyanson, L. M. Meiser. 

Dentists — W. W. Makenson, H. R. Rouse, B. F. Slessman. 

Druggists — H. N. Beeson, Ruch & Brother, John W. Hunter, W. H. 
Smith, two stores. 

Dry (roods — Milton Bainbridge, Meeley & Hemmick, James Washburn, 
Clugston, Adams & Co., Ephraim Strong. 

Feed Yard — Ramp & Brother. 

Foundry — Thomas Washburn estate. 

Furniture — Andrew Miller, H. Snyder & Son, L. C. Mitten, George 
Steerhoff. 

Groceries — Haas & Brenneman, Kepner & Hunter, Kraus & Brother, 
A. A. Ricker, Arthur Stouffs, S. F. Winegardner, John E. Harris, Abraham 
Kramer, F. C. Reese, Ruch & Brother, W. C. Wallace. 

Hardware — Vallorous Brown, Knisely, Reider & Co., Edwards & Ander- 
son, George W. North. 

Harness — Moses Metz, I. W. Prickett, J. E. Sergeant. 

Hotels — Maine Hotel, McDonald House, Huffman House. 

Hoop Factory — Ernest Schwartz. 

Jewelry — L. C. Show, A. H. Woodworth, two stores. 

Livery — Mrs. 0. J. Dempsey, Samuel Lore, Heacock & Ruch, D. & F. 
T. Ruch. 

Lumber — S. J. Peabody, E. A. Randolph. 

Marble Works — Ferguson & Elliott, 0. E. Line. 

Milliners— Mrs. M. J. Mason, Mrs. A. T. McGinley, Mrs. S. J. North, 
Mrs. W. C. Wallace, Mrs. S. A. Washburn, Mrs. J. G. Williams. 










c^a^c^j UtUttrfo-^t^t 



WASHINGTON TP. 



HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. Ill 

Music — D. R. Benneman & Bro. 

Physicians — N. J. Kithcart, I. E. Lawrence, D. G. Linville, D. M. Mar- 
shall, A. P. Mitten, William Weber, C. S. Williams. 

Photographers — M. E. Click, Jones & Study. 

Planing Mill — Philip Ramp. 

Produce — H. McCray & Sons. 

Printing Office — Commercial, J. W. Baker, Editor; Herald, I. B. 
McDonald, Editor ; Post, J. W. Adams, Editor. 

Pumps — Albert Hilbert. 

Restaurants — H. E. Brandenburg, Daniel Meyers. 

Saw Mills — Jacob Ramp. Philip Ramp, Peabody & Bro. 

Spoke and Hub Factory — Edwards & Anderson. 

Stave Factory — James E. Clark. 

Saloons — Philip Anthes, Arthur A. Busch, Anton Meyer, Miller & 
Brahm, William Meitzler, Alfred Miller, F. C. Reese, Herman Schaiper, 
A. J. Stouffs, Henry Strauss, Julius Saunders, William Walter. 

Table Leg Factory — Theodore Garty. 

Tiling — J. S. Hartsock. 

Tinware — S. M. Zent, Zeno Wood. 

Tobaccos — George Bechtoldt, George W. Cribbs, J. C. Miller & Bro. 

Undertakers — Ferguson & Elliott, H. Snyder & Son. 

Wagon Makers, Carriages, etc. — W. M. Appleton, Robert Hood, Horth 
& Cutter, North & Thrush. 

Woolen Mills — R. S. Glass, Eel River Company. 

The woolen mills now owned by R. S. Glass were first fitted up to their 
present capacity for Thomas E. Eyanson. They are now in good running order 
and are worked to their full capacity. Mr. Glass manufactures about $20,000 
worth of goods each year, for which he finds a ready market. 

In April, 1881, a joint-stock company was established in Columbia City 
for the purpose of erecting a new woolen mill. The stockholders were the 
Hon. Thomas Washburn, since deceased, Dr. M. Ireland, Christian D. Waid- 
lich, John W. Hunter and Thomas E. Eyanson. This company erected a two 
story brick structure, 36x126 feet, completing the same in September, 1881. 
They placed in it the best and latest improved machinery, making a total cost 
of about $16,000. By December, 1881, they were ready for work, and since 
that time have been doing a large and rapidly increasing business. They 
make a specialty of the manufacture of flannels, but also to some extent manu- 
facture blankets and yarns. The present officers are : President, Dr. M. 
Ireland ; Vice President, C. D. Waidlich ; Treasurer, John W. Hunter ; Sec- 
retary and Superintendent, Thomas E. Eyanson. 

In the same year, Hon. Thomas Washburn erected a large foundry on his 
lots, east and southeast of the court house. Just as he was preparing to put 
the same in operation, death ended his labors and closed in peace a life full of 



112 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

good will and charity toward all mankind. The brewery property of Messrs. 
Raupfer and Walter, on the banks of Blue River, is probably one of the 
most extensive of its kind in Northern Indiana. It is now in the very best of 
shape, ably managed and is turning out kegs of foaming beer that is said by 
the followers of Gambrinus to be of the very best quality. The planing and 
saw mill of Mr. Philip Ramp is of about the usual capacity of such mills in 
towns of this size. The saw-mill of Mr. Jacob Ramp is in good condition 
and is doing a good business. S. J. Peabody, as well as Peabody & Bro., 
of which firm he is the senior member, is one of the few extensive dealers in 
lumber in Northern Indiana. Energy, ability and integrity have enabled him 
to amass a good sized fortune ; and, in his large and continually increasing 
business he is doing his best to double his ducats. Mr. Theo. Garty has a 
neat little factory, and he struck quite a lead on the mountain of wealth when 
he conceived the idea of using up the walnut butts of the country by manu- 
facturing them into table legs, chair arms, etc. J. E. Clark erected in 1881 
a very large stave mill south of the Pittsburgh Railway, with a capacity of 
7,000.000 per annum. It will require a capital of $25,000 to run this busi- 
ness. Messrs. Edwards & Anderson, the hardware men, in the year 1881 also 
erected a spoke and hub factory at the Wabash Railway depot, where they are 
giving employment to about twenty men and doing a good thing for themselves 
and the county. 

The flouring-mills of R. Tuttle & Co., on the banks of Blue River, cost 
at least $20,000. They have five run of buhrs and are capable of grinding 
out 100 barrels of flour per day. The new flouring-mills of W. H. Liggitt 
& Co. are also in fine shape, with four run of buhrs and all the latest improve- 
ments. They can do about as good work in their special line of business as 
can be done in any town in the country. Their capacity is about eighty barrels 
per day. 

Messrs. H. Snyder & Son have also attached to their large furniture es- 
tablishment a neat little factory, where they manufacture anything a man may 
want in their special line of trade. 

Enterprise and competition between the two great railways passing 
through Columbia City, have made it the leading grain market of Northern 
Indiana. At any season of the year, wheat is from 3 to 7 cents higher upon 
the bushel than at any of our neighboring towns and cities. Let us give some 
figures upon this point : 

During the year 1881, Mr. A. Kramer shipped as follows : Wheat, 
33,426 bushels ; oats, 8,000 ; clover seed, 3,500 ; flax, 1,950 ; wool, 9,200 
pounds. Messrs. Daniel & Brother: Cattle, 1,000 head; sheep, 1,500; 
hogs, 1,000 ; horses, 100 ; wool, 10,000 pounds. 

In addition to this business, which aggregated about $75,000, they 
purchased $10,000 worth of hides, pelts, tallow and furs. Messrs. Kraus & 
Brother, of the Central Building Grocery, are also very large purchasers of grain, 



HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 113 

wool, pelts, etc. Messrs Meeley & Hemmick also deal largely in grains. I 
am informed that during the year 1881, about 150,000 bushels of wheat were 
bought and sold in Columbia City. 

It was in the year 1853 that the present incorporated town of Columbia 
City was organized as an incorporated town under the laws of the State of 
Indiana. Prior to that time, the name of the town had been Columbia and 
the post office had been Whitley Court House. There was then as now a 
post office in Fayette County, this State, called Columbia. By a majority of 
three, the name of the town and post office was changed to Columbia City, as 
against the proposition to change it to Beaver. The town as a corporation has 
little worthy of mention, having pursued the even tenor of its way from that 
time to this, except that twice an effort has been made to incorporate it as a 
city. These efforts have both failed. It would be an unending and a useless 
job to give the various officers of the town from its inception to the present. 
In fact it would be an impossibility, as the early records of the town have been 
misplaced so that no data can be obtained. The present officers of the town 
are : Henry McLallen, William Weber, Vallorous Brown, Chauncy B. 
Mattoon, Abram Meyers and W. A. Beall, Trustees ; Charles J. Eyanson, 
Treasurer ; Theodore Garty, Clerk, and John Hildebrand, Marshal. 

In the year 1877, the town recognized the necessity of making some 
provision in case of fires devastating it. Upon a petition signed by the prop- 
erty owners, the board finally contracted an indebtedness in the sum of 
$10,000, for which they issued the bonds of the town, payable at their option 
inside of twenty years, with 8 per cent interest, payable in advance. From the 
proceeds of this fund the town first proceeded to purchase the old jail property 
of the county, being the lot just west of the court house. Upon this lot, after 
removing the old jail, they erected a two-story brick, the lower story of which 
is utilized for the apparatus of the fire department, and the upper story is 
divided into a Council chamber, a fireman's hall, and an office for the chief of 
the fire department. Then arose, perhaps, the most spirited contest the town 
ever knew, over the purchase of an engine, the principal contestants for 
corporate favor being the Silsby and the Clapp & Jones Company. At last the 
board purchased a Clapp & Jones steamer. The same is now under the 
management of Mr. Frederick Schinbechtel, as engineer ; and, in the few 
instances in which it has been necessary to use the same, it has always been 
ready. The residue of the firemen, besides those who run with the engine, are 
divided into two hose companies and a hook and ladder company. The town 
is well supplied with cisterns, and all due precaution is taken that in case of 
necessity no citizen shall suffer by the negligence or inattention of the fire 
department. The present chief of the department is Henry N. Beeson. 

The two great railroads, the Pennsylvania Company and the Wabash, St. 
Louis & Pacific Company, pass through the town. The outlying lands are 
fertile, and are inhabited by a race of hardy yeomanry, whose chief delight, 



114 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

from year to year, is to see the county prosper. The roads of the town and 
township are, however, like those of the county, in a miserable condition, and 
the cry of the wayfaring man still goes up to Heaven, " How long, Lord, 
how long !" This state of affairs has come about, not by a misapplication of 
the road funds, nor by inattention ; but it is the result of the peculiar charac- 
teristics of this soil. The major portion of it is a grayish clay that you would, 
upon cursory examination, assume to be unfit for the sprouting of black beans. 
But upon more thorough research you would find it to be one of the richest of 
soils. One of its peculiar features, and probably the reason why it is so fertile 
is, that by burning you can set free quite a quantity of lime. 

The sidewalks of the town are in a deplorable condition at present ; and 
yet there is hope for better things. In the last few years the erection of fine 
business blocks has attracted the attention of its citizens, and the indications 
are that in a few years Columbia City will be as neat and trim and as pros- 
perous a town as can be found within the borders of our ever-blessed common- 
wealth. We make this statement with a belief in its absolute verity. Man is 
a dissatisfied being, and, since Babel, has been a wanderer. Eutopia is just 
beyond, and Eldorado is the last land found. To us the benefits of good 
climate, good soil, good government and good people, are not fully known. 
Before Christ, it was advised, let the shoemaker stick to his last. To-day let 
me give this gratuitous advice : Let the Hoosier hang to his inheritance. 
Let us thank God for these forty years of progress, and, fervently invoke His 
blessing for the hundreds that are yet to come, we hope. 

I have found very great difficulty in being able to glean any facts what- 
ever as to the schools of this town and township. Prior to the year 1852, 
when the present magnificent school fund of this State was begun, learning was 
dispensed, either by local taxation or by private schools, or entirely dispensed 
with. No records whatever have been kept. Therefore, prior to that time, 
all the facts in relation thereto rest in the uncertain memory of mankind. 
James Smith and Warren Mason both taught school here in the year 1844. 
John H. Alexander also taught here shortly after. 

Just west of the court house square, and upon the corner where now 
stands the mammoth dry goods house of Clugston, Adams k Co., had been 
built two small houses for the county officials. These offices had been vacated 
when the new rooms were built upon the court house square. In April, May 
and June of 1846, Jacob Wunderlich taught select school in one of those offices. 
He had at that time about 30 scholars, and charged them $2 each. Among his 
scholars were Adam Swihart, his sister, now Mrs. W. C. Scantling, Curtis W. 
Jones, Dewit C. Jones, their sister, now Mary Sherwood, and Matthias Sless- 
man. The course of study then pursued embraced McGuffey's readers, Ray's 
arithmetic and Webster's spelling book. Grammar was not taught, nor was 
geography. In fact it might be doubted by Richard Grant White, whether 
grammar is yet taught in our schools. Mental arithmetic was the elabor- 



HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 115 

ation of a later period. Slates were however in vogue, and the gay and 
festive spit-ball, then as now, attracted the attention of the future Presidents 
of the United States. The Scriptures were used in those days, and the solemn 
warning of Solomon to spare the rod and spoil the child was duly heeded, for 
instructions were imparted at both ends of the human anatomy. The first 
schoolhouse built in the township was of logs, the prime mover in the erection 
of which was Asa Shoemaker. It was there that his son Samuel F. Shoe- 
maker obtained the major portion of his education. The first brick school- 
house in the township, as well as in the county, was erected in the year 1847, 
upon Lot 3, Block 25, in the original plat of the town of Columbia, and is now 
owned by the Slessman estate. The brick used in the construction of said 
building were burned upon the Kinderman property. 

In the year 1852, under the new law, Isaiah B. McDonald was elected: 
School Examiner, and held the office until 1854. From 1854 to 1864, I am 
unable to give the several periods of the different incumbents. The officials 
were, however, all residents of Columbia City, and their names were A. J. 
Douglas, A. W. Meyers, Philip Hardesty, Isaac Vanhouten and H. D. Wilson.. 
In 1864, I. B. McDonald was re elected upon his return from the army, and 
held the office until 1871. From 1871 to 1881, Rev. A. J. Douglas was the 
incumbent, when he removed to Florence, Ky. The Hon. J. W. Adair was 
elected as his successor, and now holds the position to the entire satisfaction of 
all classes of people. 

The wise and beneficent legislation of 1852 has enabled the officers of this 
town and township to dot its hills and valleys with schoolhouses, whither the 
tribes go up to the preparation for future citizenship. From 1861 to 1881, 
there was raised for special school revenue in this township, $18,095.38, and for 
tuition purposes $30,932.88. In the town of Columbia City, during the same 
period, there was raised for special school revenues $26,192.16, and for tuition 
purposes $32,605.67. From the above given figures it will be seen that the 
current rumor that the West End Schoolhouse cost $20,000,000 is incorrect to 
the extent of a dollar or two. The school facilities of the town of Columbia 
City are embraced at present by a three-story brick in the west end and a two- 
story brick on the south side, with a cupola and a lightning rod, but no mort- 
gage on it. It is the intention of the present Board of Trustees to erect a new 
building in the east end. There is some talk that the same will be built near 
the old cemetery. The subject of the proposed site has met with very grave 
discussion. 

The present Board of School Trustees is composed of J. G. Leininger, 
President ; Dr. N. I. Kithcart, Secretary, and E. L. McLallen, of the Farmers' 
Bank, Treasurer. The schools are under the very able management of Prof. 
W. C. Barnhart, who might be termed a school god, in that he has brought 
order out of chaos. Under him are the following instructors : Francis B. 
Moe, High School; Walter Irvin, Eighth and Ninth Grades; Ida M. Lore,. 



116 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

Sixth and Seventh Grades ; Lizzie F. Irwin, Fourth and Fifth Grades ; Min- 
nie M. Markwood, Second and Third Grades; Lottie Earl, Infant and 
First Grades ; Robert J. Emerson, Third, Fourth and Fifth Grades, South 
Ward — Mabel West, Infant, First and Second Grades, South Ward. 
For the year 1881, there were enumerated for school purposes 769 children. 
Of that number, 565 were enrolled as scholars. The per cent of attendance 
was 93. Scholars to the number herewith given pursued the following branches : 
Spelling, 521 ; writing, 521 ; language lessons and grammar, 225 ; drawing, 
521 ; United States history, 20 ; English analysis, 15 ; higher arithmetic, 
21 ; higher algebra, 6 ; physics, 7 ; civil government, 6 ; Latin 29 ; reading, 
521; arithmetic, 521 ; geography, 161 ; oral science and literature, 521 ; phy- 
sical geography, 22; physiology, 15 ; elementary algebra, 13; book-keeping, 
7; geometry, 6; botany, 8; English and American literature, astronomy, 
chemistry, rhetoric and general history, each, 2. 

From the above it will be seen that the schools of this town are in a 
flourishing condition, thanks to the hearty co-operation of the citizens, Trustees 
and Instructors. 

The first private high school taught in the town was over the old Baptist 
Church, what is now the McDonald House, and was taught by Isaiah B. Mc- 
Donald. In 1873, the late Hon. A. Y. Hooper built what has since been 
known as Green Hill Academy, and placed the same in charge of Misses Lovisa 
C. Kinney and Sara A. Nichols. They conducted the same with signal ability 
until the year 1880, when they went West, since which time the academy has 
not been used for school purposes, but has been converted by its present owner, 
Mrs. A. Y. Hooper, into a dwelling house. 

In the year 1846, the first Sunday school was organized in the township. 
It embraced the following members, as shown by the Constitution, now in the 
possession of the family of the late Levi Myers, deceased, to wit : Henry 
Swihart, Benjamin Grable, Sr., James B. Simcoke, John Gillespie, Joel 
Gregory, Benjamin Grable, Jr., Richard Collins, J. B. Edwards, D. E. Long, 
Jacob Wunderlich, James S. Collins, S. H. Wunderlich, Levi Myers, Jacob 
Taylor, Jacob Keefer, Martin Schrader, Samuel Brown, S. S. Soules, Z. 
Brown, James Myers, Franklin Templin, Lorenzo Havens, Isaac Whiteman, 
Jacob Whiteman. It was known as the Union Sabbath School at Columbia, 
a nd had a formidable Constitution with all its provisos and whereases. 

Upon the 15th day of April, A. D. 1847, its name was changed to the 
American Sabbath School Union at Columbia, Whitley Co., Ind. This 
organization continued to exist until the various church organizations of the 
town established schools of their own. It was under the general management 
of Levi Myers, who was an indefatigable laborer in the Sunday school vine- 
yard to the day of his death. To Mr. Myers perhaps more than to any other 
man the present high state of the Sunday school cause in the county is attribut- 
able. 



HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 117 

On the 4th day of April, 1853, pursuant to the invitation of a number of 
brethren and sisters, an ecclesiastical council convened at Columbia and was 
organized by the choice of Elder E. Barnes as Moderator, and Elder Ira Grat- 
ton as Clerk. Thereupon, in conformity with the laws of the Baptist Church, 
the following persons presented themselves, wishing to be recognized as a Reg- 
ular Baptist Church : James Gruesbeck, Simon Trumbull, George W. 
Harley, Samuel Whiteman, John Worth, Henry Harley, Rachel Shinneman, 
Phoebe Whiteman, Polly Trumbull, Permelia Harley, Sarah Harley, Mary Grues- 
beck. According to their petition they were all duly recognized as a church. They 
organized as a church, and elected George W. Harley as Clerk, and James 
Gruesbeck, Deacon. Sunday evening, May 15, 1853, they resolved to make 
application for admission into Elkhart Association, by sending a letter and 
delegates. James Gruesbeck, John Worth, Henry Harley and George W. 
Harley were accordingly chosen delegates. 

On May 31, 1855, the church gave Elder Wilder a call as its pastor, 
which was at once accepted. A strange thing appears, or rather fails to ap- 
pear, in the records of this meeting, in the light of the latter-day way of call- 
ing pastors, in this that no reference was made as to the salary. I now desire 
to withdraw the above remarks, for upon the next page, under date of June 1, 
1855, it was resolved to apply to the Home Mission Board for an allowance of 
$100 to aid in the support of Elder Wilder. April 7, 1857, the church began 
the discussion of the advisability of disbanding ; but in God's providence they 
failed to agree to it. On Saturday, July 11, 1857, Daniel Hartsock, now de- 
ceased, joined the church by letter. On October 3, 1857, the church was 
organized as a corporation under the laws of the State. I. B. McDonald, K. 
B. Miller and James Gruesbeck were elected Trustees. On December 26, 
1857, I. B. McDonald presented a proposition to the church that if they would 
erect a building on his lot west of the court house, to cost $400, he would give 
$40 thereof, and build the same so that the church should have a room 36x52, 
and not less than thirteen feet in height, all painted and comfortably seated, 
and they should have the use of the same for ten years. This was at once 
unanimously agreed to. The building was built, and is now the McDonald 
House. It was used by the church until the erection of their new church 
edifice. On December 11, 1858, Rev. J. L. McLeod was elected the second 
pastor. April 2, 1859, the Sabbath school was established. March 1, 1862, 
Rev. R. H. Cook was elected pastor. It seems that the church had its periods 
of warfare also. Without giving names, the record of March 19, 1864, shows 
that some of the brethren could not dwell together in unity. C. B. Kendall 
was the fourth pastor of the church. Adam Snyder was the fifth pastor. 

In the year 1872, this church erected its new, commodious and elegant 
place of worship, and first met there on December 27, 1873. The pastor at 
that period was the Rev. John Reider, who was a schoolmate of the writer. Of 
his incorruptible manhood and sterling piety, I have never had a moment of 



118 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

doubt. It is, therefore, with pleasure that I record the fact that to-day the 
cause of the Lord prospers in his hands at Bluffton. In January, 1874, John 
H. Reider was ordained to the ministry by the Ecclesiastical Council convened 
for that purpose in Columbia City. 

W. W. Robinson accepted the call of the church to be its pastor February 
3, 1877, and so continued until October, 1880, when the Rev. V. 0. Fritts, 
the present pastor, assumed charge. At the present time the church consists 
of sixty-nine members. And if an outsider might be permitted to judge, there 
has been a great deal in the past to encourage this church. It is not only now 
the possessor of a fine church edifice, but it is also the mother of the flourish- 
ing church in the Sheckler settlement, known as the Mission Chapel. 

Grace Lutheran Church was organized by Rev. J. B. Oliver April 19, 
1847, with six members. His successor was Rev. Franklin Templin, who 
served the church, in connection with one in North Manchester, for the space of 
four years. During his incumbency the first church building was erected, 
prior to which time they worshiped in the Methodist Church. The next 
pastor was Rev. H. Wells, who began his labors October 1, 1852, and contin- 
ued sixteen years. In the summer of 1868, Rev. S. Ritz took charge of the 
church. He remained a short time longer than one year. He was succeeded 
in 1870 by Rev. A. J. Douglas. Rev. A. H. Studebaker was called in 1871, 
and remained until 1876, when Rev. J. B. Baltzly, D. D., took charge of the 
church for two years. October 5, 1879, Rev. J. N. Barnett, the present pas- 
tor, assumed control. The church is the largest and finest edifice in the town; 
and is capable of seating 1,500 persons. 

I have been unable to learn the facts in relation to the organization of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. It is at the present in a very flourishing condi- 
tion, with the Rev. Albert Cone as its pastor. They now worship in the 
most elegant church edifice in the city. 

The Roman Catholic Church, under the charge of the Rev. H. A. Hell- 
hake, is pursuing the even tenor of its way, as all such churches have done 
since the days of Christ. They own a very fine church edifice, and, they keep 
up a school for the education of their children. 

The Presbyterian Church was organized in an early day, and has kept on 
organizing ever since. It seems to have been foreordained from all eternity to 
be a failure. They are the possessors of a small church edifice and a bell. They 
are without a pastor, but the ladies are full of hope, and, doubtless, God will 
in time work out for them a far more exceeding and eternal weight of joy and 
glory than they now possess. 

The United Brethren in Christ, the German Lutheran and the German 
Presbyterian have each edifices and pastors, and are doing their share of the 
work for the upbuilding of the cause of Christ on earth. The Revs. Thomas, 
Hess and Zimmerman are their pastors. The Universalists are now the owners 
of the old Methodist Church edifice, but are without pastor at present. 




ETNA TP. 



HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 121 

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows have elegant quarters in the third 
story of Central Building, and are in a flourishing condition. The members 
are active, zealous, wide-awake, full of charity, and are from the best of our 
citizens. Their charter was granted to J. M. Barnes, J. Z. Gower, C. C. 
Romig, J. S. North, C. T. Barber, David Hammond and James Briggs on the 
22d day of May, 1856, from the Grand Lodge of the State of Indiana. Their 
first officers were : James M. Barnes, N. G. ; J. Z. Gower, V. G. ; J. S. 
North, Treasurer ; D. M. Hammond, Recording Secretary ; G. Hook, Perma- 
nent Secretary ; G. Hook, Inside Guardian ; J. G. Williams, Outside Guar- 
dian ; C. C. Romig, Warden ; 0. H. Pond, Conductor ; C. Kinderman, R. 
Supporter N. G. ; James Briggs, L. Supporter N. G. 

The present officers of the lodge are : 

C. D. Waidlich, N. G. ; Jacob Ramp, V. G. ; J. W. Baker, Recording 
Secretary ; H. Snyder, Treasurer ; Robert Hood, Permanent Secretary ; D. 
R. Hemmick, Warden ; J. F. Johnson, Conductor ; Lewis Baker, Inside Guar- 
dian ; Zeno Wood, Outside Guardian; Daniel Myefs, R. Supporter N. G.; 
John Brand, L. Supporter N. G. ; Fred Schinbechtel, R. Supporter V. G. ; 
David Baker, L. Supporter V. G. 

The number of members at the present time is eighty. This lodge is the 
mother of the two flourishing lodges at Churubusco and Forest. 

Upon the 29th day of January, 1856, A. C. Downev, Grand Master of 
the Grand Lodge of the State of Indiana, issued a dispensation to James 
Briggs and others, empowering them to work as a lodge of Ancient, Free and 
Accepted Masons. They worked under this dispensation until the 27th day 
of May, 1856, when the Grand Lodge granted to them a charter under the 
name of Columbia City Lodge, No. 189, A., F. & A. M. The first officers 
were James Briggs, W. M. ; William Larwill, S. W. ; John B. Firestone, 
J. W. ; James B. Edwards, T. ; P. W. Hardesty, S.; Charles H. Pond, 
S. D.; Peter Simonson, J. D.; H. Rankin, T. J. W. Bradshaw and H. 
Duffin were also charter members. The present officers of this lodge are : 
William Carr, W. M.; Chauncey B. Mattoon, S. W.; M. Ireland, J. W.; 
Charles S. Edwards, T.; Charles H. Pond, S.; Thomas R. Marshall, S. D.; 
John M. Ireland, J. D. The membership at present consists of 101 members. 
The lodge is in a flourishing condition and occupies elegant quarters over the 
business room of William Meitzler. 

Columbia City Chapter of Royal Arch Masons began its labors under a 
dispensation from Thomas Patterson, Grand High Priest of the State of 
Indiana, under date of May 11, 1865, to companions Charles H. Pond, H. 
P.; Henry Vanarsdoll, K.; and John A. Taupert, S.; and worked thereunder 
until May 24, 1866, when a charter was granted them from the Grand Chap- 
ter. The other officers in addition to the above were : I. B. McDonald, S. 
and R. A. C; M. E. Click, C. of the Host ; J. H. Hutchinson, G. M. 3d 
V.; William Carr, G. M. 2d V.; H. H. Beeson, G. M. 1st V. and G.; Adam 
Zumbaugh, P. S. 



122 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

The present officers of the Chapter are as follows : Joseph W. Adair, 
H. P.; W. H. Liggett, K.; James Worden, S.; E. L. McLallen, P. S.; Will- 
iam Carr, C. of the H.; C. B. Mattoon, R. A. C; Silas Deardorff, G. M. 
3d V.; Joseph Clark, Qt. M. 2d V.; A. R. Clugston, G. M. 1st V.; C. H. 
Pond, S.; John Brand, T.; Joseph Yontz, G. Companions in good standing, 
forty-seven. 

The Improved Order of Red Men was organized under a charter from the 
Great Council of Indiana, bearing date the 21st Sun of the Traveling Moon, G. 
S. D., 383, to be called Blue River Tribe No. 47, and to bear date as of the 
4th Sun of the Hot Moon G. S. D. 383, which corresponds to the 4th day of 
June, 1874. Its charter members were William Wolff, Philip Anthes, Daniel 
Wagner, Fred Heitzfield, Fred Grund, John Wagner, A. L. Sandmyer, Jacob 
Hose, Jacob Steinfield, Nathan Kramer, Daniel Daniel, Simon Kraus, 
Adolph Schiffermyer, Martin Schnetzler, Leopold Daniel, Theodore Garty, Wil- 
liam Meiser, Herman Theile, Michael Slessman, I. B. McDonald and George 
Bechtold. The present officers of the tribe are : I. B. McDonald, S.; 
Adolph Shiffermyer, S. S.; John Shulthieis, J. S.; George Bechtold, C. of 
R.; Daniel Daniel, K. of W. The Tribe at present consist of twenty-two 
members and has its wigwam in the third story over W. H. Smith's drug 
store. 

And thus, in an imperfect manner, I have gleaned from the rich harvest 
of the past a few sheaves that may, perhaps, furnish food for future contem- 
plation. I had not that leisure without which, Lord Macaulay says, no man 
should write history. By " the oldest inhabitant" it may be said, "I could 
have done better." Grant it. No man yet ever made so perfect his plans 
but that his fellow-men could improve on them. To him, and to all such, I 
say, "The field is open, and the public, which bade these lines be written, will, 
with equal cordiality, receive and acknowledge, for what it is worth, anything 
that may be penned upon the prehistoric era of Columbia Township." Close 
we, therefore, this sketch with the hope that peace may long prevail and pros- 
perity abide within the palaces of this people. 



CHAPTER VI. 



BY PKOF. W. L. MATTHEWS. 



Cleveland Township— Early Events — Settlement and Growth — Anec- 
dotes—Land Entries— Privations of the Pioneers— Stories of the 
Chase— Mills, Factories, etc., etc.— Villages— Early Teachers and 
Preachers. 

CLEVELAND TOWNSHIP, named in honor of Benjamin Cleveland, 
enjoys the honor of having been the site of the second white settlement 
of Whitley County. Its history carries us through many scenes of pioneer 
life to the present. The building of the log cabin, the moving of the family 



CLEVELAND TOWNSHIP. 123 

from the familiar scenes of its youth and civilization, to the then wilderness, 
the toils and hardships of the father and mother rearing their family with 
nought but their own hands to administer to all their wants, come with them a 
sympathy felt and realized by the present generation. Many years of toil and 
danger, forests fading away, fertile fields coming into existence as if by magic, 
comfortable homes instead of the log cabin, the schoolhouse, the church, and, 
in short, the various changing scenes from the wilderness to the metropolis, 
from barbarism to civilization, from uncertainty to success, all combine to make 
a history worthy of perusal by the present generation. 

Cleveland Township, as was Whitley County, was originally a part of 
Huntington County, and was organized May 1, 1838, at the first session of the 
Board of County Commissioners, which was held at the house of Joseph Par- 
rett, Jr., near the present site of South Whitley, Springfield, and an election 
was ordered for Justice of the Peace ; subsequently, Henry Swihart and Aaron 
M. Collins were chosen. It was at one time a Congressional Township, but 
since its organization, a few sections have been added to it from Richland 
Township. It is now eight by six miles in area, and contains about 30,720 
acres of land in a fair state of cultivation. The population in 1840, the first 
census, was about sixty-five, in 1880, the last census, it was 2,295. In 1838, 
at the first election, there were eight votes polled ; in August of the same year, 
there were twenty votes polled ; at the time mentioned, there were twenty-one 
polls; the personal property was valued at $2,198, and the assessment for all 
purposes was $55.25 ; the taxables of Cleveland Township for the last year 
were $8,709.50, and 415 polls, which shows a decided gain and a great com- 
parison to those who survive the great change that time has wrought. Among 
the first settlers to whom honorable mention is due, is James Chaplin, who 
settled near Collamer (Millersburg) with his family in the fall of 1835 ; the 
farm is now known as the Joseph Myers farm. He built a rude log cabin near 
where a stately farm dwelling now stands, surrounded by all the comforts of modern 
civilization. Mr. Chaplin cut the first road from his humble cabin intersecting 
an Indian trail which led to Monoquet and Oswego on Turkey Prairie in 
Kosciusko, to which he made frequent pilgrimages in order to purchase meager 
supplies for his family. John Collins came in the latter part of the year 1835, 
and settled on the farm now owned by Isaiah Pence. Scarcely a tree had 
been felled; no roads, no bridges; wild game, together with a company of 
Indian hunters now and then, were about the only elements to disturb the mo- 
notony of the pioneer's home. His journey was a tedious one ; at night he 
slept in his wagon, while the horses, either hobbled or tied in order to prevent 
escape, grazed on the grass or browsed upon the trees around them. The 
cabin is built, the trees are felled, the ground is planted, the family is reared, 
and after a lifetime of toil and success, he passed to his rest. He left seven 
sons — Richard, who has served as County Clerk, Auditor, Recorder and in va- 
rious other positions, while Judge Collins is a lawyer of good ability, now prac- 



124 



HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 



ticing in Columbia City. Benjamin Cleveland and family came in 1836, set- 
tling two miles southeast of South Whitley ; his remains repose in the grave- 
yard which bears his name, and perhaps he was among the early dead to be 
deposited there, about the year 1845. He was a man of more than ordinary 
ability, sagacious, honest, frugal and industrious. About the same time came 
Samuel Obenchain, who settled near the Cleveland family ; Joseph Creager 
and Joseph Parrett, settling on the present site of South Whitley. Joseph 
Parrett was a man of great enterprise and business capacity ; he actively en- 
gaged in cutting out roads, building bridges, mills, holding religious meetings, 
and, in fact, was just such a man as pioneers love to welcome among them. 
David Cuppy, afterward County Clerk, John Arnold, noted for his enterprise, 
Dr. Edwards, Dr. Merriman, the Stewart family, the Myers family, the Pence 
family, the Miller family, the Butler family, the Swihart family, the Kinsey 
family and a few others came at an early day, and were among the first settlers 
of this vicinity, the majority of whom came between the years 1837 and 1844. 
The following tracts of land were among the first that were entered within 
the present limits of Cleveland Township, although many of the owners did 
not settle at the time of entry of the lands : 



NAMES. 
i 

John Delafield 

John Delafield 

Abram Hahlerman 

John S. Barry 

Lewis Sineas , 

John Delafield 

William Harper 

Stephen Reaves 

Stephen Reaves 

Henry S. Gobin 

David Reed , 

David Reed 

Levi Beardsley 

Joseph Dickey 

Allen Halderman... 

Morse C. Wood 

Alexander Grimes.. 

Daniel Lesley 

Samuel Obenchain.. 

Benj. H. Cleveland 

Robert Grimes 

George Sickafoose.. 



Section. 


Town. 


Ban eg. 


Acres. 
160 


Hundreds 


1 


30 


8 


79 


1 


30 


8 


91 


40 


2 


30 


8 


79 


37 


2 


30 


8 


12 


20 


2 


30 


8 


147 


16 


2 


30 


8 


144 


24 


2 
3 
4 


30 
30 
30 


8 

8 
8 


80 
40 
98 






95 


4 


30 


8 


148 


84 


4 


30 


8 


155 


34 


4 


30 


8 


128 


54 


6 


30 


8 


313 


84 


6 
6 


30 
30 


8 
8 


160 
185 




68 


7 


30 


8 


90 


51 


8 
9 
9 
9 
29 
35 


30 
30 
30 
30 
30 
30 


8 
8 
8 
8 
6 
8 


80 

80 

160 

80 

320 

160 

















Description. 

N. E 

N. partN. W 

N. E.. N. E. Fr. Lot. 

N. W. Fr. N. W. £ 

N. W 

Wpart N. E. £ 

S. JS. W 

S. E.,S. W 

Fractional Section 

N. E 

N. W 

S. W 

W. £ 

S. E 

S. W 

N. E. Fractional 

W. \ S. W 

W. | N. W 

N. E 

N. |S. W 

N- \ 

S. E. \ 



Time of Entry. 



Oct. 19, 1835. 
Oct, 19, 1835. 
Oct. 12, 1835. 
Oct. 12, 1835. 
Oct. 12, 1835. 
Oct. 19, 1835. 
Aug. 21,1835. 
May 16, 1835. 
May 16, 1835. 
Oct. 15, 1835. 
Oct. 15, 1835. 
Oct. 15, 1835. 
Oct. 15, 1835. 
Oct. 16, 1835. 
Oct. 16, 1835. 
Dec. 6, 1834. 
Oct. 12, 1835. 
Aug. 31,1885. 
June 12, 1835. 
July 10, 1835. 
Oct. 13, 1835. 
June 3, 1836. 



As has been stated before, the first session of the County Commissioners 
was held at the house of Joseph Parrett, Jr. ; the members of the board were 
Otto W. Gandy, Nathaniel Gradeless and Joseph Parrett, Jr. Gandy was 
chosen President of the board, and John Collins was appointed County Treas- 
urer. At a subsequent meeting, the township was divided into two road dis- 
tricts ; all that portion south of Eel River constituted Road District No. 1. 
Charles Chipman was appointed Supervisor. All that portion of the town- 
ship north of the river constituted District No. 2, John Parrett, Super- 



CLEVELAND TOWNSHIP. 125 

visor. The principal road at that time led from Huntington to Goshen, a 
distance of abouty sixty-five miles. The majority of the other roads had been 
made for the convenience of the people and did not follow any direct line or 
section, so that the work of the Supervisor was an arduous one. The paths 
and traces were mere starting points. Soon after, trees were blazed, roads 
widened, creeks bridged and the low ground either " brushed" or poled. About 
the year 1840, one passable road led from South Whitley to Columbia City, 
one to where now stands Liberty Mills, Wabash County, and two running 
north and south in the east and west parts of the township, in addition to the 
Huntington & Goshen road. 

The Detroit, Eel River & Illinois Railroad was surveyed through the town- 
ship in 1865-66, and completed in the fall of 1870. The road is now known as 
the Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific Railroad. The road enters the southeast part 
of the township and runs in a southwesterly direction. At the present writ- 
ing (April, 1882), the New York, St. Louis & Chicago Railroad is completed, 
and crosses the former at South Whitley, and will be an additional aid to the 
county and to shippers. 

The first cemetery is located west of South Whitley one-fourth of a mile. 
It was originally used as a family burial-place, in which Henry Parrett was 
the first person laid to rest — August, 1845. At this spot, soon after, others 
were interred, and it was soon known as the South Whitley Cemetery. It is 
rather a beautiful spot of ground, containing about four acres, and there are 
numerous neat monuments standing here and there at the graves of the loved 
and dead. The other cemetery, just west of the South Whitley Cemetery and 
adjoining it, was also used as a family burial-place, until, after a few remains 
were deposited there, the people around Collamer began to use it as a last rest- 
ing-place for their dead. It contains about three acres, and is similar to the 
other. John Collins' body was the first deposited in this cemetery — buried in 
the year 1845, as far as known. The Cleveland Cemetery was started in much 
the same way, and Horace Cleveland's was the first body deposited within its 
limits, about the year 1840. The first person who died within the limits of the 
township was Roxina Chaplin, September, 1836, and was buried on the Myers 
farm, formerly owned by James Chaplin, her father. The first birth was Byron 
Chaplin, born April, 1836. 

The settlers had but little trouble from the Indians, as their villages were 
located near the line in Huntington County on the south, and near the present 
village of Coesse, on the southeast. They were great beggars, and often vis- 
ited the homes of the settlers in order to get something to eat. From the great 
abundance of game in the country the Indians derived their supplies, when not 
too lazy to pursue or take it. The whites seemed to be more expert in the hunt 
of game than the average Indian. Indeed, the dusky brave often took lessons 
from his white brother, and the Clevelands, Martins and Parretts were often 
more successful than they. In 1844, the Indians — the Miarnis and Pottawat- 



126 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

omies— were moved beyond the Mississippi River, and the whites were not 
bothered with them after that date. 

As has been stated, the supplies were procured from Turkey Prairie and 
Fort Wayne, as far as provisions were concerned. But dry goods, groceries 
and notions were generally purchased at Fort Wayne. In 1839, Henry Parrett 
erected a humble log house, 18x24 feet, on the west side of State street, near 
the bridge, South Whitley, and in it he placed a stock of notions which the 
people would likely need. The stock would probably invoice $100, and was 
placed on sale in this rude building. Mr. Parrett was succeeded by Arnold & 
Townsend, who came from Stark County, Ohio, some two years after the store 
was established. Their stock was probably worth $100, and they did a good 
business. Soon after the first store was established, Parrett & Cotton started 
another on the corner of State street. This firm had a good stock of goods 
for those days, and, after doing a good business and establishing a fair patron- 
age, the firm sold out to Edwards & Cotton, the value of their stock being 
about $1,200. 

About the year 1841, William Parrett erected a saw-mill on the farm now 
owned by Nathan Witzell. It was of the most rude structure, with but little 
iron or steel, save only the saw and a few cogs on a wheel. This mill was kept 
running constantly when the season would admit, and aided the people very 
much in getting building material. The saw was of the "up-and-down " char- 
acter, and some say that the head sawyer could start the saw on a log and then 
go to the woods and cut and haul another before the saw would get through the 
log. It continued to run until the year 1870. Another mill of ancient date, 
and the second saw-mill built in the township, was erected by Milton Grimes and 
David Clapp, about the year 1812, one mile southeast of South Whitley, and 
was not so rude in appearance. It did good work in its day, but the circular 
saw of " finger fame " superseded it, and, after changing hands a few times, 
ceased to run in the year of 1872. These mills in their time aided the settlers 
very much in preparing lumber for building purposes, and lightened their labors 
very materially. The roofing, flooring and furnishing material all had to be 
hewed and cut from the forest by the ax. The "bee," or raising, in those days 
was an important event. One party, for which the Clevelands, Parretts and 
Collinses were noted, generally cut the trees into proper lengths ; others, no less 
generous, prepared the boards for the roof; and others would hew the puncheons 
for the floor. The material all on the ground, the first thing to be done was to 
select the four " corner-men," whose business it was to notch the logs and assist 
in putting them in place ; the rest of the company did the lifting. In numer- 
ous instances, when the building or cabin was finished, the event was generally 
celebrated with a "break-down" or dance, with "a little liquor." These exer- 
cises were generally full of spirit and fun. 

Going to mill in early days was quite an undertaking with the pioneer. 
The time required was often two or three days, and frequently performed on 



CLEVELAND TOWNSHIP. 127 

horseback. It was a tedious way of transporting grain to the mill, and the 
father was often anxiously waited for by the family at home, sometimes suf- 
fering from the scarcity of flour or corn-meal. The first grist-mill that was 
built in the vicinity of this township is located at Collamer's. It was erected 
by Elias Miller about the year 1845. It is large and commodious, propelled 
by a magnificent water-power, and is in excellent running order at the present 
writing. For the time being, the people were relieved from their long journeys 
to the mill. The next grist-mill in the township was built, in South Whitley, 
in 1851. It was commenced by W. W. Arnold and S. A. Shively in 1848, 
and completed, by Jesse Arnold, at the time indicated above. It is said to be 
one of the best mills in the State. It has four run of buhrs, new and improved 
machinery and a grinding capacity of 240 bushels per day. The mill is now 
run by J. Arnold & Co., and does the principal business of the county. It has 
a magnificent water-power, made powerful by a dam thrown across Eel River, 
which furnishes abundance of water during the entire year. In fact, Eel River 
is one of the best streams of water for power in the State. While other streams 
run low at certain seasons of the year, this river always furnishes a sufficient 
supply. 

In 1841, or near that time, H. S. Parrett erected an ashery on the south 
side of Eel River and east of the iron bridge at the foot of State Street, and 
began the manufacture of v?hat was then called black salts. It was the first 
process in making saleratus. The process was to get the lye from ashes put 
in large kettles set in a furnace, and boil until sufficiently reduced to be called 
black salts. The salts were then put into barrels and conveyed to Columbia 
City by teams, where the salts were converted into pearls by another process. 
The process was to put the black salts into a large oven, and, by a hot fire, 
scorch them until they became partly white, when they were then put into a 
large trough of clean water; from thence into a settling trough; then drawn 
off into clean kettles and boiled until they became pure white salts. They 
were transferred to an oven, and, by a heating process, became pearl ash. It 
was then put into a tight room, made for the purpose, refined and carbonized, 
and became saleratus. In 1848, the ashery was transferred to C. S. Lawton, 
who added the last processes to the manufacture. He continued the business for 
ten years, shipping large quantities to various towns in Northern Indiana. 
Many of the old settlers remember his brand used upon his packages, and the 
journeys they took in marketing the commodity. 

The wedding was an attractive event of pioneer life, and was celebrated 
generally at the home of the bride, she choosing the officiating clergyman. 
The wedding engaged the entire attention of the neighborhood ; there was but 
little distinction of rank ; old and young 'participated in the festivities of the 
occasion ; the groom's friends went to the wedding usually from his home on 
horseback or on foot ; after the ceremony the supper was served, then the 
dance, or some other amusement, continued until a late hour ; soon after dark, 



128 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

came the party to make the night hideous with guns, bells, horns, tin pans, 
and whatever else was at their command ; if the party was invited to come in, 
or received some cake, pie or something stronger, the belling ceased ; if not, the 
noise continued until the party became wearied. This custom often resulted in 
serious accidents, and is now nearly gone into disuse. The first marriage of 
which there is any record took place December 27, 1838, between Isaac H. 
Collins and Nancy Cuppy. The next marriage was between John Cuppy and 
Nancy Hale, February 8, 1839, a Justice of the Peace officiating. The third 
marriage occurred on September 16, 1839, between A. Rombo and 
Margaret Collins, a Justice of the Peace officiating. The bride and groom 
usually went to the home of the groom the day after the wedding. This 
was called the infair, and with about the same festivities as the previous day. 
In those days the young married couple did not go on a wedding tour to 
Niagara Falls, New York or Chicago, but quietly settled down and engaged 
earnestly in the various pursuits of life. Frugality, economy and industry 
were the leading characteristics of the average pioneer family. 

The facilities for acquiring education were limited and the accommoda- 
tions were of the most rude character. In pioneer days, the school master 
was looked upon with a good degree of veneration, and although similar to 
the rural surroundings he was the principal man among the people. The only 
period of the school term that the pupils lost their respect for the schoolmaster 
was when he refused to treat them ; he was sure to ' ; be barred out," or have 
his face washed in the snow or stream of water near by. In this sport the 
heads of families took especial delight, and even encouraged their children to 
exact the " treat " from the master. In 1837-38, David Parrett taught the 
first school in the vicinity of South Whitley. He taught in the log cabin 
which stood near and below the iron bridge which now spans Eel River. He 
taught in the summer time and had not to exceed ten pupils in attendance ; the 
school usually lasted from three to four months in the year and was sustained 
by subscription ; the length of the term, of course, was contingent on the 
pioneer's pocket-book or funds. This first schoolhouse had but one desk on 
which the scholars could write, and it was a long slab hewed as nicely as possi- 
ble, and was sustained by two or three pins driven into the wall some three 
feet from ttie floor ; rude benches completed the rest of the school furniture, 
which, at the present day, would not even be allowed in the school room ; the 
books were Cobb's and McGuffee's readers, the Testament, Smith's and Pike's 
arithmetics, Webster's spelling-book and Parley's geography. Mr. Parrett was 
succeeded in the school-work by Miss Elma Thompson, she by Sarah Sluves. 

In the year 1851, David Decker taught a subscription school in what is 
now known as District No. 7. The log schoolhouse was still in existence, and 
the attendance had increased from ten to about twenty-five. This schoolhouse 
has long since disappeared, and the third now stands by where the old one 
stood years ago. The old play-ground, with its extended woodland surround- 





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V CLEVELAND TP. 



CLEVELAND TOWNSHIP. 131 

ings, has been circumscribed to the usual modern limits ; the once familiar 
paths traveled by the young hopefuls have been obliterated, and not a few of 
the feet that passed over them have grown weary and passed from earth. 

In 1853, there was a change in the school system of the State, and a 
school fund began to be realized, so that in addition to the subscription fund, 
schools were maintained from three to six months in the year. At the present 
time, there are thirteen districts in this township, in which are erected brick 
and frame schoolhouses. The apparatus is valued at about $2,000, the 
school fund of all kinds aggregates $3,421.37, and the children of proper ages 
enumerate 781. The average length of school term for the year is seven 
months, and sustained by public money. 

The following are the schoolhouses, number of districts, together with 
their cost, etc. : 

District No. 1, frame, cost $600 ; District No. 2, located in South Whit- 
ley, brick, cost $6,000, three teachers ; District No. 3, located in Collamer, 
brick, cost $2,000, two teachers ; District No. 4, brick, cost $1,200; District 
No. 5, brick, cost $1,200 ; District No. 6, brick, cost $1,200 ; District No. 7, 
brick, cost $800 ; District No. 8, frame, cost $600 ; District No. 9, frame, 
cost $550 ; District No. 10, frame, cost $550 ; District No. 11, brick, cost 
$1,200 ; District No. 12, frame, cost $550 ; District No. 13, frame, cost $550. 
Dr. Merriman, the Trustee just gone out of office, was a worthy and efficient 
school officer, labored unceasingly to bring up the schools of the township to a 
high standard, and also to put the township out of debt. 

Among the first ministers to labor in the section were Revs. Martin B. 
Goodrich, Simon Smith and Rev. Bodley. The first protracted meeting was 
held at the house of Andrew Sickafoose, owned then by William Parrett ; the 
meeting was conducted by C. W. Miller. The members of the first class at 
South Whitley were as follows : Joseph Parrett, Jr., and wife, John D. Par- 
rett and wife, William D. Parrett and wife, David Parrett and A. Parrett and 
wife. The class was formed about the year 1839. In those days there were 
no costly houses of worship ; but the private homes of the settlers and the 
groves were "God's first temples." The ministers often went from place to 
place, and met from ten to twelve persons at an appointment ; they preached 
the Gospel in its purity and simplicity ; they traveled on horseback and on 
foot to meet their appointments, and their salary at any one place did not exceed 
$5. The first funeral preached was Mrs. Roxina Chaplin's, who died in Sep- 
tember, 1836. 

Records of the churches are so incomplete that we are unable to give the 
date of organization or membership complete. Houses of worship, with the 
denomination, are as follows : M. E. Church, South Whitley ; Baptist Church, 
South Whitley ; Christian Church, Collamer ; Union Christian, Fairview • 
West Bethel M. E.; Sickafoose United Brethren ; County Line Lutheran. 
There are now seven churches with a membership of nearly five hundred. 

G 



132 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

The Lutheran Church, built in the southeastern part of the township in 
the latter part of the year 1839, was probably the first church edifice erected 
in this section of the country ; it was built of hewn logs and principally by its 
first pastor, James Oliver ; this good man could not only administer to the 
spiritual wants of his flock, but labored in many other ways to develop the 
country. The church was organized in 1840, with a membership of about ten 
persons. Mr. Oliver continued to be its pastor for two years. 

An election was held at the house of Lewis Kinsey, May 19, 1838, for Jus- 
tice of the Peace. The electors present were Lewis Kinsey, John D. Parrett, 
Anderson D. Parrett, S. A. Chaplin, Aaron Collins, Peter Creager, Charles 
Chapman, Samuel and Henry Swihart and John Collins. As has been stated, 
Henry Swihart and Aaron M. Collins were chosen Justices of the Peace. An 
election was subsequently held at the same place, April 6, 1838 ; at this elec- 
tion, State Senator, Representative, Sheriff, Probate Judge, School Commis- 
sioner and Coroner were chosen. The electors present were Moses P. Chaplin, 
W. D. Parrett, John Collins, Palmer Cleveland, Joseph Parrett, Jr., Aaron M. 
Collins, Jesse Cleveland, John D. Parrett, Samuel Cuppy, D. D. Parrett, 
Adam Creager, Benjamin Cleveland, Thomas Cleveland, Elias Parrett, Henry 
Swihart, John H. Alexander, S. A. Chaplin and Abner T. McQuigg. Charles 
Chapman, A. T. McQuigg, Clerks ; S. A. Chaplin, Inspector, and John Col- 
lins, W. D. Parrett, Judges. 

In Cleveland Township, there are two voting precincts, South Whitley and 
Collamer. At the Presidential election held in November, 1881, there were 
554 votes polled ; at the April election, 1882, there were 475 votes. 

South Whitley, originally Springfield, was laid out in the fall of 1838, 
and is the oldest town in the county. The name has never been legally changed 
from Springfield to South Whitley, although frequent attempts have been made 
to do so. The name of the first post office is South Whitley, hence the name. 
The town was surveyed and laid out by Joseph Parrett, who owned the land, 
Section 4, Town 38, Range 8 east. The original plat contained ten lots, and 
since then additions have been made by D. D. and A. D. Parrett and Vants & 
Edwards. The town is situated on the south side of Eel River and at the 
junction of the Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific Railroad, and the New York, 
Chicago & St. Louis Railroad. Eel River, the northern boundary, runs in 
a westerly direction and furnishes abundant water-power for all kinds of ma- 
chinery. The town is nine miles southwest from Columbia City, and contains 
about six hundred inhabitants. The Pacific express furnishes mail twice a day, 
and S. Robbins is the obliging Postmaster. The first Postmaster was D. D. 
Parrett. 

The town is located on an elevated portion of ground, with a beautiful 
country surrounding it, and, in fact, is the oldest town in the county. The 
merchants and business men are accommodating and enjoy a good trade. The 
first hotel, built of hewn logs in 1837, was a great stopping-place ; its genial 
landlord, John Parrett, was never known to turn anybody away, either rich or 



CLEVELAND TOWNSHIP. 133 

poor ; the bill of fare consisted of corn bread, potatoes, and almost all the 
varieties of wild game. It changed hands several times. Other places of en- 
tertainment were built as the changes of time demanded. There are two ho- 
tels at present, one kept by Samuel Sickafoose and the other by William Dunlap. 

Among the business men who may be mentioned are the following: John Ar- 
nold & Co., proprietors of the flour-mill and bankers ; this firm shipped last year 
about 15,000 bushels of wheat, 10,000 bushels of corn, 8,000 bushels of oats 
and 2,000 bushels of flax seed ; they pay the highest market price in cash for 
all kinds of grain. The bank was organized more as an auxiliary to their in- 
creasing business than for general banking purposes. The capital aggregates 
$10,000 ; deposits are received and money loaned ; it organized in the sum- 
mer of 1875. Edwards & Cotton, dry goods, do a business of perhaps $150,- 
000 annually ; this firm buys and ships grain of all kinds. Merriman & Rob- 
bins, druggists, do an extensive business, amounting to over $10,000 annually ; 
the stock is well selected and amounts to over $4,000 ; the firm keep first-class 
goods, pure drugs, paints, oils, notions, etc. S. Weimer & Co. keep 
clothing, notions, etc. Grimes & Stults, dry goods ; Wyatt Borton, dry goods ; 
Thomas J. Cuppy, agricultural implements, and Remington & Co., the same. 
In addition to those already mentioned, there are four groceries, two boot and 
shoe stores, one drug store, two millinery stores, one furniture store, one meat 
market, one wagon-shop, two blacksmith-shops, one planing-mill, one stave fac- 
tory, one harness-shop, one saw-mill and two saloons. South Whitley also has 
five physicians and one lawyer. 

The secret orders are well represented in South Whitley. Masonic, known 
as Eel River Lodge, No. 510, was organized originally at Liberty Mills, Wabash 
County, October 13, 1874. The lodge had the following officers : Cyrus V. 
N. Lent, Worshipful Master; Lewis J. Long, Senior Warden; George B. 
Bender, Junior Warden ; Robert Carson, Treasurer ; Thomas W. Piper, Sec- 
retary ; Joseph Cave, Senior Deacon ; Peter Runkle, Junior Deacon ; T. A. 
Wheeler, Tiler, and E. S. Baugher and H. Phillips, Stewards. In order to 
better accommodate the members, the lodge was removed to South Whitley, 
October 4, 1879, and is now located in John Arnold's Hall. The following 
names appear on the records of the lodge who have either been members or are 
at present: C. V. Lent, Lewis J. Long, John Simonton, Robert Carson, 
Henry H. Phillips, T. A. Wheeler, M. K. Martin, Peter Runkle, W. S. 
Beigle, Joseph L. Cave, G. W. Bender, Washington Messmore, John Fisher, 
E. Baugher, Wyatt Turner, Charles D. Moe, W. A. Danner, S. M. Mc- 
Cutcheon, John W. Perry, O. P. Stewart, A. Ross, J. M. Stults, E. L. Eber- 
hard, S. Weimer, Richard Shenifield and H. Cole. The following officers gov- 
ern the lodge during 1882: O. P. Stewart, W. M.; Alfred Ross, S. W.; 
W. S. Beigle, J. W.; J. M. Stults, Treasurer; E. L. Eberhard, Secretary; 
S. Weimer, S. D.; Richard Shenifield, J. D.; H. Cole, Tiler. The lodge is 
in a prosperous condition and many of the best citizens are members of it. 

Springfield Lodge, I. O. O. F., was organized November 15, 1859, at 



134 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

which time a charter was granted by Grand Master A. H. Matthes. The 
lodge is located in a building formerly owned by Obadiah Carper, which has 
since burned down, about the year 1877. The following members were in- 
cluded in the charter : Dr. Elijah Merriman, Obadiah Carper, Daniel Nave, 
George H. Winters, A. T. Bitner, 0. P. Koonts, Aaron Metz and S. B. 
Koonts. Dr. Elijah Merriman was the first Noble Grand; Daniel Nave, Vice 
Grand, and A. T. Bitner, Permanent Secretary. The lodge is pleasantly 
located in the hall which it owns, and at the present time is without debt. The 
present officers are : S. W. Doll, Noble Grand ; Enos Stanley, Vice Grand ; 
Martin R. C lapp, Permanent Secretary ; M. Pinkham, Recording Secretary ; 
S. B. Foster, Treasurer. The order has a substantial membership composed 
of a number of the best citizens. 

The Ancient Order of Workmen, known as Welcome Lodge, No. 65, is 
located in the hall owned by the Odd Fellows. The lodge was organized May 
17, 1881. Its objects are to better the condition of the laboring classes and 
to give dignity to labor. The following were charter members : H. Cole, G. 
W. Bonebrake, C. E. McCarty, J. S. Norris, A. Seymour, W. H. Foster, S. 
Weiraer, J. Keiser, H. Shively, W. A. Rynaerson, John W. Parrish, D. S. 
Cullimore, E. L. Eberhard, J. N. Whittenberger, D. Doll, M. R. Clapp, G- 
W. Reaser, F. F. Fisher, L. Cornelius, J. Hapner, H. H. Quick, A. H. 
Baughman and W. W. Smith. The society at present has a membership of 
twenty-six. The first officers were : M. R. Clapp, Past Master Workman ; S. 
Weiner, Master Workman ; Jeremiah Hapner, Foreman ; E. L. Eberhard, 
Overseer; W. W. Smith, Receiver; D. Cullimore, Secretary; J. Stiver, Fi- 
nancial Secretary; John Clapp, Inside Watchman; H. H. Quick, Outside 
Watchman ; and A. Baughman, Guide. The present officers are : Henry Shively, 
Past Master Workman ; M. R. Clapp, Master Workman ; S. Weimer, General 
Foreman; J. Hapner, Overseer; J. N. Whittenberger, Receiver; E. L. Eber- 
hard, Recording Secretary; C. McCarty, Financial Secretary; John Clapp, 
Outside Watchman ; and John Kaser, Inside Watchman. 

Numerous temperance organizations have existed at various times, but 
none of them have been permanent. Nevertheless, there are a number of good 
temperance workers in South Whitley. 

This town has a bright future before it, and the historian who visits it ten 
years hence will write a more lengthy history of it, for it will undoubtedly 
extend its present limits and increase in prosperity. 

Collamer (Millersburg), located near the Wabash & St. Louis Railroad, 
and on the south side of Eel River, contains a population of about one hundred 
and fifty souls. The town was surveyed by John Arnold, and the plat filed by 
R. Miller in the summer of 1846. It was at one time a place of considerable 
trade, grain, stock and lumber being exported in large quantities. It contains 
a good grist-mill, one saw-mill, two general stores, one drug store, one boot and 
shoe store, one physician, a graded school and a Christian Church. Alfred 
Ross is the present Postmaster. 



RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 135 



CHAPTER VII. 

BY EMSHA L. McLALLEN. 

Concerning Richland Township — Its Early Settlement and History—' 
The Men and Women who have made it their Abiding Place, and 
the Notable Events that have Marked their Footsteps. 

" Whoever thinks a perfect work to see 
Thinks what ne'er was, nor is, nor e'er shall be." 

THIS memorial of Richland Township will, we trust, have some interest for 
citizens of the township ; it is not expected that it will interest others, as 
it treats solely of matters of local interest. Nothing would have induced the 
undersigned at this time to prepare this memorial — with his hands already full 
of work — but the fact that he came to Richland when a small boy, in 1845, grew 
with its growth, strengthened with its strength, participated in the attendant 
pleasures and pains of its early life, was identified with its business interests 
and its social life, and he felt an interest in doing what he could to set her fairly 
before the world with her sister townships. 

Want of time to search for the needle of truth in the haystacks of allega- 
tion and negation, non-existent and imperfect records, the lapse of time, the 
fallibility of the human memory, were some of the stumbling blocks in his way ; 
want of time was, however, the greatest. The theme is one that warms with 
its unfolding, and the temptation to enlarge must be resolutely curbed, 
and the bare statement of fact given where pages might have been written. 
The writer must condense continuously in order to remain within the field 
assigned by the publisher, and in this case, withal, that space has been consid- 
erably exceeded. Life is short and uncertain, and it is well to glean from the 
few survivors facts and incidents connected with the advent of the white man 
almost fifty years agone, into this our glorious inheritance, for ours it is now, 
whatever may have been the prior right of the red man. And it is in that 
respect, more than any other, that the writer found it out of his power to meet 
the demand — to visit and make note of the recollections of those first-comers, 
who, by reason of nature's law, must soon " go over to the majority." Un- 
favorable criticism he expects, and blame for omissions and noteworthy things 
not noted, but no one will be half as conscious as he of the imperfections of this 
memorial. Trusting that he has in some measure fulfilled an obligation to the 
home of his boyhood, the friends of his youth and manhood, and, by personal 
experience, knowing that " there is a great deal of human nature among man- 
kind," he rests his case. 

It is to be borne in mind that whatever this memorial sets forth is with 
reference to the township as at present formed, including the portion added 
from Troy Township and excluding the portion set off to Cleveland Township,, 
to which event reference will be made further on in this veritable history. 



136 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

Rightly named is Richland Township. He or they who named it were 
evidently persons of discernment and observation. Lying midway in the west- 
ern tier of townships, its general surface somewhat more undulating than the 
prairies of Northern Indiana, yet so diversified that its landscapes are pleasing, 
and its surface is yearly becoming more and more enriched with spacious and 
well tilled farms, pleasant, tasteful and commodious homes. 

Fifty years ago, probably, no white man's foot had rustled the fallen 
leaves that carpeted her primeval wilderness, and to-day it taxes the memory 
of the first comers to detail what was the stately magnificence of her forests, 
much more those later comers, who found her bosom dotted with growing farm- 
steads and the lusty struggle for the mastery over the forest well advanced 
toward completion. 

As has been detailed in other portions of this history, Whitley County 
was organized in 1838, having previously had a sort of territorial connection 
with Huntington County. At the first Commissioners' Court held in the 
county, and which met at the residence of Joseph Parrett May 7, 1838, Rich- 
land Township was organized, and the court ordered that for road purposes it 
should constitute one road district. Zebulon P. Burch was appointed to be 
the first Supervisor, and an election was ordered to be held on the 19th of May 
following. 

Within its limits is the thriving village of Larwill (of which more anon), 
lying one mile north of the center, and the seat of township government. Part 
of the village of Lorain is in its northeast corner. Five small lakes lie within 
its limits, and Spring Creek, with its two branches, on the east and Clear 
Creek on the west afford an outlet for superabundant waters, emptying them 
into Eel River, just above South Whitley, in Cleveland Township, thence, via 
the Wabash, the Ohio and the Mississippi, to the Mexican Gulf. 

The Squawbuck trail (an Indian trail, which was doubtless the route by 
which the very early settlers reached the western part of the county) passed 
through the north part of the township. Other Indian trails there were cross- 
ing the township at various angles and in various directions ; but the white 
man, actuated by thrift and utility, has. in most instances, placed the highways 
on lines and at right angles, while the Indian was content to have short cuts 
and to follow ridges and devious ways, to avoid swamps and other disagreeable 
impediments. A trail was blazed through the forest from Asa Shoemaker's, in 
the northwest corner of Columbia Township, in a westerly direction, past 
where Larwill now is, and on into Kosciusko County by way of Hayden's. 
The first practical attempt to open communication with the outside world was 
the Huntington and Goshen road and the Fort Wayne and Warsaw road, inter- 
secting at a point one mile west of Larwill. It is to be remembered that the 
prairies up about Goshen and Elkhart were settled several years earlier than 
our county, and that was the Egypt to which our early settlers were wont to go 
to get grain, to have flour ground, etc., and the roads were merely blazed 



RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 137 

through the woods, with here and there an old log cut off or a bit of under- 
brush cut away, and were devious and rugged to traverse. 

David Hayden was the first settler in the township, although several 
others followed him the same season. He was the first comer, built the first 
cabin and long and far shall the seeker go ere he find a worthier example of 
the men who bore the heat and burden of the day in the first settlement of our 
county. 

David Hayden was born June 5, 1807, in Fayette County, Penn., thence re- 
moved to Franklin County, Ohio, and was married to Alma Cone. He deter- 
mined to come West and settle in Indiana. On the 9th of March, 1836, he landed 
in Richland Township with wife and children, twenty-nine years of age, in the 
prime of young manhood, in the heart of the wilderness, miles and miles away 
from any other human habitation, armed with his trust in God and his ax and 
rifle, and endowed with those qualities of heart and head which made him in 
after time a successful and prosperous man, esteemed and respected by all who 
knew him. Of him his sons might have said 

"A prompt, decisive man ; no breath 
Our father wasted." 

From early life, a professor of religion, adhering to the Methodist Church 
with unswerving tenacity, there was something of the Puritan spirit in the way 
be held to his earlier convictions. In early life a Whig, later a Republican of 
the straightest sect. In all the relations of life, the same characteristics pre- 
dominated — laboring in season and out of season, naught but an iron constitu- 
tion enabled him to bear all his burdens. His native sagacity was shown in the 
lands he entered and the very comfortable estate he was enabled to gather about 
him. He died at the homestead, October 22, 1878, aged seventy-one years nine 
months and seventeen days. His ashes lie in the family burial-place, a short dis- 
tance from where he built the first cabin in Richland Township. Loved, hon- 
ored, revered, his aged consort survives him, born at Turin, Lewis County, N. 
Y., August 5, 1810. Walking steadfastly by his side through all the trials and 
privations of frontier life, animated with strong and high purposes for the wel- 
fare and prosperity of her sons and daughters, her old age soothed by the lov- 
ing care of her children, long may she remain among us. The first woman 
who dwelt within our borders, the mother of C. W. Hayden, the first man child 
born in the township. Of the sons and daughters of this Adam and Eve of 
Richland Township there survive John E., Daniel C, Charles W., David F., 
Alvah 0. and Mary E. Hayden. 

Pursuant to an order of the first Commissioners' Court held in the county, 
there was held, on May 19, 1838, the first election in the township ; officer to 
be elected, Justice of the Peace. Inspectors of Election, John Jones, William 
Rice and Zebulon Burch. William Cordill and Edwin Cone were Clerks. The 
record says nothing of grand rallies and mass conventions, stump speeches or 
rallying the masses, it simply points its dead finger to the names of the five 



138 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

voters, viz.: William Rice, Edwin Cone, Zebulon Burch, John Jones and Will- 
iam Cordill. The candidates were Edwin Cone, who received four votes, and 
William Rice, who received one vote. And, of that memorable first board of 
voters and election officers, William Rice alone survives to tell the tale this 
spring of 1882. 

The second election was held at the house of Andrew Compton, August 
6, 1838. Eleven voters appeared, viz.: Otto M. Webb, Zebulon Burch, Levi 
Curtis, Ezra Thomson, John Jones, Jackson Gunter, Abraham Cuppy, Jacob 
Kistler, John Thomson, David Hayden, Edwin Cone. For State Senator, W. 
G. Ewing received four votes, David Colerick three, Thomas Swinney one ; for 
Representative, J. F. Merrill received four and William Vance seven ; for Sher- 
iff, Richard Collins received eleven votes; for County Commissioner, Joseph 
Parrett received eleven votes ; for Probate Judge, Jesse Cleveland had three 
votes, Joseph Pierce one. These were the old Whig and Democrat days, and, 
as we are accustomed to say, the good old times. However, it is doubtful if 
Mr. Richard Collins could take the unanimous vote of Richland Township for 
Sheriff to-day, as he did forty-four years ago, worthy though he is. At the 
next election, held, as all the early elections were, at the residence of Andrew 
Compton, a township organization was formed. Otto M. Webb was chosen 
Township Trustee ; Ezra Thomson, Township Treasurer ; Andrew Compton, 
Township Clerk ; David Payne, Fence Viewer, each receiving fifteen votes. At 
the first election in Troy Township (after its organization on March 19, 1839), 
held July 4, 1839, appear the names of Jesse S. Perin, Price Goodrich, Tim- 
othy F. Devinny and Bela Goodrich, who were residents of what is now a part 
of Richland ; and at that first election Price Goodrich and Jesse S. Perin were 
Inspectors of Election. Twelve votes were cast. Nathan Chapman was at that 
time elected Justice of the Peace by seven votes, Price Goodrich receiving five 
votes. 

The first Presidential election held at Andrew Compton's house, November 
2, was that of 1840-41. The Harrison campaign — the log-cabin and hard-cider 
campaign — now only remembered by elderly persons. The candidates were 
Harrison and Tyler for the Whigs, and Van Buren and Johnson for the Dem- 
ocrats. Twenty-five votes were cast, of which fourteen were for Harrison and 
eleven for Van Buren. Those twenty-five voters were Daniel Cone, John 
Wright, Daniel Cullomore, Andrew Compton, Edwin Cone, Joshua Helms, John 
Jones, William Rice, John Anderson, Elijah Scott, Zebulon Burch, David 
Hayden, John Thomson, Reason Hueston, Levi Curtis, Charles Ditton, Samuel 
L. Andrews, Anderson D. Parrett, William D. Parrett, Joab McPherson, David 
Payne, George Ditton, David Payne, Jr., Ezra Thomson, Jacob Kistler, Jr. 
Judges, W. D. Parrett, Ezra Thomson, Zebulon Burch ; Clerks, Andrew 
Compton, Edwin Cone. 

Surviving these now are William Rice, J. R. Anderson, Elijah Scott, Levi 
Curtis, A. D. Parrett, David Payne, Jr. — six only. Jesse S. Perin, John 




Nil 



o// t/ft <y^zA>^vL^^^ 



TROY TR 



RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 



141 



Buck, James Buck, William Guy, James Grant, Bela, James and Price Good- 
rich, of the Troy Addition to Richland, voted November 2, 1840, at the shop 
of Joseph Tinkham, in Troy, for the same candidates, of whom James Grant 
and Price Goodrich only survive. 

Presidential elections in the township have resulted as follows : 



YEAB. 


Whig. 


Republican 


Democrat. 


Total. 


1840 


14 
13 
35 

40 


i)6 
128 
152 
185 
193 
217 
216 


11 

12 

53 

75 

72 

116 

120 

140 

171 

240 

227 


25 


1844 


25 


1848 


88 


1852 


115 


1856 


168 


1860 


244 


1864 


272 


1868 


325 


1872 


364 


1876 


457 


1880 


443 







Township Trustees since 1865 : James Cordill, qualified April 8, 1865 ; 
Charles G. Ferry, April 5, 1866; Albert Webster, April 3, 1867; Albert 
Webster, April 8, 1868; Alexander McNagny, April 10, 1869; Alexander 
McNagny, October 15, 1870; Thomas Stradly, October 15, 1872; Thomas 
Stradly, October 15, 1874; William H. Lancaster, October 16, 1876; Joseph 
Essig, May 18, 1878; L. B. Snyder, April 14, 1880; John Halderman, April 
11, 1882. 

Justices of the Peace since the organization of the township : Edwin Cone 
was elected June 11, 1838 ; Nathan Chapman, July 24, 1839 ; James Grant, 
May 7, 1841 ; Reason Hueston, June 23, 1841 ; Zebulon Burch, April 10, 
1842 ; Edwin Cone, April 25, 1845 ; Thomas Cleveland, May 7, 1846 ; Rea- 
son Hueston, June 5, 1846 ; James Grant, February 5, 1847 ; Henry McLallen, 
Sr., April 25, 1850 ; Reason Hueston, June 23, 1851 ; James Grant, April 21, 
1852; Henry McLallen, Sr., May 9, 1855; William Finley, April 22, 1856; 
Truman Hunt, October 21, 1857; R. W. Dodge, May 1, 1860; Luke McAl- 
lister, April 19, 1862; R. W. Dodge, April 15, 1864; Jackson Sadler, No- 
vember 1, 1864; A. H. King, April 14, 1866; Jackson Sadler, November 
11, 1868; Jackson Sadler, May 27, 1873; C. L. Cone, May 27, 1877 ; Jack- 
son Sadler, May 27, 1877; David Bonar, April 22, 1880; John J. Alms, 
April 3, 1882; Warren W. Martin, April 3, 1882. 

There may be seen in the County Auditor's office the first tax duplicate ; 
it is for the year 1838. It is of primitive character, and, as the patent nostrum 
venders say of man, it is "fearfully and wonderfully made," consisting, as it 
does, of four pages of foolscap paper, bound in the cover of Smiley's school 
atlas, cut down to the proper size. From this ancient document, we learn that 
in that year there were found within the limits of Richland the following per- 
sons upon whom to lay the following taxes, as by statute provided : 



142 



HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 



TOWN 31, RANGE 8. 



NAMES. 



Value of Tax- 
able Property. 



Anderson, John.... 

Burch, Zebulon 

Burns, John 

Cordill, William... 

Cone, Edwin 

Cone, Daniel 

Curtis, Levi 

Compton, Andrew. 

Hayden, David 

Jones, John 

Kistler, Jacob, Sr. 
Kistler, Jacob, Jr.. 

Perin, Jesse S 

Payne, David 

Rice, William 

Thomson, Ezra 

Thomson, John 



Totals $915 00 



$97 00 



18 00 
50 00 
75 00 
88 00 
18 00 
94 00 



175 00 
250 00 

SO 00 



County Tax. 



$0 75 
1 72 
75 
75 
75 
18 



1 25 
1 50 

1 63 
93 
94 
76 

2 50 

3 25 
75 
50 
75 



$19 65 



State Tax. 



$0 50 
65 
50 
50 
60 
02£ 
57* 
61} 
63f 
52f 
15 
50 
91J 
87* 
50" 
07* 
50 



$8 64i 



Total. 



$1 

2 

1 
1 

1 



25 
37 
25 
25 
25 



20* 

1 82* 

2 11} 
2 
1 

09 
25 



26| 
45| 



41* 



12* 
25 

57£ 

1 25 



$28 19} 



And every one of those pioneers paid up — not one delinquent. Alas, how 
mankind has deteriorated since 1838. 

EXHIBIT OF TAXES LEVIED IN INTERVALS OF FIVE YEARS. 



TEAR. 


No.of Tax- 
payers. 


Value of Per- 
sonals 


Assessed Value 
of Keal Estate. 


Total Vdue of 
Taxables. 


Acres of Land. 


Total of Taxes. 


No. of 
Dogs. 


1838.... 


16 


$ 915 




$ 915 


23160 


$ 28 20 




1840.... 











23160 






1845.... 


150 


4119 


$ 61690 


65809 


23160 


803 94 




1850.... 


225 


5766 


64523 


64698 


23160 


1250 00 




1855.... 


247 


45668 


74526 


120130 


23160 


1548 21 




I860.... 


416 


46086 


157905 


203991 


23160 


2333 42 




1865.... 


381 


87802 


272125 


359927 


23160 


14441 72 




1870.... 


470 


139136 


369635 


508771 


23160 


12905 76 


186 


1875.... 


537 


249045 


449755 


718800 


23160 


11519 05 


154 


1880.... 


633 


271380 


363455 


635235 


23160 


8165 77 


203 



Price Goodrich was Probate Judge August, 1848, to November, 1851, and 
is entitled to be called Judge Goodrich. He was County Commissioner from 
1856 to 1859, and was re-elected. H. McLallen, Jr., was County Treasurer, 
1870 to 1872, and was re-elected 1872 to 1874. J. W. Miller was Sheriff of 
Whitley County during the same period. F. P. Allwein was elected Sheriff 
in 1880, and is renominated now for the same office. Benjamin F. Thomson 
has been County Commissioner the four years last past. 

May 7, 1838, Ezra Thomson was the first Grand Juror from Richland ; 
May 7, 1838, Edwin Cone, David Hayden, John Jones, first Petit Jurors, and 
the Commissioners appointed Edwin Cone and Ezra Thomson Overseers of 
Poor for the township, and Zebulon P. Burch, Road Supervisor, with the whole 
township for his road district. 

The first road petition after organization of county was presented May 7, 
1838, and Zebulon Burch, David Payne and Stedman Chaplin were appointed 
Viewers. Its line was south from David Hayden's. 



RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 143 

June 25, 1838, Edwin Cone was allowed $2 by the Commissioners for 
making returns of the first election held in the township, and, as the writer be- 
lieves, the first in the county after its organization. Henry Pence, County 
Assessor, first assessed the township in 1838. 

September Term, 1839. The Commissioners appointed Zebulon Burch 
Three Per Cent Road Fund Commissioner. 

January Term, 1840. Allowed the same $15.15J for his services in lay- 
ing out Columbia City. In 1839, the Circuit Court fined Nathan Chapman 
6^ cents for retailing foreign merchandise without taking out a license. 

January 4, 1841. " 'Squire" Nathan Chapman reported the first fine col- 
lected, $1.50, of Henry Moon, for assaulting and battering whom the record 
sayeth not; but as he was the first person who was "moonstruck" in the 
county, 'tis a pity his name has not been handed down. 

This is, no doubt the first marriage in the township, and probably in the 
county : 

Charles Ditton and Eveline, daughter of Zebulon P. Burch, were married 
at Z. P. Burch's, December 15, 1836. Mr. Ditton went to Goshen for his 
license, and the preacher came from near Elkhart to perform the ceremony. 

The records of Whitley show the following first entry in the marriage 
department. 

State of Indiana, 1 
Whitley County. / 

Be it remembered that on the 1st day of September, 1838, a license was issued by the 

Clerk of Whitley Circuit Court, authorizing the marriage of Jacob Kistler and Sophia Payne. 

And the following certificate of its solemnization : 

State of Indiana, "1 
Whitley County. / 
To all persons to whom these presents may come — greeting: Know ye, that on the 2d 
day of September, 1838, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for Whitley County, 
joined in the holy bonds of matrimony Jacob Kistler and Sophia Payne, both of same county. 

Given under my hand this 8th day of September, 1838. 

Edwin Cone, J. P. 

The above, though not the first marriage in the county nor in Richland 
Township, is yet the first in county or town after its organization. On Novem- 
ber 11, 1838, Edwin Cone married Isaac H. Collins and Nancy Cuppy. On 
January 17, 1838, Edwin Cone married John Thomson and Emily Perin. 
July 4, 1839, married William Rice and Harriet U. Jones ; February 11, 
1840, Charles Ditton and Sarah A. Calhoun ; March, 1840, Levi Curtis and 
Eunice Andrews ; July 30, 1840, H. Swihart, Justice of the Peace, married 
A. D. Parrett and Susan Perkins. 

In early days, to be expert with the ax, the rifle or some implement of 
iron carried more weight than book learning or erudition. Abraham Cuppy, 
William Cordill, James Perkins and Andy Compton were accounted by a well 
qualified jury expert with the ax, first-class choppers, and at a raising John 



144 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

Jones, E. L. Scott and John R. Anderson were accounted number one corner- 
men. Be it remembered, that it is no child's play to take up the corner of a 
log building in good and workmanlike style. It is to be borne in mind that, in 
the early days, it was a prime necessity to have whisky at raisings, loggings and 
other gatherings ; at raisings it was customary to toss up a bottle to the corner- 
men, who were usually the most expert woodsmen and knew the flavor of the 
creature ; having tasted it, they tossed it down again. Black-strap was another 
form, and a very seductive form the critter took. Now, black-strap, be it under- 
stood, is composed of six parts whisky and one part New Orleans molasses ; 
nowadays you have it called rock and rye or some other high-fangled name. 

Among riflemen many were good, but it was conceded that E. L. Scott 
carried the belt ; Abraham Cuppy was an artist in that line ; Christian Souder 
was conceded to be the most expert hunter ; George Clapp, most successful 
wolf trapper, and E. L. Scott most successful trapper of otter. David Hayden 
built the first frame dwelling in the township ; it still stands a monument to 
his memory ; David Hayden also built the first frame barn, in 1844. The first 
brick house — D. Firestone's residence in Larwill. First dance in township at 
Otto M. Webb's, April, 1841, Grover Webb, fiddler. First log-rolling at Abra- 
ham Cuppy's — present, John Cuppy, Thomas Webb, E. L. Scott and others, 
1837. First shoemaker, William Cordill, 1837. First blacksmith-shop, Sam- 
uel Barnhouse, near Richland Center, Section 16, 1838. First lawsuit was 
between Andy Compton and George Clapp, about a settlement, about 1840. 
The first quilting frolic was at David Hayden's barn, in the spring of 1845. 
Andrew Compton killed the first bear in the township, in company with Zebu- 
Ion Burch, Charles and George Ditton and John Anderson. Zebulon Burch 
killed two wolves, the first killed of which we have any account. E. L. Scott 
was returning from mill in 1839, with six miles in front and eight miles behind 
him to the nearest house, when five Indians suddenly appeared upon the scene ; 
two of them held the horses and the other three searched for fire-water. It is 
thought they found it, though 'Lige would never own it; he owned, however, 
that he was a " leetle " bit nervous. They made him haul them three miles, 
when they struck three other native Americans, who had a supply, and, " very 
much against his will, insisted on his taking a nip," in fact, several nips, and 
it was 2 o'clock in the morning before he could tear himself away from his 
new found friends. 

It is not known that any murder has been done within the township. 
After the building of the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad, the 
bones of an unknown man were found in the woods north of Trembley's ; 
whether a dark crime was connected with his taking off none can tell. A lit- 
tle daughter of George Huston died in the spring of 1844 from the bite of a 
rattlesnake. John Rodebaugh shot himself, about 1852, at his store in Sum- 
mit — was deranged. Alexander Norris was killed by a limb of a tree falling 
on him when chopping in the woods, in 1860. Henry Souder was instantly 



RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 145 

killed at Van Liew's Mill, Larwill, by the bursting of a grindstone in 
1863. John Buck got his death from being struck by an express train 
at Larwill station. Marcellus Thomson blew out his brains in a temporary 
fit of insanity, in John Steele's woods, in 1870. Mrs. Essinger hanged herself 
with a pillow-slip to the third rail from the ground of the fence of her own 
door-yard. Samuel Aker hanged himself to the ladder in his barn. Jacob 
Long, Section Foreman, was run over and killed by an express train on the 
Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad, in the spring of 1881. 

There seems to be no doubt that C. W. Hayden, son of David and Alma 
Hayden, was the first white child born in the township ; the date of this, to 
him, memorable event was August 12, 1837. Having passed through the 
stages of childhood, youth and young manhood, and made the most of the 
meager advantages that surrounded him, he united his fortunes with those of 
a daughter of Alfred Hoover, Esq., of Kosciusko County, and became a farmer 
on his own account. A few years of this begat a spirit of adventure, and he 
sold his place to B. F. Thomson, who now lives there, and removed to Missouri, 
where he spent several years with varying success, and, his health failing, re- 
turned to the land of his fathers. He is now engaged in mercantile pursuits at 
Collamer, in this county, and whoso knows him knows a man whose word is as 
good as his bond. 

The second person born in the township, and the first female, was Eveline, 
daughter of Charles and Eveline Ditton, born in September, 1837, the mother 
surviving but two weeks. John Thomson and other neighbors made for her a 
coffin from the boards of a wagon box, and the few neighbors there were in a 
range of half a dozen miles gathered to lay her at rest. Mrs. Ditton was a 
daughter of Zebulon P. Burch, a very early settler, whose old place is now 
occupied by Henry Norris. Mr. Burch was a prominent character in those 
early days, and filled several stations of honor and trust. One of the first 
courts held in the county was held at his house, Judge Ewing presiding. The 
daughter of Charles Ditton, now Mrs. Todd, resides at Lagro, Indiana, where 
also, her father, Charles Ditton, resides, and is highly regarded. 

The third birth of which authentic information has been produced was 
that of Orilla, daughter of Edwin and Salima Cone, who was born 30th Jan- 
uary, 1839, married to Frank Inlow, April 28, 1857 ; removed to Missouri in 
the spring of 1864, and there died November 21, 1881. 

Chauncey, son of Price and Martha Goodrich, was born October 7, 1839 ; 
is a prosperous and very successful builder. Most of the good brick buildings in 
the county can bear witness for the honest manner his work is done. 

In February, 1837, Samuel Jones, first-born of John Jones, died at the 
house of Ezra Thomson (where the family were stopping whilst the rude cabin 
was being made ready to receive them) from exposure, having caught the 
mumps while moving to the country. This was the first death among the early 
settlers of Richland. The death of Mrs. Eveline Ditton, in September 



146 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

following, elsewhere referred to, was the second ; and later Mr. Jones himself 
made the coffin of Mrs. Andrews, his sister. Mr. Andrews settled where John 
Steele now lives, and Mr. Jones where Alexander McNagney now lives. Older 
citizens will remember going to the post office, first kept in the cabin he built, 
a few rods south of Mr. McN.'s present residence. Messrs. Jones and Andrews 
came in the fall of 1836, and were among the very early settlers. W. N. An- 
drews, Postmaster at Larwill, is the eldest son of Mr. Samuel Andrews. An- 
other brother resides in Iowa. 

The Eel River Baptist Church was organized in 1840, at the house of John 
Collins, in Cleveland Township. Among its first members were John Col- 
lins, William Cordill, John Cordill, Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton and S. A. Chaplin. 
To these were afterward added, by baptism and letter, Edwin Rambo and wife, 
Margaret Rambo, John Cuppy and wife, Mary Cuppy, Jane Collins (wife of 
John Collins), Mrs. Martin Collins, Isaac Collins and wife, Nancy Collins, 
Mrs. Chaplin (wife of S. A. Chaplin), William Norris, James Chaplin (father 
of S. H. Chaplin, and Mores P. Chaplin (brother of S. A. Chaplin). James 
Martin was the first Pastor of this little flock. February 19, 1842, S. A. 
Chaplin, now editor of the Restitution, at Plymouth, was licensed to preach, 
and on August 20, 1842, he was ordained, and for some time preached for 
them. A change of views in regard to the future destiny of the earth as well 
as of man's nature, whether immortal by nature or redemption — the view of 
earth restored being the future home of the redeemed — in plain English, Mil- 
lerism or Second Adventism — was embraced by Elder Chaplin and a number of 
other members of the church, who dissolved their connection with it, and it 
languished for several years. Reorganized December, 1845, William Norris, 
John Cordill, Esther Cordill, Norah Hand, Elizabeth Cuppy, Michael B. 
Kelly, Rebecca Riesson, K. C. Hamilton, Caroline Hamilton, Caroline Collins, 
George Gunter, John Cuppy and Nancy Cuppy were members. The present 
church was built in 1861, at a cost of $1,200. Number of members now, sev- 
enty-six. Present Pastor, Elder V. 0. Fritz. This is the best account the 
meager facts in hand make possible of this society. 

A Methodist society was organized near Lorain in 1840. The first preacher 
was Rev. Samuel Smith. Of the early members are the names of Henry Rob- 
erts, Joseph Tinkham, Elizabeth Tinkham, Michael and Fanny Blanchard, 
Price and Julia A. Goodrich, Isaac and Elizabeth Kern and Harlow Barber. 
As time and convenience dictated, they met at the houses of settlers. When 
the chapel near Cedar Lake, in Troy Township, was built, this society was 
merged with it, and now constitutes a part of that vigorous branch of the church. 

In the early days, there was a Methodist class near John R. Anderson's, 
called the Union Clas3, which, as usual, met from house to house. With vari- 
ous other societies they united, in 1855, in building the Union Church. Among 
the earlier members were Henry Rupely and wife, John Jones and wife, A. D. 
Parrett and wife, Eliakim Mosher and wife, Edmond Parrish and wife and 



RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 



147 



John Graham. There they prospered until 1880, when they built the neat and 
commodious Oak Grove Church, a brick edifice costing about $2,000, and are 
comfortably settled therein, with a membership of somewhat over thirty. If 
this account be faulty or meager, it is because the information sought for failed 
to come to hand. 

A society of the Christian denomination has long been maintained at 
Booneville, with a comfortable church building and a strong society. Data 
sought for failed to come to hand, and this brief notice must suffice. 

The history of education in Richland would be a repetition of that of 
other towns round about. The first school, taught by Zillah Adams at Summit, 
was a subscription school. Indiana's munificent school funds and judicious 
provision for schoolhouses and school appliances were then unthought of. 
Instead of the comfortable school desks, slab benches, with the legs inserted in 
auger-holes, were the seats ; the desk was of boards laid on arms inserted in the 
side walls of the building in the same way. Samuel Andrews and Jesse S. 
Perin were wont to grumble because, each having large families, they together 
had to pay over half the teacher's salary. Divers and numerous were the bar- 
rings-out of teachers, etc., etc., but Eggleston has so graphically described it in 
his " Hoosier Schoolmaster," that details would be superfluous. Miss Sarah 
Thomson (now Mrs. Jesse Arnold) taught a select school in an old log 
house on John Thomson's farm in the early days. Periodicals and books were 
scarce, and blessed was the home whose heads had not forgotten to bring a store 
of books when they plunged into the wilderness, for in the hand-to-hand struggle 
no money was to be expended for superfluities when the bare necessities of life were 
hard to come at. As time passed, and after the State made provision for public 
education, schoolhouses were built of log^s (similar to the one at Summit, else- 
where described), at suitable distances all over the township. These were after- 
ward replaced with frame schoolhouses, and these latter, as they become old and 
are condemned, are being replaced with good substantial brick structures. It is 
thought that the new law taking the road work off the Trustees' hands, will 
tend to better oversight and general improvement of schools. The following is 
the present school accommodation in the township : 



DISTRICTS. 


Section. 


Kind of House. 


When Built. 


Value. 


No. of 
Pupils. 


District No. 


1 


25 
34 
28 
32 
30 

"8 
9 
11 
14 
22 
18 


Brick 


1869 
1873 
1873 
1875 
1871 

1868 

1881 
No record... 
No record... 

1870 
No record... 


$1000 00 

1000 00 

1000 00 

9000 00 

500 00 


30 


District No. 


2 


Brick 


21 


District No. 


3 


Brick 


30 


District No. 


4 


Brick 


175 


District No. 


5 


Frame 


32 


District No. 


6 


Frame ... 




District No. 


7 


300 00 
900 00 
300 00 
400 00 
500 00 
300 00 


28 


District No. 


8 


Brick 


30 


District No. 


9 


Frame 


35 


District No. 


10 


Frame . 


35 


District No. 


11 


Frame . 


25 


District No. 


12 




30 










Total 


$15200 00 


471 



148 



HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 



The following table shows the amounts and growth of the tuition and 
special school funds since the adoption of the new Constitution in 1852. It 
will be remembered that the special school fund is applied only for the pur- 
poses of building and furnishing schoolhouses, supplying them with wood, stoves, 
brooms and other necessaries. In 1875, in accordance with statute in that 
case made and provided, Township Trustees were authorized to supplement 
the regular tuition fund, which is the interest on funds permanently invested, 
by levying a tax which is termed the local tuition fund, and is shown in the 
subjoined table : 



YEARS. 


Tuition Fund. 


Special 
School Fund. 


YEARS. 


Tuition Fund. 


Special 
School Fund. 


Local 
Tuition Fund. 


1853 


$ 85 31 

288 00 

431 22 

508 30 

411 20 

475 00 

435 56 

755 25 

687 75 

992 85 

936 75 

1205 97 

1032 03 

1216 78 

1297 47 


$182 72 
174 25 
194 91 
606 93 
640 66 
644 79 
649 59 
690 60 
667 92 
1018 55 
1031 35 


1868 


$1353 64 
1430 09 
1571 82 
1587 02 
1577 86 
1216 58 
1544 25 
2081 90 
2333 03 
2086 32 
1864 95 
1898 34 
2164 81 
2005 49 


$1039 68 

575 25 

1581 43 

901 48 

1640 23 

1660 64 

1622 65 

1185 89 

3602 76 

3832 67 

2877 93 

3463 23 

2476 74 

918 52 




1854 


1869 




1855 


1870 




1856 


1871.. 




1857 


1872 




1858 


1873... 




1859 


1874 

1875 




1860 


$762 62 


1861 


1876 


421 78 


1862 


1877.., 


10 98 


1863 


1878 




1864 


1879 




1865 


1880... 


333 10 


1866 


1881 


636 03 


1867 

















The following table shows the original entries of land by actual settlers 
down to 1840, as per original entry in land office: 



NAMES. 



Andrew Compton 

Charles Ditton , 

Zebulon P. Burch 

David Hayden 

Mores P. Chaplin 

John Jones 

Elijah L. Scott , 

Ezra Thomson , 

Jesse S. Perin 

Jacob Kistler, Sr 

John Buntain 

James Compton 

William Rice 

John Burns , 

Levi Curtis 

Price Goodrich , 

James Goodrich 

Harlow Barber 

Alfred Jordan , 

John R. Anderson , 

David Payne 

Nathan Chapman 

James Grant 

Christian Souder 

Christopher Souder.... 

Moses Hand 

Samuel L. McPherson 



Section. 



21 

22 

22 

6 

5 

4 

19 

4-9 

30-32 

10-12 

30 

7-16 

5-8 

29 

10 

25 

25 

28 

25 

14 

15 

25 

26 

11 

11 



Month and Day. 



December 17.. 

March 7 

March 7 

March 19 

March 19 

April 27 

May 10 

July 15 

August 31 

October 8 

October 21.... 
October 24.... 

March 20 

May 29 

June 10 

September 20 
September 20 

October 1 

October 30.... 
November 13. 
November 27. 

April 17 

May 2 

October 16.... 

March 16 

May 12 

May 12 



Tear. 



1835 
1836 
1836 
1836 
1836 
1836 
1836 
1836 
1836 
1836 
1836 
1836 
1837 
1837 
1837 
1837 
1837 
1837 
1837 
1837 
1837 
1838 
1838 
1838 
1840 
1840 
1840 



Acres. 



320 

160 

160 

318 t 

142 

242 

120 

480 

546 

240 

240 

333 

120 

120 

200 

120 

80 

80 

80 
160 
160 
200 

80 

80 

40 

80 

40 




vlA^e^SLst^ 



WASHINGTON TR 



RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 151 

Larwill, formerly Huntsville, was laid out on the line of the Pittsburgh 
Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad, November 13, 1854. It was located on the 
corners of the four farms of H. McLallen, Sr., Truman Hunt, Jesse S. Perin 
and Thomas J. Hammontree. At that time the site of the village was unbroken 
forest west of Center and north of Main streets. Mr. Perin had a fine sugar 
camp, with the boiling-place where the depot now stands. Hammontree bought 
his place December 15, 1851, built a log cabin where Thomas Stradly's house 
now stands in the the spring of 1852, and had cleared a few acres ; this was all 
that was amiss of the forest. 

It was in August, 1856, that the Pennsylvania & Ohio, the Ohio & Indi- 
ana and the Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroads consolidated, forming the Pitts- 
burgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad. Up to that date, Columbia City was 
the terminus. The work of construction was pushed forward rapidly by the 
new management, and before the close of that year trains were running through 
as far as Plymouth, and Huntsville began to come out of the wilderness. This 
was the era of luxuries. We had a daily mail ; lumbering hacks, whose tri- 
weekly visits had before been our sole dependence, were abandoned ; the post 
office, which had for years been at Summit, one mile west, was moved to Hunts- 
ville, and H. McLallen, Sr., was first Postmaster, and so continued until the 
Lincoln administration, when E. L. Barber was appointed ; afterward H. B. 
Whittenberger succeeded him, and last season W. N. Andrews succeeded him. 

The first Station Agent was H. McLallen, Sr., succeeded by E. L. Mc- 
Lallen, he by H. McLallen, Jr., until 1874, when W. F. McNagney succeeded 
to it, and held it until he determined to adopt the legal profession and was 
succeeded by W. E. Young, the present incumbent. 

In 1854, Hugh McClarren built a log house on the corner where John 
Bruner's shop stands, and opened a traffic in "wet goods," not to very great 
advantage ; nor, indeed, has there ever been a prosperous business done there 
in that line. J. F. Smith was the first doctor ; his office was where Scott 
Smith's residence now is ; he came here in the spring of 1854. We had also 
Dr. F. M. Tumbleson, and later, Drs. Firestone, 1859, and Kirkpatrick, 1860 
have enjoyed long and extensive practice. Still later, Dr. Souder, Dr. Lan- 
caster and Dr. Webster. In the early days, Dr. McHugh, of Columbia City 
did a good practice hereabouts, though his methods were rather heroic ■ and it 
was thought by many that Dr. Boss, of Warsaw, could almost raise the dead. 
David King was one of the vanguard ; he built a shanty and started the first 
shoe-shop, where Hilliard's family now live. It was there the young bloods, 
and old ones, too, used to repair and waste their means in riotous living 
on hard-boiled eggs at 4 cents a dozen, seasoned with pepper-sauce. There 
were a few who could make way with two dozen, several could do eighteen, and 
plenty who took a dozen. Isaac Broad came and built about 1856 ; Jerry 
Welker about the same time, and put up a furniture store where Dr. Kirkpat- 
rick lives now. 



152 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

The first store was opened by Dodge & McLallen, R. W. Dodge and H . 
McLallen, Sr., in a building since burned, which stood on the site of the old 
Washington House. The stock was varied and assorted to suit the times, with 
a little of everything. Barter was the rule ; credit was generally asked and 
expected, and ready pay the exception. Dodge went out after one season, and 
John M. Thomson took his place. He, used to Eastern life and California 
excitement, found it too slow for him, and went. Mr. McLallen then went to 
work in earnest, and built on the corner where D. B. Clugston, Bro. & Co.'s store 
now is ; the building has since been removed across the street, and is now 
Bowman's hardware store. This edifice was 22x44, two stories, with cellar 
walled up with hewn timber. Stone was then out of the question. This build- 
ing his neighbors thought entirely beyond the needs of the place. Here he 
continued and prospered until July 9, 1858, when he sold out to E.L. McLallen 
and D. B. Clugston, who carried on the business very successfully, until March, 
1, 1874, when McLallen sold his interest to D. B. Clugston, who then organized 
the firm of D. B. Clugston, Bro. & Co., which still keeps the field with excel- 
lent success. In 1869, McLallen & Clugston built the fine brick store, 24x100, 
two stories and cellar, as it now stands. The Masonic Fraternity took and paid 
for seventy-five feet of the second floor for lodge-rooms, giving them 24x 
75 feet for hall, ante-rooms, etc. About 1861, Edwin L. Barber built and 
opened a store just north of the store now owned by H. B. Whittenberger, 
where he flourished as merchant, Postmaster and general trader, until about 
1865, when he sold store and stock to Whittenberger & Bro., and soon after 
built the fine store where H. B. Whittenberger now is, which he occupied until 
1881, when he removed the stock and sold the store to H. B. Whittenberger, 
who is comfortably growing fat, wealthy and old, and not a wave of trouble 
rolls across his peaceful breast. 

Halderman k Co. built their present store-room and commenced trade in 
1867, and have steadily kept step to the music, and done their share of the 
business, and may be called successful merchants. A burglary and safe-blow- 
ing last winter is the only notable counter-current they have met, and that was 
not of sufficient importance to disturb Lewis' equilibrium, or cause John to lie 
awake nights. A. F. Martin and McLallen & Clugston, under the style of A. 
F. Martin & Co., started a hardware store, May 1, 1865. Mr. Martin went 
out and McLallen & Clugston continued awhile, then sold out to Jerry Franklin, 
who in turn sold out to S. B. Clevinger, who engaged in hardware trade in his 
present rooms in 1869. About that time, L. B. Snyder and McLallen & Clug- 
ston formed a partnership, and opened a new hardware store where John Bruner 
now is ; afterward removed to where Bowman now keeps, and continued until 
the fall of 1881, when Bowman bought out the concern, and still continues at 
the old stand. L. B. Snyder, or Bolivar, as he is generally known, is widely 
and favorably known, and has the good- will of the entire community. Having 
no boys to succeed to his business, he concluded to go out of trade and take a 



RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 153 

rest; he is also noted for his firm reliance. S. B. Clevinger kept on the even 
tenor of his way until disabled by ill-health, and has recently transferred his 
hardware business to his son Henry, who continues it at the old place. Dr. 
Kirkpatrick came in the spring of 1860; in 1864, he started a drug- 
store. In 1865, D. L. Whiteleather bought one-half interest, and they built a 
new store ; the firm was Kirkpatrick & Whiteleather until 1881, when White- 
leather bought the entire concern. W. N. Andrews opened a drug store oppo- 
site Halderman's in 1878, which concern continues to prosper. 

Truman Hunt built the first grist-mill, the steam one now owned by Jos. 
Essig, thereby conferring an inestimable boon on the community, as otherwise 
they had to go ten miles to mill. This mill was built about 1860 or 1862. In 
1853, Truman Hunt — " The 'Squire " as he was generally called — tore down 
his hewed log dwelling, a half mile west of Larwill, and moved the timbers to 
the village and rebuilt it on the spot where Dr. Firestone's fine mansion now is, 
and opened a tavern (tavern is a good word crowded out by the new fancied 
term hotel). This was a tavern. On a post in front was a plain oval si»n, 
with a fish rampant depicted upon it, and below three letters — INN — only this 
and nothing more. The guests, however, at the inn, found good beds and 
good cheer. James Young afterward opened a hotel, and for the past twenty 
years has done most of the entertaining of strangers. In 1880, he rebuilt his 
house, and now keeps quite a pretentious hostelry. He also knows "black 
walnut from cofieenut," and is a pretty good judge of lumber, in which he has 
done a successful business for many years. 

George Klinehance has long been a heavy lumber-dealer in this region, 
and has handled a great many millions of feet. "Old Business " is his pet 
name among the boys. Capt. Steele, now Commissioner of Roads for Rich- 
land Township, was long his factotum in the stock trade, the buying and ship- 
ping of which has long been a part of his business. 

Truman Hunt, Esq., was an important character in those early days. He 
held his own opinions, liked to have his will, was very tenacious of his rights, 
and was of hasty temper, spoke with a New England twang, and looked out 
sharply for number one, but was a good neighbor and citizen. In 1869, he 
sold his farm to Dr. Firestone, and removed to Michigan, where it is believed 
he is still living. 

Uncle Jesse S. Perin, was born in Berkshire County, Mass., July 28, 
1792; moved to Michigan in 1821; came to Indiana in 1837; entered 546 
acres of land in the immediate vicinity of Larwill ; died August 19, 1862, a^ed 
seventy years ; his wife, Laura Bird, was born on the Green Mountains, in Ver- 
mont, February 14, 1798. The children of these surviving are Betsy, Laura, 
Jesse, Achsa, Diantha. Mr. Perin was a man of mark, intelligent, with much 
force of character ; of portly figure, quite deaf in his later years ; a good story- 
teller, could sing a song and was socially inclined. Had been so long in the 
backwoods that his reminiscences of early life took one back to the early part 



154 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

of the century. He was of quick, fiery temper, and very positive in his way. 
Troy Township, Whitley County, Ind., was named at his suggestion in honor 
of the Township of Troy, Oakland County, Mich., from which he came to 
Whitley. 

Thomas J. Hammontree was born in Maryland ; came here from Cuyahoga 
Falls, Ohio, December, 1851 ; carpenter by trade and an excellent one ; a large- 
framed, large-hearted man ; he was a fair specimen of the early settlers, always 
ready to do a good turn. In 1864, he sold his place at the village and bought 
the farm of the late Harper Mack, where he continued to live until his decease, 
and his remains lie in Lakeview Cemetery. 

Henry McLallen, Sr., was born at Trumansburg, N. Y., August 3, 1808 ; 
grew up to manhood there. Was married, August 31, 1831, to Frances M. 
Lyman, of Northfield, Mass. Went into business on his own account about the 
time of his majority, and was fairly successful. The great panic of 1843, fol- 
lowed by the failure of a number of persons indebted to him, so embarrassed 
him that he could not hope to re-establish himself for a long while ; beside that, 
he was attracted to the Great West, which was then first brought prominently 
before the people. All who are familiar with the history of our Western coun- 
try know of, and many elderly persons will remember, the wonderful impetus 
given to emigration to Indiana, Ohio and Michigan, by the building of the 
Wabash & Erie Canal, the Ohio Canals, the National roads and other schemes of 
internal improvement that were, alas ! many of them, destined to be nipped in 
the bud by the revulsion which followed the overthrow of the National Bank and 
the Jacksonian era. It was under the inspiration of high expectation as to 
rapid development Mr. McLallen, with many others, plunged into the fastnesses 
of Indiana as it was in 1845. In the spring of 1845, accompanied by his 
brother, DeWitt McLallen, deceased, and the late Harper Mack, he came to 
Richland and cleared an acre and built the rude cabin which was to be the fam- 
ily home for many a long year, and, in the September following, coming via 
New York & Erie Canal from Cayuga Bridge to Buffalo; by the schooner Sarah 
Bugbee from Buffalo to Toledo, and with a tempestuous passage over Lake 
Erie ; from Toledo to Fort Wayne via the Wabash & Erie Canal, and from 
Fort Wayne in wagons to the old homestead in Section 3, adjoining Larwill, 
the family took up their abiding place. Of slender build and not inured to 
the severe labors of the backwoodsman, yet with courage and self-sacrifice wor- 
thy of a martyr, he began and continued the tremendous task of carving a farm 
out of the heavily timbered and unbroken forest. Isolation, dearth of intel- 
lectual food, malaria, all conspired to make the position hard to bear. Cheer- 
ful and peace-loving, easily adapting himself to surroundings, he soon found 
friends, and, but for his retiring disposition, might easily have held positions 
of trust and honor. When the railroad was built, he joined neighbors Perin, 
Hunt and Hammontree in laying out the village, as elsewhere noted. In 1858, 
he sold the homestead to David Kerr, Esq., who now occupies it. Of his bus- 



RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 155 

iness experience, mention'has been made. The evening of his days was quietly 
spent among his children, his books, garden and orchard, to which he had all 
his life been devoted, and on October 30, 1875, he passed from earth and was 
laid at rest in Lake View Cemetery, originally a part of his own farm, and re- 
deemed from its primeval wilderness by his own hand. Mrs. McLallen still 
survives, though feeble and frail. The children of these are E. L. McLallen, 
Mrs. D. B. Clugston and H. McLallen, Jr. 

The first saw-mill was built by Charles Swindell, and stood east of the 
village, near Sterling's brick house. It was burned during the war. H. C. 
and D. Van Liew afterward built a fine mill where Robinson's now stands, add- 
ing planers and much other machinery, and doing a heavy business for several 
years ; it, too, was burned and was succeeded by the mill now owned by Rob- 
inson & Co. 

The first schoolhouse was built in 1854, and stood south of the Methodist 
parsonage; it still stands and is converted into a dwelling. The second was a 
more pretentious and roomy affair, in the northeast corner of the town, but it 
was so ill planned and badly constructed that it did not live out half its days 
as a schoolhouse, and has been condemned, though not yet executed. In 1876, 
the citizens determined to have good and suitable school facilities, and the 
present grounds were purchased and handsome school buildings erected 
under the Trusteeship of Thomas Stradly, Esq. The schools are graded, good 
teachers are selected, and educational interests are fostered by a public spirit 
among the people that will admit of no nonsense when school interests are at 
stake. 

The earliest church edifice in the village was that of the United Brethren. 
It stood where now stands the Wesleyan Chapel. The United Brethren's 
Church was built in 1858, and Jerry Welker and B. B. Salmon were foremost 
in the work. The house was poorly built and the congregation poorly preached 
to, and both society and building gradually faded away. 

To write the history of almost any Methodist Church hereabouts is to 
write a history of the section where it i3 established. From the earliest settle- 
ment to the present time of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Larwill, the 
following brief summary of facts must suffice : Previous to 1848, itinerant 
preachers, at more or less irregular intervals, kept alive the vital spark. The 
members met from house to house, most frequently at Edwin Cone's and John 
Buck's. The first class was formed, in 1839, in Edwin Cone's log cabin. The 
pioneers of the church and its first members were John Buck, Class Leader; 
Edwin Cone and wife, David Hayden and wife, William Guy and wife, John 
Erwin and wife, John Burns and wife. Edwin Cone was local preacher — "An 
Israelite indeed in whom there was no guile." The itinerant preachers, at 
the formation of the class in 1839, were Revs. Ackerman and Owen. Their 
visits were few and far between ; the circuit was very large. Succeeding them, 
Lemon and Young, Green and Anthony, Holstock and Miller, Speer and 



156 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

Davis, Jesse Sparks, Barnhart. By 1848, the class had become too large to 
meet in the narrow cabins of the pioneers. They took title from Alex Mc- 
Nagny of the site of the "old log schoolhouse," by their trustees, David 
Hayden, Andrew Dodge and John Burns, who, aided by William Mitchell, a 
carpenter, built a frame meeting-house, 26x34, ten feet in the clear. The 
Revs. Barnhart and Metz held meetings in it, and great success followed, and 
the society prospered and grew strong. Following those preachers came Sny- 
der and Cooper; Streight and Armstrong ; Bradshaw and Rupeley ; Payton and 
Payton; C. W. Miller; J. H. McMahon ; E. M. Baker, three years and built 
the parsonage at Larwill ; H. J. Lacy, three years ; R. J. Smith, three years, 
who commenced the new brick church at Larwill in 1866, completed during 
the first year of E. P. Church's term, at a cost of about $9,000, and procured 
for it a bell, which they still take pride in saying is the best bell in the county. 
John Burns, Abner Prugh, C. W. Hayden, Dr. Kirkpatrick and E. L. Mc- 
Lallen were the building committee. The edifice is 42x60, twenty feet in the 
clear, with basement. The old Summit Church was sold to J. J. Alms, who 
removed it to Lot 1, Block 10, McLallen street, Larwill, where it is now doing 
duty as a carpenter shop. Following were the E. P. Church, Pastors : J. H. 
Slade, two years ; S. J. McElwee, three years ; James Greer, three years ; 
I. J. Smith, one and a half years, when differences grew up and a part of the 
members withdrew and formed the " Wesleyan Church," the parent society, 
however, still flourishing and building up. Pastor W. H. Smith came and 
stayed two years. Pastor R. Reed is now the second year in charge. The 
Trustees now are Abner Prugh, Dr. Kirkpatrick, John Burns, Jacob Sapping- 
ton, H. B. Whittenberger ; Stewards, H. B. Whittenberger, E. S. Johns and 
Emily Thomson ; Class Leaders, O. C. Adams, Thomas Davis. Membership, 
about eighty; probationers, seventeen. Space will not permit more debail, else 
much more might be said. 

The Baptist society organized first in 1855, with a membership of fifteen, 
under the ministrations of Elder McLeod. Their place of meeting was the 
old First Schoolhouse. After 1860, it languished and became dormant, and 
was re-organized in April, 1880, under the pastoral charge of Rev. D. W. 
Sanders, with A. F. Martin and wife, Henry Bailey and wife, Fielding Barnes 
and wife, Mrs. D. B. Clugston, Mrs. Mary Barney, Rev. Sanders and wife, 
members. In 1881, they built their neat little brick church, at a cost of 
$2,500, and are prospering fairly well. Elder Sanders, Pastor ; membership 
now about twenty-five. Failing to receive any information from persons ap- 
plied to, makes this account meager and scanty, but it is believed to be cor- 
rect as far as it goes. 

The Presbyterian society was organized and flourished for several years, 
under Rev. Mr. Harker and others. It has, however, for several years been 
dormant. 

The Wesleyan Church society is young here. It originated a few years 



RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 157 

ago, in consequence of differences of opinion in the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. The seceders organized and have a neat wooden church, costing 
ahout $1,500, and seem to be prospering fairly well under the pastoral charge 
of Rev. M. Hutchins. 

Rev. John Brukert is pastor of the young Albright society. It has not 
yet attained the dignity of a church edifice, but meets at the houses of its 
members, and is believed to have elements of success in its general make-up. 

Due Guard Lodge, No. 278, A., F. & A. Masons, was organized under 
dispensation, July 2, 1861 ; charter granted May 27, 1862 ; organized under 
charter June 7, 1862; by-laws approved by Grand Lodge May 29, 1872. 
The charter members were John B. Firestone, E. L. McLallen, A. M. Trum- 
bull, J. Cunningham, J. J. Shorb, William Thompson, Jacob W. Miller, David 
James, Virgil Barber, E. L. Barber, H. C. Van Liew, G. F. Miller, John Q. 
Adams, and the first officers under charter were John B. Firestone, W. M. ; 
E. L. McLallen, S. W.; A. M. Trumbull, J. W.; D. B. Clugston, Treasurer; 
H. C. Van Liew, Secretary; Virgil Barber, S. D. ; J. G. Miller, J. D.; E. L. 
Barber and J. Cunningham, Stewards ; John Maynard, Tiler. Officers in 
1882: E. L. McLallen, W. M. ; W. S. Barber, S. W. ; A. L. Compton, J. W. ; 
W. N. Andrews, Treasurer; George F. Miller, Secretary; Henry Souder, S. 
D. ; George James, J. D. ; E. S. Johns, S. S. ; Leander Lower, J. S.; John 
Smalley, Tiler. Trustees, 1882 : L. B. Snyder, J. B. Firestone, W. S. Barber, D. 
B. Clugston, E. L. Barber. The lodge owns the premises where it meets, has them 
handsomely furnished and has money in its treasury. Including thirteen charter 
members, it has had upon its roll of membership 150 members, of whom 120 were 
made Masons within its walls and seventeen were admitted upon dimit from 
other lodges. Of these 150, eighty-four are now members, fifty have dimitted 
and gone to other places and other lodges, seven have died, eight have been 
suspended, one has been expelled, and of those who have dimitted six have 
since died. It is no flattery to say that its membership comprises a large 
number of the best men in the community. The body is prosperous, harmo- 
nious and an element of usefulness in the community. 

In the absence of data asked for and not forthcoming, only a very general 
account can be given of Larwill Lodge, No. 238, I. O. O. F. It was organized 
between 1860 and 1865, and has apparently prospered. It owns its own lodge 
room, which is comfortably furnished, and has a membership of thirty or forty, 
and is said to be in a prosperous condition at this time. It is to be regretted 
that the facts and dates upon which to give a fuller account were not at hand. 

From the first, there was confusion because the names of town and post office 
were different, and there being a Huntsville Post Office in the State, the office 
could not take the name of the town. The evil was borne until the increasing 
traffic made it unbearable. The citizens began to canvass for a change in 1866, 
and two names were selected, of which Larwill seemed to be first and Haider- 
man second choice. They accordingly petitioned the Commissioners to change 



158 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

the name to Larwill. The board promptly granted the petition, and the same 
was officially promulgated March 8, 1866. See Commissioners' Record D, 
page 89. The railroad authorities, on notice, promptly changed the name of 
the station to conform, and a petition to the Post Office Department, setting 
forth the above facts, produced a like result. 

The name seleeted is the family name of two of the resident engineers, Will- 
iam and Joseph H. Larwill, who had charge, during the construction of the Pitts- 
burgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad, of a division extending from Colum- 
bia City to Warsaw, and who had done much to promote the interests of the 
place. William is a prominent railroad man in Ohio, and Joseph H., having 
graduated in the finest mining schools of the Old World, became a practical 
assayer and located in Montana, where he is believed to be highly pros- 
perous. 

Previous to 1868, the denizens of the village of Larwill were living on 
each side of the line between Richland and Troy Townships, Main street being 
the old township line, the voters on the one side had to go nearly four miles 
south, and on the other side nearly four miles northeast to reach the spot where 
the ballot-boxing was periodically done. This became very irksome, indeed, 
as the town increased, and some of them resolved to wait no longer. They 
petitioned the County Commissioners for a voting precinct ; the Commission- 
ers' Court granted the prayer by annexing two miles off the south side of the 
township to Cleveland, and annexing a like two miles off the south side of Troy to 
Richland, and making Larwill the voting place for Richland Township. This 
action was taken December 11, 1868. For full account see Commissioners' Rec- 
ord D, page 384, in Auditor's office, Whitley County. 

The village has always been noted as a first-rate business place, attract- 
ing and holding a large amount of general trade, and its lumber market has 
been the leading one in the county. As a grain market, it has stood at the 
front. Enterprise and vim have marked the character of its business men, and 
substantial success has been their reward. No mercantile failure has ever oc- 
curred among them. Its young men have gone forth east, west, north and 
south, to wage the battle of life, and success has followed them. Its social life 
is refined, and to build up instead of tear down seems to be the theory of its 
citizens. 

Lorain lies in part in Richland, and has had quite a struggle to maintain 
itself. In early days, Chauncey Blanchard gave it the nickname of" Buzzard's 
Glory," which was enough to damn any town ; however, it still survives as a 
pretty good cross-road town. Gruesbeck is now carrying on a very good gen- 
eral mercantile business there ; Grant's Mill, one of the earliest steam saw- 
mills, was located there, and James Grant, one of the old stand-bys of this 
county, has been store-keeper, Postmaster, saw-mill man, farmer and Justice of 
the Peace. A long and useful life he has spent there, and is not yet past the 
verge of active life. 





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WASHINGTON TP. 



RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 161 

One mile west of Larwill, where the Huntington & Goshen road intersects 
the Fort Wayne & Warsaw road, once stood Summit — 

"How often have I loitered o'er thy green, 
Where humble happiness endeared each scene ; 
How often have I paused on every charm, 
The sheltered cot, the cultivated farm ; 
Sunk are thy bowers, in shapeless ruin all, 
ADd long grass o'ertops the moldering wall — " 

with stores, groceries, smith-shops, doctor's offices, churches, schools and all the 
nuclei of a young Western city. Now, scarcely one stone stands upon another 
to mark the spot. Here was built, in the spring of 1840, the first schoolhouse 
in the township, probably in the county, located on the northwest corner of A. 
S. McNagny's farm, of round logs, puncheon floor, clapboard roof, unhewn 
joists overhead, and a loose covering over them. Zillah Adams, since Mrs. 
Tinkham, and now Mrs. Davis, taught the first school. 

Henry Smith, who built the first saw-mill (a water-mill on Spring Creek, 
on Mrs. Howard's farm, between Columbia and Larwill), and who was after- 
ward County Commissioner, was one of the early and favorite teachers, and he it 
was who flogged the writer most " sacrilegiously," and, worse than all, died before 
the aforesaid writer got big enough to whale him. Peace to his ashes. Here, 
in 1849, on the site of the schoolhouse above mentioned, was built the first church 
in the township — the M. E. Church. This edifice was a frame one, 26x34 ; the 
style of architecture was primitive and partaking somewhat of the " out-doric" 
order ; but well it served its purpose for preachment, prayer and praise, and 
Sunday school purposes. Here was established in 1847, the first post office in 
the township, with Alex S. McNagny as Postmaster ; commission dated March 
10, 1847. John Erwin, an old settler, who used to own the Klinehance farm 
north of William Guy, was the contractor, and his son Andrew, was mail-car- 
rier. We were happy ; we had a mail once a week each way. Andrew took 
it through on horseback ; he is a brother of James Erwin, of Union Township ; 
now lives in Iowa. Previous to this time, the citizens had always gone to Colum- 
bia for mail accommodations, from eight to twelve miles. Here, on the southwest 
corner of the X-roads, was the first store in the township, built and stocked in 
1850 by John and Alonzo Rodebaugh, father and son, and who did a very good 
business. John Rodebaugh passed away in 1852, and Alonzo having since be- 
come Dr. A. Rodebaugh, who was a prosperous physician at Indian Village, Noble 
County, drowned himself while insane, April 17, 1882. Here Chittenden and 
others had blacksmith-shops, followed in the same line by the famous T. L. 
O'Brien. " Alas, poor Tom, I knew him well ; he was a "fellow of infinite ca- 
pacity for absorbing whisky," and, like most dissipated men in the trades and 
professions had the reputation of being a tip-topper in his line of business, if 
only he wouldn't drink. Here it was that " Old Mies," built a hotel, and 
kept it for awhile, after the manner often alluded to by the boys. Here Dr. 



162 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

Wiggins for awhile abode, and "practiced medicine on the people." Here, 
away back in the early days, and annually thereafter, Uncle Add Steele, " a 
prince among his equals," would raise a liberty-pole on Fourth of July morn- 
ing ; the place was the hill west of Boyce's house. A plentiful supply of the 
" O-be-joyful " was dispensed, and the occasion had strong attractions, and was 
memorable. Alas ! patriotism and love of country are nearly extinct in our 
day. Uncle Add's liberty-poles were always hickory. 

Here, in 1853, Joshua Carder and Jacob Phillips built the first steam 
saw-mill in the township, and what a field of operation was theirs. For scores 
of miles on every side the stately trunks of black walnut, poplar, ash, oak, etc., 
had been, for hundreds of years, maturing in the frost and in the sunshine, and 
competition was not. It was what they called a "muley" saw, that is, it ran 
up and down in a frame and made more noise than a dozen modern mills. W. 
J. Carder succeeded to the business, and, by bad management and lack of busi- 
ness training, suffered opportunities to make fortunes to slip away, and finally 
went to Iowa under a cloud, and the mill has long since been removed. Of W. 
J. Carder a story is told, that one morning, passing a neighbor's, on his way to 
Pierceton, he saw a young lad at work in the garden. Said garden was over- 
supplied with vigorous burdock plants. Intending to be facetious, W. J. rec- 
ommended the lad to hoe his pie plants. The boy took him literally, and told 

his fellows, confidentially, that "Wes Carder is a d d fool. He don't know 

burdock from pie plant." 

On the northwest corner of the cross-roads, a spring of pure water bubbled 
forth. Uncle Abe Stoler inserted a sycamore gum for curbing, and this served 
to supply a generation of lads and lasses, as well as men and beasts, with good 
pure water. The spring has disappeared from the face of the earth ; the dry, 
dusty road passes over the spot, fit memento of the shifting, changing life we 
bear. 

Alexander S. McNagny and Abram Stoler, the owners of the town site, 
still survive. Both are highly regarded by all who know them, are passing 
their declining years in peace and prosperity on the farms they reclaimed from 
the forest. A. S. McNagny came to the township in 1844 ; bought out John 
Jones; was first Postmaster in township — 1847 to 1854; was Township 
Trustee two terms; greatly devoted to home and its enjoyments, with a fund of 
dry humor; hospitable and cheerful. Long may he remain among us. 

When the railroad was built and the station located at Larwill, the post office 
transferred there and improvements were made, the new center became more 
attractive, and "Ichabod" was inscribed above the door of Summit's aspiring 
greatness. During the struggle for the station, feeling ran high and much 
strife was generated; raw heads and bloody bones were not infrequent. No 
Summitite young lady would accept the escort of a detested Huntsvillian and 
vice versa. But Time, with healing on his wings, has long smoothed over those 
differences, and the best of relations now exist between the denizens of Sum- 



RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 163 

mit and those of Huntsville, now Larwill, and during the year 1880 the plat 
of Summit was formally vacated. 

It is not creditable to Richland Township nor to Whitley County that 
after nearly twenty years have elapsed since the close of the greatest war of 
this century, if not in the world's history, and in which many hundreds of their 
citizens participated, no correct and reliable list or record of such volunteers 
has been made or kept, or even attempted. The admirable report of the Ad- 
jutant General for the State of Indiana is very complete, considering the vastness 
of the field it covers, but it is necessarily faulty and incomplete. Large numbers 
of men are there recorded without any indication of where they enlisted from ; 
hundreds of organizations of infantry, cavalry and artillery are there accounted 
for, and more than 250,000 men accounted for, but a large number are not 
distinguishable as to place of enlistment; 5,000 pages of closely printed sta- 
tistical matter in eight large volumes is the only record the enquirer can go to, 
else he must depend upon the fallible recollection of people in the com- 
munity. Bearing the above facts in mind, it is hoped that the following list 
(which is known to be very incomplete) of Richland boys who enlisted in their 
country's service will not provoke too severe criticism. Acknowledgments 
are due to Aaron Compton, G. W. Prugh, D. L. Whiteleather and A. H. King 
for assistance in making this list. 

Seventeenth Indiana Volunteers— Anthony Seymour, John Rice, Isaac 
Kimes, Homer N. King, N. P. Guffy, Joseph H. Nelson, David Kimes. 
Twenty-Ninth Indiana Volunteers — Jeremiah Welker. 
Thirty-Fourth Indiana Volunteers— Charles Compton, Charles Seymour, 
Brayton Ricard, Walter Ricard, Joseph Parrett, Wesley Parrett, Solomon 
Payne, Carter Hendricks. 

Forty-Fourth Indiana Volunteers— S. J. Compton, J. W. Compton, I. 
N. Compton, Alonzo King, James Samuels, J. W. Briggs, Henry Croy, 
George W. Webster, Barret Ricard, J. P. Anderson, George W. Holloway, 
Henry Rupely, Amos Rhodarmel, George S. Cowgil, James Cowgil, Martin V. 
Hatheway, W. R. Holloway, Nelson Parrett, Jacob Shoff, Randolph Dimick, 
William A. Prugh, William Holderbaum, Jacob Ream, William Gobal, Ralph 
Goodrich, Peter Huffman, Amos Bechtel. 

Seventy-Fourth Indiana Volunteers— Henry Bishop, William Beard. 
Eighty-Eighth Indiana Volunteers— William Croy, Seymour Whitman, 
Alexander Bayman, Asher D. Hathaway, David Gillis, Jonathan Roberts, A. 
Nichols, G. W. Holderbaum, G. W. Prugh, Elijah Sears, Orange L. Jones, 
Stephen Donley, Archibald Carder, Andrew Cunningham, O. H. Alley, 
William Marshall, Hiram Harpster, Eli Pletcher, Alexander Randall, Frank 

Simpkins. 

One Hundredth Indiana Volunteers— David L. Whiteleather, Jacob 
Stoler, William Sterling, C. L. Heaton, Charles Swindell, James Cleland, 
Henry Mack, H. R. Kistler. 



164 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Indiana Volunteers — James Garner, 
Edward Busby, Seth T. Hunt, Alfred Curtis, Samuel Curtis, Jacob Crumb, 
Horace Hammontree, John R. Buntain, David Clinger, Adam Kerns, Samuel 
Kerns. 

One Hundred and Thirty-Ninth Indiana Volunteers — Chester Salmon, 
David C. Stillwell. 

One Hundred and Forty-Second Indiana Volunteers — Warren W. Martin, 
Samuel Parish, Jacob Essinger, Elisha K. Cady, Warren Rollins, J. B. Jones, 
Joseph Klingaman, William Klingaman, William Banning, W. L. Lambert- 
son, George D. Trembly. 

One Hundred and Fifty-Second Indiana Volunteers — Henry Norris, B. 
F. Seymour, I. N. Pritchard, Leander Smith, S. P. Cullamore, James Harsh- 
man, Thomas Nichols, Milton Bayman, John Craig, James Crumb, Samuel 
Crumb, Jacob Fox, John H. Mann. 

Fifth Indiana Battery — John Welker, Michael Alms, Squire Mack, W. 
J. Rollins. 

Eleventh Indiana Battery — Henry W. Caldwell. James Webster. 

Twelfth Indiana Cavalry — S. D. Hathaway, James M. Kerr, R. J. 
Parret, Allen Sears. 

Regiment Unknown — Solomon Garringer, Henry Wager, John Beard, 
Harvey Beard, Thomas A. Steele, Appleton W. Cone. In all, 126. 

Among the early settlers was Ezra Thomson, who was born at Peru, Berk- 
shire County, Mass., 1786 ; his wife was Sarah McNaughton, born at West 
Pawlet, Rutland County, Vt., 1796. Mr. and Mrs. Thomson came to Rich- 
land from Washington County, N. Y., and located on the old Thomson 
homestead, Section 9, October, 1836. Mr. Thomson was a quiet, unassuming 
man, fond of social converse, and became quite deaf in his later days. Mrs. 
Thomson was a very bright, intelligent woman, high-spirited, and the dearth of 
social life, and the absence of school facilities for her children was a great cross 
to her. Of their children, there are now living Mrs. Phebe Cleveland, Mrs. 
Alma Rambo, B. F. Thomson, Mrs. Elmira Arnold, Mrs. Sarah Arnold, Electa 
Thomson, Augusta Wallace and Finley Thomson. Ezra Thomson died in 
July, 1857, aged seventy-one years. Mrs. Thomson died in June, 1854, aged 
fifty-eight years. They lie in the home burial-lot near the scene of their cares 
and joys in the early settlement of this township. 

William Norris was born in the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, May 3, 1797 ; 
thence removed to Coshocton County, Ohio ; came to Richland Township Sep- 
tember 13, 1843. His wife's maiden name was Margaret McCoy, and was 
born in the same place. Mr. Norris died at the age of seventy-five on the 
16th of June, 1872. The children of these, living, are Marcus, Susan, Mar- 
tha, Henry, William J., Mary, Elizabeth and Margaret Ann. Hospitable, 
just, God-fearing, a good neighbor, a good citizen, his works do follow him. 
His ashes rest in the cemetery at Richland Center. 



RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 165 

Nathan Chapman was born March 28, 1804, at Hebron, Washington 
County, N. Y. He was married to Miss Laura A. Spencer, sister of M. F. 
Spencer, of Troy Township; lived for awhile in Seneca County, Ohio; came 
to Richland in 1838, July 3 ; died February 7, 1876 ; buried in Masonic cem- 
etery, Columbia City. Mrs. Chapman was born at Owasco, Cayuga County, 
N. Y., March 25, 1812, and survives him. The children of these are W. H. 
Chapman and Mrs. Permelia Hart. Mr. Chapman was a wide-awake, intelli- 
gent man, enterprising and useful in the community ; one of the first men to 
begin merchandising, and kept up enterprises of that kind until old age forbade 
it. He kept a store at Fairview, a forgotten city near Ryerson's, in Kosciusko 
County, long before the railroad was built ; was always active in local affairs, 
particularly roads, and had several severe contests to get them as he thought 
they ought to be. There was said to be a certain beech tree at which all the 
roads in which he was interested began or terminated. 

Bela Goodrich was born in February, 1776 ; settled in Delaware County, 
Ohio ; then came to Richland Township, June 16, 1838. Mrs. Goodrich's 
maiden name was Sally Church. The children of these living are Price, Abi- 
gail and Eunice. A modest, unpretending man, who loved peace and sought 
the duty of the hour to perform ; a soldier of the war of 1812. His ashes 
repose in the cemetery near Levi Adams.' 

Edwin Cone was born April 30, 1805, at Middletown, Middlesex Co., 
Conn. His father and family removed to Madison County, Ohio, and where 
he was married to Salima Wilson, who was a native of Pike County, Ohio. In 
the summer of 1836, he determined to cast his lot in the wilds of Indiana, and 
arrived at his new home in Section 5, September 30, 1836. Mr. Cone was 
early a professor of religion, and became a local preacher in the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. Plain and unassuming in his manner, upright and down- 
right in his words and actions, never favored by fortune, yet he held a high 
place in the regard of all who knew him. First Justice of the Peace in the 
Township, constant in season and out of season in the discharge of duty. The 
funerals and marriages of the neighborhood were generally solemnized by him 
in the early days. The grave of an Indian excavated in the trunk of an im- 
mense log and covered with a slab near his residence, was a point of attraction 
to the youngsters. The children of Edwin and Salima Cone, surviving, are 
Margaret Adams, Appleton W., Chester L. and Gilbert J. Cone. Mr. Cone 
died, aged forty-nine, February 12, 1854. Mrs. Cone died at the age of sixty- 
one. Their ashes rest in Lakeview Cemetery. 

Daniel Cone, father of Edwin, was born at Haddam, Conn., March, 1769 ; 
Ruth Rich, his wife, at Middletown, Conn. They removed to Madison County, 
Ohio, thence following Mr. Cone and Mrs. Hayden. Their children removed 
to Richland in the fall of 1837, and settled in Section 5. Daniel Cone passed 
away December 11, 1847, aged seventy-eight. Ruth Cone died May 26, 1849, 
aged seventy-seven. They are at rest in Lakeview Cemetery. 



166 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

Harlow Barber was born at Simsbury, Conn., May 8, 1798 ; was married 
to Alcey Case in 1824. She died at Sheldon, N. Y., February, 1833 ; children 
of these, living, are Virgil, Scott, Frederick and Edwin. Mr. Barber was mar- 
ried a second time, about 1837, to Sophrona Case, who was born at Simsbury, 
Conn., and was an elder sister of the first Mrs. Barber ; so that she has almost 
completed the century, being ninety-six years old, and quite active, physically 
and mentally. She survives her husband, and is the oldest person in the 
county, with a good prospect of rounding the century ; long may she continue. 
Mr. Barber died July 11, 1881, at Larwill, and was buried at Lakeview 
Cemetery. Thus terminated a long and useful life. He was for fifty years a 
member of the Methodist Church, in politics a Democrat until 1856, since then 
a Republican, zealous for the right, ready to declare his opinions, straightfor- 
ward and helpful to friend and neighbor. 

Jacob Halderman was born July 31, 1801, in Virginia ; leaving home, he 
first located in Preble County, Ohio ; was married to Miss E. Swihart, at 
Eaton, Ohio, in 1822. The children of these are Mrs. S. B. Clevinger, Daniel, 
Lewis and John Halderman, and Mrs. Sarah Read, of Richmond, Ind. Mr. 
Halderman began coming to Whitley County in 1836, bringing woolen goods, 
flannels, jeans and other merchandise, which he sold and traded to the settlers 
round about. He afterward settled near Richmond, Ind., farmed awhile, then 
entered into the lumber business, buying mostly black walnut, and came to do 
a very large business therein. From 1850-70, he was very largely engaged 
in buying flaxseed in addition to his lumber business ; removed to Whitley 
County (Larwill), in 1862, and continued his business operations from this 
point; was married to Miss Elizabeth Dimick, 1867. The children of this 
marriage are one son and two daughters. For many years a member of the 
Dunker or German Baptist Church ; a Whig, and afterward a Republican ; 
upright and just in all his dealings; his word his bond, kindly and social, 
generous to the poor and unfortunate. Such was the character of Jacob Hal- 
derman ; his life was useful and beneficial to his fellow man ; he died 29th of 
June, 1875, and was buried at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, near Liberty Mills, 
Ind. 

Elijah L. Scott was born in Greene County, Tenn., May 6, 1818 ; thence 
came to Union County, Ind., in 1829; came to Richland October 12, 1837, 
and located on Section 20. His wife's maiden name was Livonia DeWitt ; 
born in Muskingum County, Ohio ; deceased, February 5, 1869. The chil- 
dren of these, living, are Ellen, Emily, William, Elizabeth, Lucinda, Walter 
and Henry. Mr. S. still survives, and is this year, as he has often been before, 
Assessor of Richland Township. In the early days, when game and peltries 
were to be found, he was a Nimrod and a successful one. Woodcraft he un- 
derstood, and is a more active man to-day than most men of his age. Long 
may he wave ! 

Andrew Compton was born in New Jersey February 22, 1808; thence he 



RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 167 

removed to Coshocton County, Ohio. His wife, Mary A. Stafford, was born 
in Maryland in 1808. They came to Richland October, 1837, and settled on 
Section 21. He died October 29, 1852, aged forty-four years eight months. 
Mrs. C. still survives. The children of these, living, are Rhua M., Isaac N., 
Stephen J., Jennie, Phebe, Matilda E., Aaron L., Cettatta D. and Francis W. 
Mr. Compton was a rough and ready man, prompt, energetic, level-headed in 
business affairs. A good lover and a good hater. It was at his house that the 
earlier elections were held. A Whig of the Whigs, whatever he was he was 
known to be. He gave no uncertain sound. 

John Burns was born, January 14, 1814, at Utica, N. Y. His wife, Mary 
E. Letson, was born, September 29, 1820, in Orleans County, N. Y. Early 
in the thirties, they removed to Oakland County, Mich. In the spring of 
1837, John came to Indiana, entered his farm in Section 29, built a cabin, and 
the following year brought his family. No remarkable events or wonderful 
occurrences have marked his life. It has been the hard and laborious life of 
one whose best days were surrounded by privation and care, whose house was 
full of children; but it has been the life of the "noblest work of God — an 
honest man," and his life has been useful to his fellow-man. In the church and 
in the community, John Burns was never an unknown quantity. Mrs. B. 
deceased September 17, 1875. The children of these are Julia, Ann, Justus, 
Lovina, Abram, Maria, Rufus, Hannah, Ellen, Jane. Mr. Burns survives, 
hale and hearty for a man of his years. 

William Guy was born in Allegheny County, Penn., December 28, 1802. 
His wife, Elizabeth Steele, was born in 1812, a native of Summit County, Ohio. 
They removed to Richland May 8, 1838. A social, talkative man, with ideas 
of his own on all ordinary topics, Mr. Guy was just short of being a money- 
maker. He was a Democrat in politics and held to the Methodist Episcopal 
Church ; was well regarded among his fellow-men. He died October 22, 1880. 
His widow still survives. The children of these, living, are Mrs. Louisa Kelsey, 
Henry and Francis Guy. William Guy was buried in the cemetery at Summit. 

Price Goodrich was born December 17, 1799, in the State of Connecticut. 
His wife, Julia Ann Black, was born in the State of New York in 1806. They 
first settled in Delaware County, Ohio; came to Richland June 16, 1838, and 
located on Section 25. The children of these, living, are Fanny, Silas, 
Minerva, Chauncey, Martha, Jane and Fletcher. Mr. Goodrich is a mason by 
trade, and built the court house at Columbia City, and many other buildings 
years agone. He was one of the Inspectors of the first election held in Troy 
Township at Mr. Tinkham's shop ; has been repeatedly County Commissioner ; 
for many years a professor and " practicer " of religion ; for some time a local 
preacher of the Methodist Church ; Democratic in politics ; has lived a long and 
useful life, and he and his consort are descending the last steps of it in peace 
and comfort, with the high regard of all who know them. There are a number 
of other pioneers of whom it has not been possible to get data sufficient to base 



168 



HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 



even the briefest sketch: Zebulon P. Burch, David Payne, Jacob Kistler, Sr., 
Jacob Kistler, Jr., John Buck and Lorin Loomis are of this character. 
Response failed to applications for data concerning J. R. Anderson, John 
Jones, Samuel Andrews, Levi Curtis, William Rice, early settlers all, and well 
worthy of a niche in the history of this township ; and many others who have 
lived that this generation in this vicinity might enjoy their pleasant ease and 
state, and, be it 3aid with due reverence, have emigrated to a land where the 
hardships of a frontier life will never obtrude themselves. 





^Kfyv 



SMITH TP. 




SMITH TOWNSHIP. 171 



CHAPTER VIII. 

by sdwabd a. m0ssman. 

Smith Township— An Interesting Description of the First White Settle- 
ment in the County— Andrew Mack and John B. Godfrey— Who was 
the First White Settler in the County?— The Hard Times of Pio- 
neer Life— Distressing Accidents — Mills and Other Industries- 
Incidents— Growth of the Village of Churubusco— Schools and 
Churches— Secret Societies. 

" Men married women then 

Who kept their healthful bloom, 
By working at the churn, 

And at the wheel and loom ; 
And women married men 

Who did not shrink from toil, 

But wrung with sweat their bread 

From out the stubborn soil." 

— R. H. Stoddard. 

SMITH TOWNSHIP was so named in honor of Samuel Smith, a very 
worthy gentleman, who became a resident of the township in the autumn 
of the year 1834, and settled on the farm on which William Van Meter now 
resides, where he lived until his death, which occurred April 27, 1863, in the 
seventy- eighth year of his age. The first white settler in the township (in the 
county, in fact), was Andrew Mack, who settled in the township prior to the 
year 1827.* It seems to be the prevailing opinion that John B. Godfrey was 
the first white settler ; but, evidence to the contrary is too strong to admit of a 
reasonable doubt. Alpheus B. Gaff, a gentleman whose veracity none can 
question, says that Jacob Baker and Jehu Skinner, both reliable gentlemen, 
have frequently told him that they traveled from Fort Wayne to Elkhart, the 
former in 1827, and the latter in 1831, and that Andrew Mack lived there 

*The evidence that such a man as Andrew Mack ever lived within the borders of Smith Township is cer- 
tainly very unsatisfactory. Mr. Gaff remembers that two other gentlemen told him on divers occasions that they had 
seen Mack in Smith Township at an early day. Here, then, is doubly-distant hearsay evidence. The liability 
and the probability of the treachery of memory, are multiplied by the lapse of time, and by the transmission of the 
evidence from mouth to moulh. No reflection should be cast upon the honest intention of Baker, Skinner Gaff or 
Mossman, the writer of this chapter. The question is, can the obscure and meager evidence (if such it can be' called) 
be relied upon as given ? The fact is, that Mr. Mack's residence in Smith Township prior to (say) 1830, or even at all' 
is extremely doubtful and unreliable, and should so be considered by the reader. 

Adam Hull told the writer ot this note that, when he came to where he now lives, in 1830, John B. Godfrey 
was then living just north of Blue River Lake. Mr. Hull says he remained days at a time at the log cabin of God- 
frey, and during the winter of 1830-31, roamed frequently throughout the surrounding woods in search of game. He 
became well acquainted with Godfrey, who had for a wife a fine-looking French woman. Godfrey sold goods from a 
small stock, to the Indians. The dispute as to whether Godfrey was an [ndian, a half-breed or a full-blooded French- 
man, aiose from the fact that each of a few of the earliest settlers desired the distinction of being the first white set- 
tler in the township, and, of course, in the county. They could, therefore, question with perfect consistency whether 
Godfrey was an Indian or a Frenchman ; as hii habits, mode of life and seclusion or avoidance ot white society gave 
color to such questioning. Adam Hull is satisfied that Godfrey was a Frenchman, and that not a drop of Indian 
blood ran in his veins. Handsome French women, such as Godfrey's wife, did not marry Indians in those days • 
neither did they marry half-breeds. Indians rarely, or never, kept a store of goods to tiade with Indians. It was 
unusual to find even a half-breed trader. French traders, however, were numerous. An Indian or a half-breed (the 
latter being considered in all respects an Indian in the cession treaties at that time) could, at the treaties, reserve por- 
tions of land from the tracts ceded the Government. If Godfrey was an Indian or a half-breed why did he not re- 
serve as much land as he wanted? No, he waited until 1835 or 1836, and then entered two small tracts of land on 
Section 9, as can be seen elsewhere in this volume, or can be seen in the patent book at Columbia City. Neither 
Indians nor half-breeds entered land in those days. They were not citizens. All these facis lead to the conclusion 
that Mr. Mack should be regarded as a traditionary settler, and that John B. Godfrey, a Frenchman, should he ac- 
corded the honor of being the first white settler in Smith Township and in Whitley County. Absalom Hyre would 
then be second ; Jesse Long third, and Francis Tulley fourth. — Ed. 



172 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

then. His, they say, was the only house on the Goshen road, between Fort 
Wayne and Elkhart. Jehu Skinner told Mr. Gaff that the finest and largest 
potatoes he had ever seen, either before or since that time, he saw at Andrew 
Mack's, when he stayed all night with him in 1831. He said the bill of fare 
consisted of corn bread, venison, potatoes and stewed pumpkin. Jehu Skinner 
died in 1864. Jacob Baker was still living in the summer of 1879, and possi- 
bly may be yet. Mack's cabin stood very nearly, if not exactly, on the same 
spot that Thomas Whitney's dwelling now stands. John B. Godfrey subse- 
quently built a log cabin on the opposite side of the road, but a few rods from 
where Thomas Whitney's barn now stands. Godfrey possibly lived in the 
house that Mack built, for a time, before he built the house across the road. 
Just when Mack went, or whither, or when Godfrey came, or whence, the 
writer has not been able to ascertain. It is pretty certain, however, that Mack 
was the first settler and Godfrey the second. As stated, Godfrey built a cabin 
near where Whitney's barn now stands ; and a few years later, he built the log 
house in which James S. Craig now lives, on the east side of the river, and 
there lived until his death, which occurred about the year 1845. Those who 
have seen Godfrey frequently and were well acquainted with him, differ in 
opinion somewhat, as to whether he was a purely white man ; but the better 
opinion seems to be that he was, notwithstanding he was rather dark-complex- 
ioned. He was a Frenchman. It is said that he sold "heap much fire-water" 
to the Indians. He is said to have been very eccentric in his actions, and to 
have lived in almost utter seclusion for several years before his death. The 
third white settler in the township was Absalom Hyre. who located on the farm 
on which David W. Nickey now lives, in the fall of 1833. Jesse Long came 
in the spring of 1834, and Francis Tulley, Richard Baughan and Samuel Nickey 
came during the same year. Samuel Smith came during the fall of 1834. 
Wyatt Jeffries, Benjamin Jones and Jacob Van Houten came in the year 1835, 
and Otho Gandy came in the same year, or the year following. George C. 
Pence, Janus Gordon, James Zolman, William Cleland, David Wolf and Jesse 
Speer came in the year 1836. Talcot Perry and Enoch Magrate came some- 
time prior to the year 1836, though the exact date is not ascertainable. Daniel 
Miller does not recollect in what year he came, but, as William Miller, his old- 
est child, was born in the township forty-four years ago, it is certain that he 
must have come into the township as early as the year 1837. Zachariah Gar- 
rison came in 1837, Jacob Nickey in 1839, George W. Slagle and Appleton 
Rich in 1840, and Uriah Slagle in 1847. It is not known just when the fol- 
lowing-named persons settled in the township, but they were all early settlers, some 
of them having been here over forty years, perhaps, and none of them, probably, 
under thirty years: Addison McGuire, Alpheus B. Gaff, George Gaff, Henry 
Pence, Abraham Pence, John Pence, Joseph Pence, Brinton Jones, Benjamin 
C. Jones, Peterson Jones, Feilding Pompey, Nathan Jeffries, David Jeffries, 
Marcus L. Jeffries, Augustus W. Jeffries, Wells Smith, Lemuel Devault, Joseph 



SMITH TOWNSHIP. 173 

Waugh, James Crow, Alexander Craig, Jacob Sine, Jacob Coverstone, Harri- 
son Grable, Martin D. Grable, Festus Grable, Martin D. Garrison, James Gar- 
rison, Zachariah Garrison, Jr., David W. Nickey, William Miller, David V. 
Miller, Thomas McGuire, William McGuire, Philip McNear, Josiah P. McNear, 
Isaac Van Houten, Samuel Hollenbeck, Joseph W. Pompey, Otis J. Gandy, Jere- 
miah Krider, Abraham Krider, David Waugh, Harrison Speer,James S. Craig, 
Thomas Whitney, John Coulter, George Coulter, Joseph 0. Long, John Jones, 
Hiram Jones, William Krider, George Krider, James Maloney, Patrick H. 
Maloney and, perhaps, others, whose names are not at present recollected. No 
attempt has been made to arrange the foregoing list of names in the order of 
the priority of their arrival in the township. A few of them were heads of 
families at the time when they came, but most of them were either small boys 
or young men under twenty-one years of age, and came with their parents, 
and some of them were born in the township. 

The township was organized in the year 1838, and the first election was 
held at the residence of John Moore, who then lived on the farm on which 
John Jones now resides. The first Trustees of the township were Jesse Long, 
George Harter and Zachariah Garrison. John Moore was the first Justice of 
the Peace. The names of the other officers who were elected at the first election 
could not be ascertained. Those who came first had difficulties to overcome 
that would have discouraged and disheartened any except the most resolute. 
Then there were no bridges across the streams or the swamps, as there are 
now. The streams were frequently greatly swollen by the heavy rains, and 
when the emigrant came to them he must cross at once. For him to wait for 
the waters to subside, was out of the question, for the reason that there was no 
sustenance to be had for his family or his animals. It was frequently impossi- 
ble for the teams to draw the loaded wagons through the swollen streams, and 
then it was necessary to fell a tree across the stream at some point where it was 
narrow enough for the tree to reach well across, and then unload their 
wagons, and carry everything across, after which they would drive their teams 
through with the empty wagon ; or, if the stream was too deep, and too miry, 
as was frequently the case, they would swim their teams through, then push 
their wagons into the stream as far as they could by hand, fasten long ropes or 
chains to the end of the tongue or pole, hitch the teams to it on the other side, 
pull it through, reload, and resume their journey. Thus, it took some of the 
early settlers three days to travel the distance from Fort Wayne to the neigh- 
borhood of Concord, which can easily be done at the present day in three 
hours. And, after reaching their destination, their hardships, trials, tribula- 
tions and privations were unabated, until they had been here long enough to 
clear a few acres of ground and raise some produce. Provisions and proven- 
der could not be obtained except at prices that would seem to us at the present 
day almost fabulous ; and then they frequently were compelled to haul it from 
such great distances that it would take them a week to go after it and return. 



174 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

A gentleman residing in the western part of the township, who was then a boy, 
says he distinctly remembers the circumstance of a man coming to his father's 
house for the purpose of borrowing some breadstuff. He says that when his 
father, who had a very large family, showed the man all the flour that he had 
{about eighteen pounds), and told him that that was all the breadstuff he had 
in the world, and that he did not see how he could spare any of it, the man 
burst into tears, and said he had not one bite of any kind of breadstuff in his 
house for his wife and children, and that he did not know where he could get 
any, for that he had already gone to every place he knew of where it was likely 
to be had. He started home crying, and the narrator says that his father 
called to him, and told him to come back — that he would give him the half of 
what he had, and that they would starve together. When he had received it, 
the narrator says he seemed to be the most grateful and the happiest man he ever 
saw. Verily, time works wondrous changes. The gentleman who gave the nine 
pounds of flour lived to see the day when he could much more easily have 
spared nine barrels of flour than he then could those nine pounds. The Indians 
were quite numerous for several years after the first settlers came, and were 
very annoying to the settlers, although they committed no depredations in or 
near this township. Their annoyances consisted in begging provisions of the 
settlers, many of whom had no more than was barely sufficient for the support 
(and in many cases it was a very scanty one at that) of their own families. 
Also the Indians greatly annoyed the early settlers by killing their hogs. They 
killed so many for George C. Pence, and thereby exasperated him to such a 
degree that, upon hearing the report of a gun on one occasion, and hearing 
the barking of dogs and the squealing of hogs, he hastily took up his gun and 
started in the direction whence the sounds proceeded. When he reached the 
spot, which was not more than a quarter of a mile distant from the house, he 
discovered an Indian in the act of drawing one of his hogs, which he had 
killed, up on his pony. Mr. Pence fired at the Indian, but missed him. The 
Indian abandoned his booty, and, giving a loud whoop, galloped away as fast 
as his pony could carry him. Mr. Pence loaded his gun and killed both of 
the Indian's dogs, which were still pursuing the hogs. It is possible that it 
was fortunate for Mr. Pence and for all the white settlers in the vicinity, that 
his aim was no better ; for, as the Indians were at that time far more numer- 
erous than the whites, it is not improbable that, had he killed the Indian, there 
would have been a general massacre of the whites in retaliation. The early 
settlers had to haul all their produce to Fort Wayne, over roads that were 
almost impassable. Fort Wayne was then a mere Indian trading-post. The 
variety of articles, as well as the supply kept by the traders, was very lim- 
ited. For nails or anything in the hardware line, the settlers had to go to 
Piqua, Ohio, a distance of 100 miles or over. Game was very abundant 
when this county was first settled, although it is said to have been far more 
so within a few years after the Indians left the country. The early settlers 



SMITH TOWNSHIP. 175 

say (and no doubt it will seem very surprising to those who are unacquainted 
with the Indian's mode of hunting) that the Indians were very poor hunt- 
ers. A good white hunter, it is said, can kill more game than the best of the 
Indian hunters. The Indians, it is said, keep the game always wild and un- 
approachable by their mode of hunting, which is, to pursue them upon their 
ponies with a pack of dogs (the Indians whooping, and the dogs barking all 
the while, creating a very pandemonium) until the game is overcome by sheer 
exhaustion. 

The first child born in the township was Rosanna Tulley, who is now 
the wife of John Krider. She was born September 15, 1834. The first 
marriage that was solemnized Vithin the township was probably Henry Pence's, 
who was married in the year 183^. The lady's name has not been ascertained. 
The first death that occurred in the township was that of a child of Wyatt 
Jeffries, which died in the fall of the year 1834. 

In the year 1836, Enoch Magrate and Talcott Perry were starting out one 
Sunday morning to gather cranberries, and as they were going along a path, 
Magrate on foot and Perry on horseback behind him, the hammer of Perry's 
gun caught on a limb and drew it back far enough to discharge the gun, the 
ball taking effect in Magrate's back and coming out in front. Perry, with the 
assistance of Brinton Jones and one or two others, who soon arrived on the 
spot, conveyed Magrate to his home, where he lingered in great agony until 
the next day, when death released him from his suffering. Talcott Perry died 
November 11, 1845, and his remains are interred in the cemetery at Concord 
Church, the place of his interment being marked by a neat marble tombstone. 

The first schoolhouse in the township was erected on the north part of 
the eighty-acre tract that Lemuel Devault now lives on, about the year 1840, 
and the teacher who taught the first term of school therein was a man by the 
name of Wizner. There had, however, been several terms of school taught in 
the township in private and vacant houses, before the schoolhouse was built. 
The first school in the township was taught by John Strain, about the year 
1838, in a log house, owned by him (then vacant), on the farm now owned by 
Hiram Jones. The second school was taught by Isaac Claxton, on the farm 
now owned by William Krider, then owned by Eli McClure ; and the third 
was taught by the aforementioned Wizner in Francis Tulley 's kitchen, on 
the farm now owned by Wesley Tulley. The second schoolhouse was built 
very near the spot where the railroad crosses the Goshen road, and in the 
vicinity of the Larimore House, in the town of Churubusco, about the year 
1844. The first teacher in the house was Isaac Claxton. About the year 
1848, a schoolhouse was built on George C. Pence's farm, about a quarter of a 
mile east of where Joseph Pence now lives, in which the first teacher was 
either James Davis or Harrison Grable. All the schoolhouse3 that were erected 
for many years after this country was first settled, were erected by the citizens 
of the neighborhood, each contributing as much labor or material as his cir- 



176 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

cumstances would permit ; and the schools taught in them were what were 
denominated subscription schools. There were, perhaps, no schoolhouses 
built in the township at public expense prior to 1850, or, perhaps, a year or 
two later. The first schoolhouses built in this township were built in just 
about the same fashion that the early schoolhouses throughout the country were 
built in, and as that has probably been described in the history of each of the 
other townships, the readers of this history will lose nothing by its being 
omitted here. 

About the year 1838, a man whose name was John Bowls, who lived near 
the west bank of Blue River Lake, was arrested upon the charge of killing his 
wife. His little girl, who was about twelve or thirteen years of age, said that 
her father and mother quarreled, and that her father struck her mother on the 
head with a large potato, and knocked her down, after which he stamped upon 
her breast with the heel of his boot, until he killed her, all of which was wit- 
nessed by her. Whitley County not having been organized at that time, the 
territory which it at present comprises being then embraced within the 
bounds of Huntington County, there were no courts nearer than Hunting- 
don in which to try him ; and, in consequence of the lack of means for the 
administration of justice, this man, whom every one believed to be guilty j 
escaped the punishment which he doubtless merited. After holding him in 
custody for a short time, and after a few of the good citizens had visited Hunt- 
ington several times, making futile efforts to set the machinery of the law in 
motion against him, he was set at liberty. In a short time afterward he went 
away, no one knew whither, and his children were sent back to Ohio, whence 
they had come. 

When the tide of immigration was steadily flowing westward, as it did from 
about 1835 to 1850, or a little later, it was not an uncommon thing for 
farmers to convert their farm houses into a kind of tavern, with some such 
rudely lettered sign as " Entertainment," or " Traveler's Rest," prominently 
displayed in front of it. The house in which Nathaniel Metsker now resides 
was once such an asylum of rest for the toil-worn traveler, the proprietor of 
which was David Wolf. The first saw-mill in the township was a water mill, 
erected about the year 1850, on a small stream about seven miles northwest of 
Churubusco, by Jacob Brumbaugh. The stream has plenty of fall, but as the 
water is too low a good part of the year to run the mill, the water privilege is of 
comparatively little value. There has, however, been a great deal of sawing 
done there, and, judging from the amount of timber that still remains standing 
in the woods, in the vicinity of it, it will probably do a great deal yet, not- 
withstanding the dam is now washed out, and the whole property seems to 
have rather a dilapidated appearance. 

About the year 1840, two men came to the house of John B. Godfrey, 
purchased some small article of him, and gave him, in payment, a bank bill, 
which Godfrey thought was counterfeit ; but upon their assuring him that it 



SMITH TOWNSHIP. 177 

was genuine, he took it. Godfrey very soon had the bill examined by an ex- 
pert, who unhesitatingly pronounced it a base counterfeit. Something in the 
conduct of the men caused Godfrey to believe that they knew the bill to be 
counterfeit at the time when they passed it, and he hastened to a Justice of the 
Peace, procured a warrant, and soon had an officer in pursuit of them. They 
were pursued with such promptness and celerity that they were overtaken and 
arrested that same evening, where they had turned off and traveled some dis- 
trnce from the main road and encamped for the night by a fire that they had 
built by a large log. They were taken to Columbia City, where the grand 
jury, which was then in session, found an indictment against the one who passed 
the bill, and he was put upon trial for publishing, passing, and uttering coun- 
terfeit money, knowing it to be such, with the intent to defraud John B. God- 
frey. In the trial of the cause, the comrade of the man who passed the bill, 
swore that the bill exhibited at the trial, was not the bill that the defendant had 
passed to Godfrey ; but, the testimony showing the identity of the bill was so 
overwhelming that he was immediately arrested on a bench warrant, on a charge 
of perjury. He was at once reported to the grand jury, who found a true bill 
against him, and at the next term of the court he was convicted and sentenced 
to a term of penal servitude in the penitentiary. The one who was charged 
with uttering counterfeit money was also convicted, and sent to the penitentiary 
for a term of years. 

The first post office established in this township was on the farm now 
owned by Jacob Sine, and was kept in a log house which stood near where 
Jacob Sine's brick dwelling now stands. The mail was carried on an ox when 
the roads were bad, for the reason that the roads were so miry at that time 
that a horse could not get through many places which an ox could pass through, 
without much difficulty, for the reason that, owing to the conformation of his 
hoof, he could much more easily withdraw it from the mire. The post office 
was called Churubusco, and the name of the Postmaster was Joseph Scott. 
Scott kept a small stock of goods, which was the first stock of goods kept in the 
township (except that John B. Godfrey kept powder, lead, blankets, and a few 
other articles) and, perhaps, in the county. The second saw-mill erected in the 
township was also a water-mill, and was erected by Alpheus B. and George 
Gaff, in the year 1854, on a small stream, which is the outlet of three small 
lakes, in the southern part of Noble County. The mill, which has been dis- 
used since about 1864, stands about half a mile north of A. B. Gaff's house. 
The first jail erected at the county seat (a log jail which stood in the public 
square until after the year 1852) was built by a man named William Blair, 
who lived in Smith Township where Jacob Dull now lives. 

About the year 1867, an aged colored woman, named Fanny Pompey, met 
death under the following most tragic and horrifying circumstances : She was 
very decrepit, being about one hundred years of age, and was living alone. 
Relatives, living near by, attended to her wants during the day, but at night 



178 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

she always stayed alone. One night, some of the neighbors discovered that her 
house was on fire, and, although they repaired to the spot with all possible 
speed, yet they were too late to save the old lady from the most horrible fate of 
perishing in the flames. The flames were issuing from the roof when the fire 
was first discovered, and it is not probable that her life could have been saved 
had those who discovered the fire been there on the spot. It is supposed that 
she had been smoking in bed, after she had retired for the night, and that some 
sparks of fire had fallen from her pipe upon the bed and set it on fire ; that her 
clothing caught fire from the burning bed and that she, being so very feeble 
with age, was soon strangled and overcome by the smoke and the flames, and 
had fallen in the middle of the floor, where she was seen to be lying by those 
who first arrived on the spot. 

Smith Township contains the second largest town in the county — Churu- 
busco. About the year 1845, William B. Walker and David Craig settled on 
the land that was subsequently laid out and platted as the towns of Union and 
Franklin, that part south of the railroad being called Union and that north of 
it Franklin. Those towns were laid out about the year 1853, when the first 
work was done on what is now the Detroit, Eel River & Illinois Railroad. 
Subsequently the towns were consolidated, under the name of Churubusco. 
The firsl building erected in the town was the hewed-log house of William B. 
Walker, erected about 1845, on very nearly the same spot that William Shifter's 
dwelling-house now stands on, and the second was the building now occupied 
by Jacob Kichler as a grocery and bakery. It was occupied and used as a 
hotel until about 1878, when Jacob Kichler, the present proprietor, purchased 
it and converted it into a provision store, bakery and eating-house. He discon- 
tinued the restaurant in the fall of 1881, and continues only the grocery and 
bakery. Whilst it was conducted as a hotel, it passed through numerous hands, 
among whom were Andrew Farmer, Western Ackley, Henry C. Pressler, Jo- 
seph R. Sunderland, and so on, ad infinitum. The next building erected in 
the town was the old frame building east of Kichler's bakery, built by John G. 
Croy for a grocery. About the year 1856, George Howe erected a frame build- 
ing on the corner, where Lewis' saloon now stands, for a grocery. About the 
same time, or a little later, a man named Harding erected the building in which 
Charles Patterson now has his harness shop, for a furniture shop. The next 
building erected in the town was a dwelling-house, west of and opposite to the 
Lariraore House, erected by Joseph Brown. The first dry goods store in the 
town was kept by Joseph Richards, in a building erected by him for the pur- 
pose, being the same building in which G. W. Ott now has his stock of groce- 
ries. Richards sold goods there for several years and then sold out to Harvey 
McCullough. John L. Isherwood also kept a dry goods store there for several 
years prior to 1877, when he moved his stock to where it now is. About the 
year 1868, Joseph Richards erected the building in which he is now doing 
business, for a dry goods store. He has been doing business in the same build- 




^^wsw® 







JEFFERSON TP. 



SMITH TOWNSHIP. 181 

ing ever since, up to the present time. In the same year, the building in 
which J. L. Isherwood now has his hardware store was built by Henry C. 
Pressler, for a hardware store. About the year 1877, Pressler sold out his 
hardware store to John R. Ross and George W. Fair, partners under the firm 
name of Ross & Fair. About the year 1870, the building in which G. W. 
Maxwell is now keeping a dry goods store was erected by William Ross and 
Francis M. Magers for dry goods and drugs. Then, the building in which 
Thomas A. Rhodes has his grocery and dry goods store was begun by a man 
named Newell and completed by John Deck, for a drug store. In the 
year 1872, John Deck built the hotel near the railroad depot, which is now the 
Larimore House. Very soon after its completion, Alexander M. Long became 
the owner of the property and continued to be the owner of it until the year 
1881, when the present proprietor, Thomas Larimore, became the owner of it. 
Mr. Larimore expended about $5,000 in rebuilding it, and it is now one of the 
neatest, best kept and best furnished hotels in the country, a credit to the enter- 
prising proprietor and to the town. Before Mr. Larimore bought it, it had 
been leased by several different. persons and run by each a short time, very few 
of them as long as a year. A few of those who kept hotel there were William 
Waterson, John W. Hutsel, Jr., Joseph Parks, Isaac N. Keller, Frederick S. 
Shoaff, John Gerdinck and several others. In the same year that the hotel was 
built, Robert Hood erected the building in which G. Kinzy's gun shop now is, 
for a wagon shop. The next building was the one in which Isay's meat shop 
now is, which was built on the rear part of the lot, and was subsequently 
moved to the front, where it now is. It was built for a gun shop. 

About the year 1873, or perhaps 1874, Hosack's wagon shop was built. 
About the same time, or a little earlier perhaps, James E. Witham built his 
blacksmith and wagon shop on the south side of the railroad, in what was for- 
merly the town of Union. The building at present occupied by John Diller as 
a saloon was built by James M. Harrison, just north of Oscar Gandy's resi- 
dence, for a furniture store, with schoolroom above. A few years later, the 
building was sold to Levi Butterbaugh and Solomon B. Leckrone, who kept 
saloon in it for a short time at that place ; then moved it to the northwest 
corner of what is commonly known as the mill lot, just south of the railroad. 
William A. Geiger subsequently purchased the building, and moved it to where 
it now stands. When it will be again moved or to what place the writer is 
unable to state. 

About the year 1873, the building now occupied by Henry Wyatt, as a 
saloon and restaurant, was built by Henry C. Pressler for a saloon. It has 
been occupied by various parties, sometimes as a saloon and sometimes as a 
grocery and bakery. Among those who have done business there are the 
following: Henry C. Pressler, Oscar Gandy, Samuel Haller, Edward Snyder, 
James Marker, Andrew Farmer, Jacob Kichler, Samuel Eby, Henry Wyatt 
and James Mason. The building occupied by Samuel F. Barr as a furniture 



182 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

store was built by the present owner, Mr. Barr, about the year 1873, for a 
furniture store, and has been occupied by him for that purpose ever since. 

In the year 1874, Harvey McCullough erected the building now owned 
and occupied by John A. Rich as a drug store. Isaac N. Whittenberger, Har- 
vey McCullough and Alpheus B. Gaff sold dry goods there. About the year 
1878, the building was purchased by John F. Shoaff and John Deck, who very 
soon afterward sold it to the present owner. The building in which Snyder & 
McGuire are keeping saloon was built, about the year 1873. by William G. 
Hughes for a dwelling, on the west side of the lot on which W. A. Geiger's 
hardware store is situated. It was subsequently moved to the place where it 
now stands, and used for a time as a meat shop, until about the year 1880, 
when George F. Walburn became the owner of it and opened a saloon there ; 
since which time it has been occupied by various persons for that purpose. The 
present post office building was erected about the year 1875. 

About the year 1877, the building in which Craig & Richey sell hardware 
was erected by H. C. Pressler for a hardware store. The building was occu- 
pied for a few years by Henry C. Pressler and William A. Geiger for a hard- 
ware store, and then for about two years as a dry goods store, by Joseph 
Hyman, Mayer & Ney and Mayer & Eichhold in succession. Since the fall 
of 1881, it has been occupied by Craig & Richey as a hardware store. The 
present owner is Lemuel Richey. The building in which Samuel Eby's saloon 
is kept was built, about the year 1874, by Morris Madricker as a dwelling 
house. For a time after Madricker ceased to occupy it as a dwelling house, it 
was used by Charles Brown as an agricultural store ; after which it was used 
by various parties as a meat shop, until it was finally purchased by Adam Avry, 
and converted into a saloon. 

C. C. Walkley's grocery was erected about 1877. About the same time, 
or a little later, the building occupied by William A. Geiger as a hardware 
store was erected by William G. Hughes & Co. for the purpose of renting it 
to Joseph Hyman for a dry goods store. William A. Geiger now owns the 
building. The next building erected in the town was the building now occu- 
pied by Brand & Bro. as a drug store, built, in 1878 or 1879, by Dr. John F. 
Criswell and John W. Goodrich for a drug store. 

In the year 1881, the brick building owned and occupied by Mayer & 
Eichhold as a dry goods store was erected by the present proprietors, at a cost 
of about $10,000. The building occupied by John R. Young, as a meat shop, 
was built about the same time, perhaps a little later, and was the last business 
house built in the town. 

About the year 1855, Joseph Brown built a saw-mill about on the same 
ground that Randolph & Brown's mill now stands. The mill now owned by 
Randolph & Brown was built by S. J. Clark about the year 1872. It was 
subsequently owned by Theodore F. Gilleland, William G. Hughes & Co. and 
Randolph & Brown, the present owners. It has two large boilers, and con- 



SMITH TOWNSHIP. 183 

tains, besides the saw-mill, a planer, turning-lathe, machinery for manufactur- 
ing almost all the parts of a wagon (except the hub), saws for lath, table-legs, 
shingles, heading, handles, etc. The grist-mill now owned by Joseph Kichler 
& Bro. was built by Jacob Hose and Alexander Hall in the year 1870. David 
Shilling and William Waterson purchased the property of Hose & Hall, but 
did not own it long until they sold it to the present owners. 

The following professional men have, at various times, been located in the 
place: Physicians — Drs. Kelly, Birney, Madricker, Aldrich, Keller, Magers, 
Criswell, Kester and Squires, the last four of whom are still here. Attorneys 
— Edward A. Mossman and Frank A. Brink. Dentists — F. F. Cook and L. 

D. Palmer. The tailors of the town have been McKinnon, John Thu- 

vis, Henry Finkbender and Joseph Simon ; and the jewelers George B. Chase, 
John Stratton, Thomas Hanson and William Shifler. 

The schoolhouse in the town of Churubusco was built in 1875, whilst 
George Gaff was Township Trustee, at a cost of about $4,000. It is a large 
two-story brick building, about forty by seventy-five feet, with two rooms 
below and two above. It is sufficiently commodious for the present, but it 
might have been made to look much better had a good architect been employed 
to furnish a design, which might have been done for a small sum, perhaps 
for $25. 

The Churubusco News was established, in 1876, by William E. Grose. 
The paper subsequently passed into the hands of Chase Milice, and the name 
was changed by him to the Herald. He conducted it but a short time, when 
it passed into the control of Daniel M. Eveland. Before it came into Mr. 
Eveland's hands, it had been neutral in politics; but he soon avowed himself 
an out-and-out Republican, and made some very severe strictures upon the 
opposite party, whereat many of his Democratic subscribers withdrew their 
patronage, and he was soon compelled to dispose of the office and seek another 
field. I. B. McDonald then became the proprietor, with William Haw & Son 
as editors and publishers. Under their management, the paper was as strongly 
Democratic as it had been Republican under Mr. Eveland's management. At 
the end of about a vear after William Haw & Son assumed control of the 
paper, they retired, and were succeeded by C. T. & F. M. Hollis. The paper 
not proving satisfactorily remunerative, Mr. McDonald removed it to Columbia 
City in November, 1871, where it has since been published under his own per- 
sonal control. The Sunbeam, Charles L. Kinzy and Lizzie A. Eveland, edi- 
tors and proprietors, folio, was established in 1878 ; subscription, 50 cents per 
annum. Its existence terminated with Mr. Eveland's connection with the 
Herald. The White Elephant, bi-weekly, 75 cents per annum, was established 
in 1878, Anes Yocum, editor and proprietor. 

The first church society in the county was organized at the house of Samuel 
Nickey in 1838, by Rev. R. S. Ball, of the Methodist denomination, with a 
membership of about twelve. The first church erected in the township was a 



184 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

log building by the name of Concord, and stood where Concord Church now 
stands. It was erected about the year 1848. The present membership of Con- 
cord Church is about thirty. Present minister, Rev. Church. Salem Church, the 
church at Fuller's Corners, Lake Chapel, in Lake Township, Allen County, 
and Pleasant Hill, are all offshoots of Concord Church. The United Brethren, 
the Baptist and the Methodist denominations have good churches in the town of 
Churubusco, the United Brethren Church being erected in 1872, the Baptist in 

1875, and the Methodist in 1878. The Methodist Church is a brick building, 
the others frame. The United Brethren and the Methodist denominations 
are prospering well, but the Baptist does not seem to be doing so well for some 
reason. They have no pastor at present. The Seventh-Day Adventists held 
a series of meetings in Churubusco in the fall of 1881, and at the close organ- 
ized a church with seven or eight members. They have no regular services. 
Pleasant Hill Church was dedicated by Rev. Dr. Robinson in December, 1865, 
with about twenty-five communicants. Present membership, about fourteen. 
Sunday school is kept up summer and winter. There is a very neat cemetery 
near the church. 

The first meeting of Churubusco Lodge, A., F. & A. M., under dispensa- 
tion, was held March 11, 1875, with the following officers : Edward A. Moss- 
man, W. M.; Andrew Anderson, S. W.; George W. Fair, J. W.; Isaac N. 
Whittenberger, S. D.; Henry M. Wyatt, J. D.; Samuel F. Barr, Treas.; and 
John R. Ross, Sec. Number of members, fourteen. On the 29th of July, 

1876, the lodge was instituted by William Carr, Special D. G. M., as Chur- 
ubusco Lodge, No. 515, A., F. & A. M., with officers the same as under dis- 
pensation. Present officers — John W. Brand, W. M.; Abraham V. Gordon, 
S. W.; Charles Errickson, J. W.; Frederick S. Shoaf, Treas.; Henry C. Press- 
ler, Sec; John Slofer, S. D.; Charles Rapp, J. D.; Horace McDuffey, Albert 
Eichhold and George H. Johnston, Trustees. Present membership, sixty-five. 
Time of meeting, first Thursday and third Saturday in each month. Churubusco 
Lodge, No. 462, I. 0. 0. F., was instituted Aug. 18, 1874, by Oliver P. 
Koontz, D. D. G. M., with the following officers: Appleton R. Jackson, N. 
G.; Oscar Gandy, V. G.; Winfield S. Gandy, R. S.; John E. Pike, P. S.; 
John A. Rich, Treas. Number of charter members, eleven. Present officers — 
William A. Geiger, N. G.; John N. Fowler, V. G.; Daniel Beaber, R. S.; John 
W. Orndorf, P. S. Present membership, fifty-four. Time of meeting, Friday 
evening of each week. Churubusco Lodge, No. 2,109, K. of H., was instituted 
March 11, 1880, by Charles G. Aichele, D. D. G. D. (of Fidelity Lodge, No. 
1,375, K. of H., of Kendallville, Ind.), with the following officers : Winfield S. 
Gandy, D. D.; Anes Yocum, D.; George F. Brand, V. D.; Michael Kichler, 
A. D.; William H. Carter, R.; John H. Grisamer, F. R.; Frederick S. Shoaff, 
Treas. Number of members at date of organization, twenty-one. Present 
officers — John N. Fowler, D.; Martin Kocher, V. D.; Frederick S. Shoaff, P. 
D.; Ellison T. Campbell, A. D.; Harrison Speer, R.; John H. Grisamer, F. 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 185 

R.; Frederick S. Shoaff, Leander Slagle and Anes Yocum, Trustees. Present 
membership, twenty-five. Time of meeting, Tuesday night of each week. 

On the 16th day of December, 1879, the most appalling accident that 
ever occurred in Smith Township occurred at Lewis Turnbull's saw-mill, about 
a quarter of a mile north of Collins Station, whereby five persons were in- 
stantly killed. Their names were Lewis Turnbull, the proprietor of the mill ; 
his two sons, Robert and Wesley Turnbull ; his nephew, Lorenzo Turnbull, 
son of John Turnbull ; and Elzie Glenn — all of whom were employed on the 
mill. There was no other person in or about the mill, or the destruction of 
life would no doubt have been greater. The explosion of the boiler was the 
cause of the disaster. So terrific was the explosion that the concussion of the 
air occasioned thereby was felt by persons ten and twelve miles distant. 
Some of the unfortunate victims were most horribly mangled and mutilated, so 
that it would have been difficult, if not impossible, to identify them but for the 
shreds of clothing that remained on them. Alonzo Turnbull had left the mill 
but a few minutes previous to the explosion and gone to the woods a few hun- 
dred yards off, with his team, for a log. So great was the force of the explosion 
that it knocked him down and caused his nose to bleed profusely. In the opin- 
ion of experts in the use and management of steam boilers, the great force of 
the explosion attested the fact that the boiler was sound throughout; for, had 
there been a weak spot in it, a rent would have occurred at that point, and, in 
all probability, there would have been no loss of life or other serious conse- 
quences. 



CHAPTER IX. 

BY MISS LOUISA S. GREGG. 



Union Township— Origin of Name— First Township Election and Officers 
— The Earliest Settlers— Old Time Reminiscences — Violent Deaths- 
Amusements— The Pierce Saw-mill— The Slagle & Burton Grist- 
Mill— The First Store — Coesse— Outline of its Growth— The Reputed 
Origin of Wittenburg College, Springfield, Ohio — Education and 
Religion. 

IN the early part of the year 1839, several persons then residing within the 
territory now constituting Union Township, Whitley County, petitioned 
the proper authorities for the organization of their territory into a township. 
In answer to the prayer of the petitioners, it was ordered that an election be 
held at the residence of Joseph Pierce on the 4th day of July, 1839. Talcott 
Perry was appointed Inspector of said election. At this election, Perry was 
elected Justice of the Peace in and for said township, which was named Union, 
upon an agreement to that effect between the said Perry and George W. Oman. 
Perry was the first settler in the township. In the month of June, 1837, Ben- 
jamin Gardner, a native of New York, settled with his family in this township, 
on the farm now owned by Joseph Baldwin. Dr. Joseph Pierce, a native of 



186 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

Greene County, N. Y., located in this township in the spring of 1837 ; was the 
first physician in the township, and the only one for many years. At the time 
of his first advent into this county, he brought with him a general stock of 
merchandise, consisting of dry goods, groceries, hardware, etc., etc. This 
stock of goods was owned for a time jointly by Pierce & Starkweather. In 
the spring of 1837, Horace Cleveland, a native of Catskill, N. Y., purchased 
land in this township (being the same land now owned by the Wigent heirs), 
and during the following season built a cabin and made some preparations for 
bringing his family, which he did in the winter following. Some time during 
the year 1835, George W. Oman purchased a part of the land consituting the 
farm on which he now resides, and on September 30, 1837, he and his wife pitched 
their tent on this land and commenced the necessary preparations for the erec- 
tion of a cabin, which was to be for a time their future domicile. The follow- 
ing-named persons assisted him in raising the cabin : William Vanmeter, Will- 
iam and Charles Gradeless, Samuel Nickey, Talcott Perry, Jacob Diffendarfer, 
Benjamin Gardner and son, Francis Tulley and Wells Smith. The Gradelesses, 
Nickey and Diffendarfer were citizens of Allen County. Mrs. Oman had 
among other things prepared a quantity of doughnuts, of which William 
Gradeless ate very heartily. During the night he had a very severe attack of 
cholera morbus. In speaking of the matter afterward, he said he had eaten 
too much of Mrs. Oman's "crooked" bread. 

Talcott Perry, first Justice of the Peace, was commissioned July 24, 
1839, re-elected and commissioned September 4, 1844 ; Daniel B. Rice was 
commissioned September 17, 1845 ; Samuel Miner, Sr., January 24, 1846 ; 
Asa Anthony, September 4, 1849 ; John Irwin, April 18, 1850 ; James 
Welsheimer, January 24, 1857. George W. Foster was elected Justice in 
1854 ; Orville Root, in 1855 ; J. A. Kaufman, in 1857 ; Granderson Pettit, 
1858; Robert Speer, 1859; James M. Briggs, 1863; Alexander Clark, 
1863 ; G. W. Laurence, 1867, re-elected 1871 ; William Sisson, 1868 ; Joseph 
M. Douglas, 1869 ; John 0. Clark, 1877, re-elected 1881 ; Peter Garrison, 
1880. No record of other township officers could be found. The following 
county officers have been residents of this township : Joseph Pierce, elected 
County Commissioner, August, 1846 ; Daniel B. Rice, elected County Com- 
missioner, 1852, re-elected 1855-58-61 ; Adam T. McGinly, elected Sheriff, 
1878, and James H. Shaw, elected Commissioner, 1876-79. 

The growth of this township was not by any means rapid — not that the 
soil was not productive ; on the contrary, it was, as a general rule, very rich, 
amply rewarding the husbandman, especially after he had gotten it in a meas- 
ure subdued. Probably the principal hindrance to a rapid growth was the 
amount and character of the labor required to prepare the land for the plow. 
These immense forests of oak, hickory, walnut, poplar, ash, beech, etc., were, 
in the very nature of things, calculated to deter men from attempting to open 
up a farm, and at the same time support a family of small and helpless chil- 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 187 

dren ; this, especially when the fact was known to them that by going a few days' 
drive further west they could find the land already cleared, and ready for the 
plow. The north part of the township was the first settled, and it continued 
to hold an advanced position for many years. At that early day, it was not 
unusual to call on men residing at a distance of five or six miles to assist in 
raising a cabin, a log barn, or even to assist in rolling logs. Those residing at 
a distance of five or even a greater number of miles were called neighbors, and 
made frequent visits back and forth. A friendly feeling was prevalent, and 
there were but few misunderstandings among the people. Their pursuits were 
almost entirely agricultural, if felling the forest and preparing the land for 
cultivation constitute any part of agriculture. The citizens of this township 
have, from the earliest settlement, devoted their energies almost exclusively to 
this pursuit, a few individuals, and only a few, having sought to gain a liveli- 
hood by other enterprises. 

G. W. Oman relates that soon after the location of the county seat at the 
present site, Henry L. Ellsworth, one of the proprietors, sent his son, H. W. 
Ellsworth, in company with F. P. Randall, of Fort Wayne, to visit the city on 
paper and look after the interests of his father and partner in that county gen- 
erally. They traveled on horseback, and were obliged to follow an old Indian 
trail as best they might. Night overtook them when at Eel River, and prob- 
ably on lands now owned by the heirs of the late John North, Sr. At this 
point they lost their trail, and were compelled to tie their horses and pass the 
night as best they could in the wilderness. Morning having come, and not 
being able to find a trail that they thought would probably lead them to the 
desired destination, they concluded to make an effort to return to Fort Wayne. 
After wandering through the wilderness till about noon, they finally brought 
up at Oman's. Here they ordered their horses fed and called for dinner. In 
the meantime, they proposed to give Oman $1 as compensation for con- 
ducting them to Columbia City. He agreed to do so, and, upon their arrival 
at their destination, they gave him two half-dollars in payment. Oman says 
"these half-dollars looked about the size of a cart-wheel." 

Another incident from the storehouse of Oman's memory : Some years 
before any settlement was made in this township, John Comstock had purchased 
land and laid out the village of Liberty Mills, in Wabash County. Soon after 
Oman settled on his present farm (date not positively known), Comstock left 
home for Fort Wayne with quite a large amount of silver, which he carried in 
an old-fashioned saddle-bag. He traveled on horseback, following an Indian 
trail. Night overtook him when on a point on the land now owned by Francis 
Mossman, about one mile north of the present site of the village of Coesse. 
In the darkness he lost the trail, and was obliged to put up for the night in the 
midst of a dense forest, under a tree. He laid his baggage at the root of the 
tree, turned his horse loose that he might graze for a time, and then sat down 
under the tree, with his saddle-bags by his side. He intended not to go to sleep, 



188 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

but to watch his horse for a time and then tie him to a tree until morning. 
Being somewhat wearied with his day's travel, he was soon in the embrace of 
Morpheus. Waking after a time, he discovered, to his dismay, that his horse had 
left him. He found him in a short time, but, to his utter discomfiture, he had lost 
the whereabouts of his money, and it was almost noon before he found it. After 
finding the trail, he rode on, and arrived at Oman's Justin time for dinner. 

At an early day, date not known, William Getting was fatally injured in 
the following manner : Himself and son were putting a lot of buckwheat into 
the loft of their cabin, ascending by means of a ladder. The son was above, 
receiving the sacks as his father passed them up to him. By some accident, 
the son let a sack slip from his hands. It struck the father, knocked him from 
the ladder, and injured his spine to such an extent that it caused extensive par- 
alysis, which terminated in death. This occurred in a house now owned by 
Francis Mossman, and known as the " Chorn house." 

G. W. Oman says : " I made some money in an early day by showing 
land to strangers." 

At the time when Mrs. Bonestel taught the first school in the township, 
she was a widow, having lost her husband before leaving New York State. 
After residing in this township a few years, she married Wilson Travis. They 
lived together for a few years, when he was killed, as supposed at the time, by 
the kick of a horse, he having been found in such a relation to his team as to 
indicate that in all probability such was the case. 

James Worden says : " Austin Morgan and myself sawed the first lum- 
ber made in the county, at Pierce's Mill,* and sold the first board to Francis 
Tulley, to be used in making a cradle in which to rock his son Cyrus B., now 
an attorney at Columbia City." He also says: '' Dr. Pierce had a large stock 
of goods, and traded extensively with the Indians. He had seen as many as 
three hundred at and around the store at one time. At one time the Doctor 
laid in a supply of pepper-sauce, and placed it in a conspicuous place on the 
shelf. Indian Jim, seeing it, said, ' What you call him?' The Doctor took 
down a bottle, poured a quantity into a tumbler, put the tumbler to his lips — 
simulating the act of drinking ; set the tumbler on the table, and motioned him 
to take it. Jim picked up the tumbler, put it to his mouth, and, without wait- 
ing to taste the contents, drank it to the dregs. The Doctor said ' For the 
next few moments his contortions far exceeded anything I have ever witnessed.' 
After recovering sufficiently to speak, Jim said : ' Heap no good.' He did 
not want any more ' What you call him.' " 

Dr. Pierce and Robert Starkweather came to this township in the spring 
of 1837. They built a cabin on land which Pierce had entered, the same land 
on which he erected a saw-mill, and where John McCartney now resides. In 
this cabin they all lived for about one and a half years ; at which time a son of 

*The question as to who sawed the first lumber in the county is a matter of much dispute. Adam Hull, living 
just across the line, in Allen County, and several of the older citizens of Smith Township, who arrived there in 1834, 
eay thata man named Bond built a saw-mill on Blue River, below th» lake, in Smith Township, as early as 1835 or 
1836.— Ed. 




m. 



UNION TP, 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 191 

Starkweather sickened and died. Dr. Pierce had treated this child, and after 
its death, they (Pierce and Starkweather) quarreled about the treatment. 
Starkweather says to Pierce, " I brought you all the way from New York to 
kill my boy." Upon this, they dissolved partnership, Starkweather remov- 
ing across the line into Allen County. Soon after this dissolution, James 
Worden came from New York to work for Dr. Price, and did the cooking 
during the first three months of his stay During the winter of 1838-39, an 
English family (named Thompson) came, and Mrs. Thompson did the cook- 
ing for a time. During the summer of 1839, Mrs. Worden came from New 
York. She then took charge of the kitchen, doing the housework for nearly 
one year, after which she and her husband returned to New York. Next in 
succession as cook for the Doctor, was Mrs. Cole, mother of Seymour Cole, 
and present wife of Peter Bartholomew, late of Columbia City, but now of 
Fort Wayne. Worden and wife remained in New York for a short time, 
when they returned to this township, and again engaged with the Doctor, 
Worden doing the f arming, assisting about the saw-mill, etc., and Mrs. Worden 
again superintending the culinary department. Worden says that himself and 
William Van Meter hauled the first saw-logs in the county — logs four and a 
half feet in diameter. 

Henry Hull says : " I used to ride down to the village on Sundays and spend 
the day playing with the young Indians." They appeared at all times much 
pleased to see him, and to play with him. Wrestling was a very common sport 
at that time, and they appeared to enjoy it hugely when successful ; but when 
vanquished, they appeared to be greatly mortified. Henry Hull and John 
Frye ran the first threshing machine in the township in the fall of 1843. The 
machine was a tread-mill and chaff-piler ; could thresh eighty or ninety bushels 
per day. The price for threshing was 6 cents per bushel. 

Mrs. Oman says : " Soon after our settlement at our present home, an 
Indian called one day and asked for a loaf of bread, which he wished to put 
into the grave of an Indian who had been stabbed and killed by another In- 
dian in a drunken melee at the Indian village on the land now owned by 
Robert Speer." 

Some time during the year 1850, Mathew P. Walker went to Richland 
County, Ohio, married, and with his wife started for his home in this township, 
she riding the entire journey on horseback, and driving two cows. She soon 
became so homesick that her health was undermined. Her physician advised 
that she be taken to her former home, and, after a visit of a few months, she 
returned entirely restored. 

Mrs. Oman relates that, during one winter, soon after their settlement 
here, they lived on bread made from buckwheat ground but not bolted, this, 
with venison, constituting their entire stock of provisions. For a year or two 
after their settlement here, their salt cost them about $3 per bushel. During 
the first two or three years of pioneer life, these people brought a large part of 



192 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

their supplies from Elkhart and the prairies thereabout. At this early day, it 
was impossible to get the absolute necessities of life, even at Fort Wayne. 
These hardy pioneers obtained a very large proportion of their meat supplies 
from the forest, drawing largely on the deer, wild turkeys, and, after a few 
years, upon the wild hogs. Dr. Pierce kept, at times, a partial supply of flour, 
meat, and perhaps some other provisions, but these he sold at such exorbitant 
prices that the people could do much better by going to the prairies and laying 
in their own provisions. Oman says : " I sold my wedding vest to William 
Gradeless to pay for a few potatoes, to help in carrying us through the first 
winter. I worked for 50 cents a day, and paid 60 cents a bushel for corn." 
During the first year, Mrs. Oman drove the oxen to break fourteen acres of 
ground. 

Isaac Taylor, who is mentioned elsewhere in these reminiscences, as among 
the early settlers, relates the following as one of his early experiences : About 
the month of June, 1843, Horace Cleveland and himself gathered all the wool 
in the neighborhood, and one morning, with two yoke of oxen, started for a 
carding machine, situated on the St. Joe River, about seven miles above Fort 
Wayne. Night overtook them when about two miles from their destination. 
Just at this time a terrific rainstorm set in, accompanied by vivid flashes of 
lightning. They were in the midst of a dense forest. The flashes of 
lightning were so incessant, that they were able to follow the road by 
their light. After traveling for a short time in this manner, they en- 
countered a large beech tree, which had been blown across the road a few 
moments before. Taylor cut a way around the top of the tree, and Cleve- 
land drove around. Proceeding a short distance, they saw a light. Taylor 
went to the house, and there learned that they were within one mile of the mill. 
Just before reaching it, they encountered a temporary slab bridge. Taylor 
went before, guiding the forward team, while Cleveland brought up the rear. 
On reaching their destination, they found it impossible to get their wool carded 
on account of high water, and were obliged to return without it. On their 
return trip, they encountered obstacles on every hand, and so frequent and 
formidable were these, that, at the end of the third day after leaving home, they 
had only reached Cary's, three miles west of Fort Wayne, on their return. On 
the morning of the fourth day, they left Cary's, and succeeded finely until they 
reached the Aboit, at Peabody's saw-mill. Here they found a pole bridge 
floating on the surface of the water, but so fastened as to prevent its escape. 
The rolling of the logs under the feet of the teams rendered crossing very unsafe. 
They landed safely, however, and Cleveland, raising his hands, exclaimed in a 
loud voice, "God Almighty." Taylor called to him, "Drive on, Cleveland; 
poor place for prayer here." They reached home on the evening of the fourth 
day, having spent that time in traveling a distance of twenty-one miles and 
return. 

These people, as a rule, were expert woodsmen, many of them thinking it 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 19 3 

no very extraordinary feat to shoot a deer while on the run at a high rate of 
speed, and it was not considered a very great exploit to kill two, three or even 
more deer, on the same day. In these days, wheat bread was a luxury, in 
which it was not thought best to indulge too frequently, principally from the 
fact that it was thought to be rather hard on the purse. In the season of 1842, 
John Stevenson broke and sowed to buckwheat three acres of new land. He 
had no fence around it, and his wife kept off the stock by almost constant 
watching by day. The product of these three acres was fifty bushels. This 
was on land now owned by Robert Speer. 

It has been found impossible to ascertain the exact date of the first birth 
in the township, the parents having died at a very early period in the settle- 
ment of the township and all traces of the children lost; but it is quite posi- 
tive that, at some time during the early part of 1836, David, son of Talcott 
Perry, was born, and that he was the first child born in the township. Whe- 
lock, son of Benjamin Gardner, was born in October, 1837. This, doubtless, 
was the second birth. Henry Hull and Jane Gardner were married December 
18, 1839. This was the first marriage in the township. The first death was 
that of Robert Starkweather, which occurred early in the autumn of 1838. 
William Clater came to this township with Isaac Taylor, in July, 1838, and 
resided with the family until March 21, 1839, when he was killed at a barn 
raising in Lake Township, Allen County. 

John Depoy relates that some time during the year 1853, five wolves 
came to his place one night, attacked his dog, dragged him fifteen or twenty 
rods and mangled his throat in a terrible manner. Mrs. Depoy poulticed it 
with catmint and whisky, and in three or four weeks the dog had entirely 
recovered. 

Dances and amusements of that character were decidedly primitive in 
those days. At such times, as they failed to have on hand a musician with a 
stringed instrument, some one of the company would be delegated to supply 
the deficiency by whistling. The gentlemen were not required to observe 
strictly the etiquette of the ball-room in more advanced society. A coon-skin 
cap, moccasins and such wearing apparel as was manufactured by their mothers, 
sisters or wives was the common outfit of the male part of the assembly. In- 
deed, it occasionally happened that the gentlemen appeared on the floor bare- 
footed and coatless, while the ladies' toilet consisted of a linsey-woolsey or a 
calico dress. The ladies did not make it a sine qua non of a respectable ap- 
pearance at these gatherings to reduce the size of their waists as much as pos- 
sible by tight lacing. 

James Worden, now of Columbia City, says : " I framed the first bridge 
in the county. It was built across Eel River, near the place where John 
McCartney now resides." G. W. Oman says a caravan of movers built the 
first bridge over Eel River at Aker's. This they did by cutting large, heavy 
timber, and rolling it into the river, securing it in place, and continuing this 



194 . HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

process until it was made passable. This was probably rendered necessary on 
account of the miry condition of the bank on either side. The date of the 
building of this bridge is not positively known, but it was probably as early as 
1838. These two were the only bridges built across Eel River at an early 
period. 

G. W. Oman conmenced keeping tavern (Mrs. Oman says "not hotel"), 
on the farm where he now resides, in the autumn of 1837, immediately after 
•getting up a cabin. They had scarcely gotten a roof over them before they 
commenced entertaining movers. Mrs. Oman says: "We dreaded to have 
people call for accommodations, because we had so little to eat ourselves." In 
the autumn of 1838, Isaac Taylor commenced entertaining movers at his resi- 
dence, on the farm now owned by J. H. Clark. However, he did not hang out 
a sign until about four years after. These were the only taverns in the town- 
ship until after the building of the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Rail- 
way, when one was opened up in the village of Coesse. 

Dr. Joseph Pierce built a saw-mill (water-power), on his place on Eel 
River during the season of 1839. This was the first saw-mill in the township, 
and probably in the county. Nathaniel Allen built the first steam saw-mill in 
the township in 1854. These two were the only saw-mills built in an early 
day. John Slagle and James Burton built the first and only grist-mill in this 
township, in an early day, and indeed the only one ever built in the township, 
except one built in Coesse a few years since, by John B. Imrie, and run for a 
short time, then sold to the Kelseys and removed to Allen County. The 
Slagle & Burton Mill was built on land now owned by William Moore, on 
the north bank of Eel River, in the northeast corner of the township. During 
the fall of 1853, Kepler ran a distillery on the farm now owned by Henry 
Sneider, in the southeast corner of the township. The product of this enter- 
prise was peach brandy. 

The first stock of goods in the township was kept by Pierce & Stark- 
weather, afterward by Pierce ; the second by Barber A. Cleveland, on the farm 
now owned by James Merriman, commencing in 1852 and continuing to trade 
at that place for about two years. Some time during 1855, Freeman & Fuller 
opened a stock of dry goods, groceries, etc., in a house belonging to G. W. 
Oman, on Yellow River road. They remained here about two years, and re- 
moved their goods to Tousley's Crossing, one mile east of Coesse. They con- 
tinued here about a year, dissolved partnership, and Fuller removed the goods 
to the place since known as Fuller's Corners, in Smith Township. These were 
the only stocks of merchandise ever kept in this township, outside of Coesse, 
and all this before the founding of the village. 

The village of Coesse was laid out in the winter of 1854-55, by Peter 
Simonson. The east forty belonged to the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago 
Railroad, and the west forty to Simonson, he having purchased it from James 
Worden. It was surveyed by a brother of the proprietor, and named from an 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 195 

Indian chief. The first building was a dwelling-house, erected by Joseph 
Root, on the lot now owned by Ed Hammer, and the second a cabin built by 
Mr. Love, on the lot now owned bv Mrs. Park. Christian Rummel then built 
the blacksmith-shop now owned by Aker Bros., in which he carried on business, 
and a dwelling-house, now the Methodist Episcopal parsonage. The next 
house was a dwelling, on the lot now owned by Mrs. Rosa Clark. The growth 
of the village was very slow until about 1865, when a number of buildings were 
erected. The first stock of goods was brought by Simon Herr & Bro. It 
consisted of dry goods, groceries, and all other articles commonly found in a* 
village store. This stock was sold to Barber A. Cleveland, and by him to 
Thomas McCune, who sold it to the present proprietor, F. Smith. In 1864, 
J. H. Clark brought on a stock of goods, engaged in trade about three years r 
and sold the stock to J. S. Baker, who removed it. The value of this stock 
was about $4,000. In 1870, Reuben Drew began merchandising, continued 
about four or five years, and abandoned the business. In 1880, Luke Tousley 
engaged in the dry goods trade, continued a year, then took as a partner Will- 
iam Swarts. The firm is still in business. 

In 1867, Kauffman & Levi brought on a stock of groceries, etc.; in 1872,. 
sold to I. Kinsey, and he to Allen Bros., who are still in business. F. Smith 
entered the grocery trade in 1866, and, in 1872, sold to W. E. Mossman, who y 
after about two years, sold back to Smith. 

The first and only saw-mill in the village was built by Spore, on the ground 
occupied by the present mill. Spore sold to Van Houten, and he to Emery & 
Stewart. They built a stave factory and then a grist-mill, which were run for 
a few years, then sold and removed. Emery & Stewart then sold the mill to 
F. Smith and W. E. Mossman ; Smith bought out Mossman, and sold the en- 
tire mill to the present proprietors, W. Smith and W. E. Mossman. There are 
two drug stores, owned by Drs. Eckman and Wenger. 

For some time before the existence of the village, a post office was kept by 
Horace Cleveland, on what is now the Wigent farm, on Yellow River road. 
In 1856, this was moved to Coesse, and J. H. Root commissioned Post- 
master. He kept the office in his dwelling. In 1865, G. B. Bonestel took the 
office and kept it one year ; then followed Leonard Aker, Maggie Kauffman 
and Frank Dustman, and, in 1868, J. A. Kauffman was appointed Postmaster. 
He kept the office for nine years, and was succeeded by I. Kinsey, and he, in 
1875, by W. Allen, who kept the office for three years, when it went into the 
hands of the present Postmaster, F. Smith. 

A Good Templars' Lodge was organized in 1856, and continued, with 
some interruptions, till about 1874, when it was abandoned. 

The first physician in the village was William Loveland, who came in the 
spring of 1861, and remained till the fall of 1862. The next was G. W. Eck- 
man, who came in the spring of 1863, and still resides here. William Birney 
located here in the spring of 1866, and remained two years. Dr. N. I. Kith- 



196 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

cart came in August, 1874, and remained till March, 1876. Dr. N. R. Wen- 
ger came in the fall of 1876, and Dr. H. Gregg in the fall of 1880, both of 
whom still reside here. 

The only saloon in the village was owned by J. Owens, who sold to George 
Graves, the present proprietor. 

The village has a population of about one hundred and fifty, one church 
(the Methodist Episcopal), and one schoolhouse of two rooms. The cost of the 
schoolhouse was about .§3,000. 

About the year 1854, Rev. Jacob Wolf erected a building on a farm then 
owned by himself, but now owned and occupied by Andrew Steele, about two 
miles northeast of Coesse. This building he intended at the time as a nucleus 
around which to erect more substantial structures, and to be known as " Wart- 
burg College." Himself and Rev. A. J. Douglas commenced teaching here 
before the entire completion of the building, and continued for about two years, 
when it was discontinued. Before his death, Mr. Wolf willed this property to 
Wittenburg College, Springfield, Ohio. The first term of school in this town- 
ship was taught by Mrs. Cornelia Bonestel, daughter of Horace Cleveland, in 
the summer of 1839 or 1840, in a cabin on the land of G. W. Oman. The 
wages were $1.50 per week, and the teacher boarded with her parents. Per- 
haps three or four terms were taught in this house, when, a few families having 
located a little farther south and west, it was thought better to have the school 
in a more central locality. So a cabin was erected on the north side of Beaver 
Run, which was thenceforth known as "the schoolhouse on the hill." After a 
few years, this cabin was superseded by a frame house on the same site. This 
was sold and removed ten or twelve years since, a new house having been 
erected in another part of the district. In the summer of 1845, Mrs. Simon 
Sherod taught school in her dwelling, this being the first school in the northwest 
corner of the township. In the autumn of 1842, a school cabin was built, 
about a quarter of a mile Avest of the residence of Charles Hess, on Yellow 
River road, on land known as the " Carpenter tract." In the spring of 1846, 
the first school was taught in the Boyd District by Mary Brown. Amanda 
Tousley taught the second term, Eliza Young the third, Mrs. Cornelia Travis 
the fourth, George Lawson the fifth and E. A. Smith the sixth. Riley Merrill 
taught the first school in the Hull District, in the winter of 1847-48, Maxie 
(Jones) Foust the second, and Miranda (Morse) Root the third. These teachers 
"boarded around." 

In the autumn of 1838, George Walker and Jacob Wolf came to this 
township from Richland County, Ohio. Soon after their settlement here, Mr. 
Wolf commenced preaching, sometimes at private residences, then again at the 
schoolhouse, near Oman's. After a schoolhouse was built on the hill, near 
what is now the Steele farm, he frequently preached there, yet continuing to 
preach occasionally at private houses. At this time, and for a few years after, 
he was connected with the Presbyterian Church, afterward uniting with the 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 197 

Evangelical Lutheran Church of Coesse. Addison Merrill was the first Meth- 
odist minister who ever preached in this township. He preached at private 
houses, and at the schoolhouses in the vicinity. The salaries of these ministers 
were such scanty donations as the poor settlers were able and disposed to make, 
a fixed salary being almost unknown. All this was prior to any church organ- 
ization. 

Eel River Presbyterian Church was organized October 15, 1841, Rev. 
Jacob Wolf, pastor. At the time of organization, the following persons united : 
George Walker and wife, James Pringle and wife, William Park, Mrs. Vance, 
Miss Catharine Van Houten. These persons were admitted by certificate, and 
Jacob A. Van Houten on examination. At this meeting, James Pringle and 
Jacob A. Van Houten were elected Ruling Elders. November 27, 1842, David 
Wolf and wife and Robert Craig were admitted as members. November 24, 
1844, Ira G. Wisner and wife ; June 26, 1846, Gilbert Shaw and wife, also 
Mrs. Dinsmore and Nancy Wolf. June 27, Alexander Boyd and wife were 
received by letter. February 13, 1848, Ephraim Smith united with this 
church. May 27, 1848, Gilbert Shaw was elected a Ruling Elder. May 28, 
1848, Martha Smith admitted on certificate. June 2, 1849, Matthew P. 
Walker was admitted on examination. January 27, 1850, Joseph Douglas 
and wife were received by letter. Early in the year 1850, James Greer was 
installed as pastor ; Rev. J. N. Swan, in 1852, and Rev. Luke Dorland in 
1861. From the time of the organization of this church until the termination 
of the pastorate of the Rev. J. N. Swan, its condition was eminently prosper- 
ous. After that time, it seemed to be doomed, and ceased to exist as an organ- 
ized body several years since. 

The organization of Union Center Lutheran Church was effected April 8, 
1857, Rev. H. Wells, pastor ; William C. Mowry, Clerk. At this meeting, 
Rev. Jacob Wolf and James Worden were elected Elders and Trustees, and 
William C. Mowry and Jacob J. Halenbeck as Deacons and Trustees. At the 
time of organization, the following persons united with this church : Jacob 
Wolf and wife, James Worden and wife, William C. Mowry and wife, Jacob J. 
Halenbeck and wife, Samuel Rouch and Samuel L. Rouch. The second pastor 
was Rev. Solomon Ritz ; third. Rev. A. J. Douglas ; fourth, Rev. Albert 
Studebaker; fifth, Rev. J. B. Baltzly ; sixth and present pastor, Rev. J. N. 
Barnett. Their church building, just north of the village of Coesse, was erected 
in 1857. James Worden was the propelling power in this enterprise. The 
land for the church and cemetery was donated by Elias Winter. A child of 
C. and M. A. Rummel was the first buried in this cemetery. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1849, John R. Davis, 
minister. Jesse Sparks completed the organization, remained one year, and 
was succeeded by A. C. Barnhart, and he by William Blake. Original mem- 
bers : Stephen H. Clark and wife, David Pringle and wife, John R. Chorn and 
wife, Francis Mossman and wife, Silas Burt and wife, David Tousley and wife. 



198 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

Nathaniel Allen and wife were Methodists, but did not unite with this society 
at its organization. In 1863, Coesse was set apart as a separate charge, and, 
during the year 1870, this charge erected a house for worship in the village. 
This work was superintended by Rev. McCarter. 

The Christian Church, one and a half miles south of Coesse, was organized 
October 29, 1854, with the following members : Daniel Holt and wife, Samuel 
Whistler and wife, William C. Morse and wife, David S. Morse and wife, 
Polly Foster, Eliza Lake, Nancy Tousley. Rev. Peter Weinbrenner was the 
first pastor ; he remained five years. Then followed, in the order named, 
James Atchinson, Philip Ziegler, William Manville, James Atchinson, C. V. 
Strickland, James Atchinson, who officiates at this writing. The first services 
were held in a log schoolhouse on the land of Daniel Holt. The church build- 
ing was erected in 1872. The cost of the building is not known. The Sun- 
day school was organized about the same time as the church. Daniel Holt 
was the first Superintendent. The salary of the minister for one-fourth of the 
time is about $100. 



OHAPTEE X. 

by prof. w. l. mathews. 

Washington Township— Origin of Name— Creation of Township— Early 
Officers— The First Settlement— Entry of Land— Pioneer Pursuits 
—Industrial Growth— Education and Religion. 

"TTTASHINGTON TOWNSHIP was named in honor of the Father of our 
* » Country, and organized September 8, 1840. The petition was pre- 
sented to the Board of County Commissioners by a number of citizens " pray- 
ing the organization of a civil township having all the rights and privileges to 
transact business as such," which petition the board granted. Subsequently an 
election was ordered for one Justice of the Peace, and it was accordingly held 
at the house of Abraham Lesley, and Daniel Lesley was appointed Inspector. 
Subsequently, for a number of years, the various elections were held at the 
house of Abraham Lesley, who was always ready to receive every one in a 
hospitable manner. In those days there was not much political antagonism 
at elections, but, on the contrary, genuine good feeling and personal regard for 
individual opinion prevailed. At an election held at the home of Daniel Lesley, 
in April, 1845, there were only eighteen votes polled, and there were scarcely 
enough votes to fill the various township offices. Whether there were any 
more voters in the township at that time or not, or whether they remained away 
for fear of being elected to office, remains in doubt. 

The first white settler of which any authentic account can be given was 
Joseph N. Ecker, who settled on Section 7, in the northwest part of the town- 
ship in the fall of 1836. He was the first man assessed in the township, the 




' ■ ; '' 



■ ¥f> ' ■•■■■■■" 



(ftdZtJ d£At*^e^ 



) 



WASHINGTON TP. 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 



201 



amount being twenty-four and a half cents. Soon after came Reuben Long, 
John Oliver, Adam Creager, Samuel Broden, Fred Wybright, William Sterling, 
Abraham Lesley, Jonas Baker, Henry Emery, John Arnold, John Wise, 
William Cates, Michael Sickafoose, Martin Bechtol and Enos Goble. The pop- 
ulation in 1840 was probably 40 ; in 1880, 1,480. In 1840, there were 25 
polls; in 1881, 241. 

In 1838, the assessment of personal property was $21, and the amount 
assessed for taxes 25 cents. The tax in 1831 amounted to $4,545.35. 

Among the number who entered land at an early date may be mentioned 
the following names, although they did not, in many cases, settle upon the lands 
until some time after the date of purchase : 



NAMES. 



Nathan Jinks ... 

Nathan Jinks 

Abraham B. Marsh 

Abraham B. Marsh 

John Delafield 

John Delafield 

John B. Beebee 

John Delafield 

John Delafield 

John Townsend 

John Townsend 

Abraham Studebaker.. 
Abraham Studebaker.. 

John Reed 

John Reed 

John S. Borry 

William Arnold 

Abraham Studebaker... 

W. Arnold 

Abraham Studebaker... 

William Arnold 

Joseph Ecker 

Joseph Mullendore 



Sec. 


Town. 


Range. 


Acres. 


Hds. 


1 


30 


9 


499 


25 


1 


30 


9 


99 


37 


2 


30 


9 


108 


61 


2 


30 


9 


100 


• • > 


3 


30 


9 


107 


82 


3 


30 


9 


102 


38 


3 


30 


9 


320 


■ ■ • 


4 


30 


9 


104 


06 


4 


30 


9 


101 


73 


5 


30 


9 


96 


84 


5 


30 


9 


48 


79 


5 


30 


9 


48 


63 


6 


30 


9 


80 


• • > 


5 


30 


9 


80 


■ • • 


6 


30 


9 


73 


80 


6 


30 


9 


17 


50 


6 


30 


9 


249 


• • • 


6 


30 


9 


80 


• • • 


6 


30 


9 


58 


77 


6 


30 


9 


35 


14 


6 


30 


9 


87 


14 


7 


30 


9 


168 


37 


7 


30 


9 


326 


79 



Location Section. 



N. W. fr. 

S. W. fr. 

N. E. fr. 

N. W. fr. 

S.J 

N. E. fr. 

N. W. fr. 

N. E. fr. 

E. £ N. W. i 

W. } N. W. 

W. | S. w. 

E. \ S. E. 

N. E. fr. 

N. E. fr. 

S.E. JW.JS.E. 

E. J S. E. 

Lot 4. 

No. 1. 

No. 213. 

N. W. 

S.J. 



Date. 



July 31, 1836 

July 31, 1836 

July 23, 1836 

July 23, 1836 

Oct. 14, 1835 

Oct. 14, 1835 

Oct. 19, 1835 

Oct. 14, 1835 

Oct. 14, 1835 

Sept. 30, 1835 

Sept. 30, 1835 

Sept. 30, 1835 

Sept. 30, 1835 

July 16, 1836 

July 16, 1836 

Oct. 17, 1835 

Sept. 30, 1835 

Sept. 30, 1835 

Sept. 30, 1835 

Sept. 30, 1836 

Sept. 30, 1835 

Oct. 10, 1835 

Oct. 10, 1835 



Adam Creager and Susan Stoner were married December 18, 1839, which 
was undoubtedly the first marriage in the township ; Levi Creager to Margaret 
Fulke, December 7, 1842, was the second, and David Rittenhouse to Margaret 
Fullertone, April 14, 1843, the third. The first birth in the township occurred 
about the year 1843, and was that of Joseph Schurck, who died in infancy. 
This was probably the first death in the township. 

The first election was held at the house of Abraham Lesley, which has 
already been mentioned. At that election the following electors were present : 
George Reddinghouse, David Reddinghouse, George D. Reddinghouse, Jr., 
Fred Weybright, Adam Creager, John Oliver, Abraham Lesley, Enos Miles, 
Jacob Ecker, Joseph Ecker, Samuel Brayton, Reuben Long, William Kales, 
Jesse Baugher, William Lesley and Henry Bayler. There are two voting pre- 
cincts in this township, and at the April election, 1882, there were 191 votes 
polled. At the Presidential election, in 1881, there were 355 votes. 



202 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

Among those who held the office of Justice of the Peace appear the names 
of the following : George D. Reddinghouse, April 14, 1843 ; Jacob Ecker, 
January 12, 1844 ; Adam Creager, May 15, 1849 ; and Joseph Stults, April 
21, 1852 ; the last again commissioned April 22, 1856. 

In postal matters, the people of this township were put to great incon- 
venience for a number of years, and in many instances months would pass 
before hearing from friends at the old home. The first post office was estab- 
lished about the year 1848, near the center of the township, and Martin Bechtol 
was the Postmaster ; he was succeeded by William Chamberlain, Sr. Previous 
to that time, those who lived in the north part of the township went to 
Columbia City and South Whitley for their mail, while others went to Hunt- 
ington and Liberty Mills, the former located in Huntington County, the latter 
in Wabash County. The large sheet of letter paper, folded in various forms, 
backed and sealed with a wafer, answered the purpose of our modern envelope. 

Who taught the first school in Washington Township is really a matter of 
doubt. Jesse Case seems to have been the. first teacher. He taught near the cen- 
ter of the township, in what is now known as District No. 8, and had about twenty 
scholars. This was in the winter of 1842-43. The school was sustained by 
subscription, and was continued for about eight or nine weeks. Joseph Stults 
followed Mr. Case, and he by Enos Goble. The first order to pay school funds 
to teachers was issued April 11, 1853, to John P. Alexander, $26.50. The 
order was numbered one. The next was numbered three, and was issued to 
Benjamin Mussleman, $42.00, in 1853. In 1858, there were nine districts, 
with inferior log schoolhouses ; there are, at present, 1882, four neat brick 
houses, costing about $3,600, and five frame, costing about $2,500. Under the 
old law, all children between the ages of five and twenty-one years were 
enumerated, and in March, 1858, the enumeration of children amounted to 
151 males and 157 females, making a total of 308. Under the present law, 
all children between the ages of six years and twenty-one are enumerated. The 
number, March, 1882, amounts to 267 males and 245 females. In 1858, the 
school fund paid to the nine teachers employed aggregated $152 ; in 1881-82, 
the school fund for all purposes amounted to $1,863.07. April 3, 1854, Phineas 
Tracy, Samuel Young and Joseph Young were elected Township School 
Trustees; Martin Bechtol, Treasurer; and W. E. Merriman, Clerk. The 
schools of the township are in good condition, and the teachers generally effi- 
cient. The apparatus aggregates about the value of $600, and is of a substan- 
tial character. 

The first physician to visit this part of the county was Dr. F. L. McHugh, 
an Irishman of great skill and learning. He located west of where Columbia 
City now stands, and he visited all parts of the county. He was kept going in 
a lively manner and had good success. Dr. Banta located in the township 
about the year 1843, and for some time was the principal physician. In 1841, 
there was scarcely a family in which a majority of them were not sick. Not- 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 203 

withstanding all this sickness, there were but few deaths. A few of the settlers 
became discouraged, and longed for the " flesh pots of Egypt," or asked them- 
selves the question, why were we brought into this "land to perish." 

In 1840, there were but few roads in the township, the principal one being 
one from Washington Center to South Whitley, and thence north to Columbia 
City. Joseph Ecker, Reuben Long, John Oliver, James Baker and Abraham 
Lesley were the principal men who cut out the roads for the convenience of 
the settlers. These roads were soon after surveyed, and ran on section lines as 
far as was convenient. The following is a list of the names that were required 
in 1854 to work the roads, as copied from the records : Joseph Weiker, C. 
Shafer, D. Akers, S. Akers, W. Akers, J. Davis, J. Long, H. Baker, P. 
Huber, J. Wise, R. Long, J. Metz, J. Peadly, J. Shearer, J. Wearce, B. Mus- 
sleman, P. Burwell, L. Creager, W. Ligier, A. Lesley, H. Shearer, L. Shearer, 
D. Brenneman, M. Waince and A. Fisher. About the best roads in the county 
are now found in this section of country ; they are, as a rule, conveniently 
located, and kept in good condition. Under the new law, creating the office of 
road superintendent, passed by the Legislature of 1881, much is expected of 
that officer. The Wabash, St. Louis k Pacific Railroad passes through the 
northern part of the township, but as yet there is no station within its limits. 

The first church organized in this township seems to have been of the Ro- 
man Catholic faith, about the year 1845, with about ten members. Inasmuch 
as there is no pastor of the church, it is impossible to give the desired informa- 
tion. Soon after a Dunkard Church was organized with a membership of about 
twenty. It is now in a flourishing condition, and has a large membership. 
April 18, 1846, a Baptist Church was organized near the center of the town- 
ship, with seven members — Jeremiah Merriman and wife, Phineas Tracy and 
wife, Bazalell Tracy and Elijah Tracy, and J. B. Allyn. The discourse was 
delivered by Elder Gr. Sleeper ; James B. Allyn was the Moderator, and 
George Sleeper, Clerk. The present membership is fifty-eight. There are two 
Lutheran churches in the western part of the township, and two United 
Brethren in addition to those mentioned. The citizens are generally known 
for their morality and good character. Revs. Parrett, Smith, Losard and 
Chaplin were among the first ministers. 

The East Bethel M. E. Church was built in 1869 by Samuel Sickafoose, 
at a cost of about $2,000, the building committee being Michael Holm, Fred- 
erick Morrell and John Decker. The building is a frame structure and has 
no bell. It was dedicated in October, 1869, by Rev. Monson. Long before 
the erection of the church (in 1857), a Methodist class had been formed, some 
of the early members being Michael Holm (deceased ) and wife, John Smith 
and wife and Levi Creager. The class at present is small, but not in fervor 
nor sincerity. Some of the ministers have been Bradshaw, Miller, Strite, 
Smith, McMalin, Baker, Lacy, Waymen, Curtis and Mott. In 1858, a Sun- 
day school was organized under the superintendence of Michael Holm. The 



204 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

school, though small numerically at first, grew and prospered, and its influence 
upon the youth of the neighborhood was fully realized as the years passed. 
Many went to Sunday school, who could not conscientiously accept the tenets 
of the church, of which the school was an adjunct. All could meet there and 
worship God upon the broad basis of Christianity ; and thus, though the class 
was weak in numbers and in funds, and though it had no building save school- 
houses or residences, its power was felt by all, including non-professors, who 
gathered to hear the songs, prayers and professions of faith. The school has 
ebbed and flowed in succession during the years, until at present it numbers 
twenty-five members. The present Superintendent is C. Ward ; and the teach- 
ers are John Decker, Thomas Sickafoose and wife, and John Cates. 

The Baptist Church near Mr. Bechtol's was erected in 1869, by A. Clark, 
and the service of dedication was conducted by Rev. David Scott. The cost 
of this frame structure was about $1,400 ; the names of those giving the most 
toward its construction being Martin Bechtol and Elias Smith. The class was 
organized many years ago in the old cabin of Mr. Bechtol. This cabin is yet 
standing ; but the voice of God's minister, the prayers of the faithful and the 
joyous songs of little children echo no more within its walls. The old is care- 
lessly thrown aside for the new, and no regret crosses the heart of the present 
generation ; but the old people, those who cannot forget the warm associations 
of earlier years, say with Goldsmith : 

"I love everything that's old — old friends, 
Old times, old manners, old books, old wine." 

Among the ministers of this church have been Revs. Childs, Hitchcock, 
Reece, Fuller, Dunon, Collins, Wilder, Price, Worth, Robinson, Gooden and 
Ward. Among the early members were Jeremiah Merriman and wife, Baza- 
leel Tracy and wife, Thomas Tracy and wife, and Elijah Tracy, besides those 
mentioned above and others. The church is not in a flourishing condition at 
present. A Sunday school was organized in the Tracy schoolhouse in 1856, 
under the care of Rev. Collins, and since then, at times, it has been well at- 
tended. The last Superintendent was David Bechtol, and among the teachers 
were Lew Richard, Stephen Haley and Rettie B. Alexander. This was dur- 
ing the summer of 1881. The present membership of the school is fifty- 
four. 

The Washington Center Presbyterian Church was first organized at the 
house of W. M. Penn in 1856. Among the early members were Mary A. 
Wagner, W. M. Penn, Louisa Penn, Peter R. Goble, Elizabeth Lehman, Adam 
Lehman and others. The Sunday school was organized at an early day, and 
great interest was manifested to have it successful. It was not long before the 
school numbered fifty or sixty, and at present it is very active. Henry Rich- 
ard was an early Sunday school Superintendent. The present Superintendent 
is E. G. Penn. The present membership of the church is about seventy-five. 



JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 205 

The present church was erected in 1873 at a cost of about $2,000. The 
Building Committee were Peter Creager, M. B. Emberson, Levi Sickafoose, 
John Smith and S. P. Wagner, and the builders were Samuel Wolf and Sam- 
uel Sickafoose. The church was dedicated by Rev. Cassel. The building is 
frame and has a fine bell. Among the ministers have been Joseph Farmer, 
Jonathan Thomas, Rev. Plumraer, Rev. Forbs, John Thomas, G. Sickafoose, 
Rev. Dennis, Rev. Cevenger, F. Thomas, John Bash, William Simons, S. 
Duneck, A. Wood, Rev. Cummons and the present pastor, Rev. F. Thomas. 

The first mill was built by Mr. Beckley in the fall of 1847. It was a 
saw-mill, and aided the settlers very much in preparing building material. 
This mill was running until a few years ago. There is not much manufactur- 
ing going on in the township, for the reason that the population is engaged 
exclusively in farming and stock raising. 

The township is now well cleared up. In many portions of it fine resi- 
dences and commodious farms are seen, and those who still survive the changes 
of time can scarcely realize that this is the land which they found a wilderness, 
and now far advanced in all the stages of civilization. 



OHAPTEE XL 

by j. 0. denny. 

Jefferson Township — Early Settlers — Pioneer Life — Keminiscences — 
Organization— Industries— Schools — Early. Preachers— Churches- 
Post Offices— Secret Societies— Villages. 

"A song for the early times out West 

And our green old forest home, 
Whose pleasant memories freshly yet 

Across the bosom come. 
A song for the free and gladsome life 

In those early days we led, 
With a teeming soil beneath our feet 

And a smiling heaven o'erhead! 
Oh, the waves of life danced merrily, 

And had a joyous flow, 
In the days when we were pioneers, 

Fifty years ago." 

JEFFERSON is the youngest township of Whitley County in regard to 
both settlement and organization. Forty-seven years ago, the period at 
which the history of this township begins, considerable progress had been made 
in the settlement of some parts of the county, but still the primeval forest 
shadowed here no pioneer's humble cabin, and the settler's ax was yet to begin 
the conquest of the broad acres then awaiting the plow. The late appearance 
of settlers here was partly owing to the fact that a large portion of the town- 
ship, since proven very fertile, then presented a very forbidding appearance, 



206 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

and partly because a great deal of the best land was held by speculators. But 
the period of early settlement has come and gone, and now we may pause to 
retrace some of the steps in the march of improvement and recount a few of 
the deeds of the sturdy men who wrought in that early day. The work of 
those sterling hearts and generous natures is a part of the country's history, 
and the western pioneer will live in song and story when this fair land has seen 
the flight of coming centuries. Many have gone to " that bourne from which 
no traveler returns," but the joys and the sorrows incident to pioneer life are 
still fresh in the memories of a large number of those who will read this record 
of the olden time. 

The history of the settlement begins with the advent of a Mr. Dunlap, of 
whom but little can be learned, but who came from Christianburg, Ohio, about 
1835. He settled on that part of the southeast quarter of Section 24 not 
included in the reservation, comprising sixty-three and a half acre3, erected 
thereon a small cabin arid cleared four or five acres. If the meager accounts 
concerning him may be relied upon, he did not remain over a year, however. 
His tastes did not seem to lie in the direction of solitude and cracked corn, and 
he began to long for the flesh pots of Egypt. So he forsook the frontier and 
started for Ohio, saying that he was going back to get a mess of peach dump- 
lings. During his residence here he lost a small child, which was buried in 
Allen County. This was the first death in the township. The first permanent 
settler was Moses Fairchild, who was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, July 19, 
1811. When a young man, he worked by the month until he had accumulated 
$100, and, in 1837, he joined the westward flow of emigration. He entered 
the west half of the southeast half of Section 18, in Jefferson Township, and 
immediately returned to Ohio, where he remained a year, making money with 
which to begin life in the wilderness of Indiana. In the fall of 1838, he came 
West with his family, which consisted of his wife and one child, and which he 
left at Lot Bayless', who was living in Allen County, near the line, until he 
could build a cabin for their reception. In order to reach his land, he followed 
a road cut by William Plummer, who was located in the southern part of Union 
Township, and from Mr. Plummer's he cut his way south to his land. Here, 
with the help of three men, he erected a rude cabin 16x18 feet, into which the 
light was admitted through one small window made by cutting a section from 
one of the logs. Into this shelter, with no floor or fire-place, he moved his 
family, and shortly after added a puncheon floor, a fire-place with a stick chim- 
ney, and a table made of split boards and fastened to the side of the building. 
At this time, two dim Indian trails were the nearest approach to a road in the 
township, and soon after his settlement he cut a road about seven miles east- 
ward, along the blazed section lines to Lot Bayless', thus giving him a nearly 
direct route to Fort Wayne. This took twelve days of hard labor, was the 
first permanent road of the township, and has ever since been known as the 
Fairchild road. 



JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 207 

The second on the list of Jefferson Township pioneers is Patrick Clark, 
of Irish nativity, who settled on what was afterward the Illinois road, in the 
spring of 1839. It is well known that, since St. Patrick's Day, frogs and 
snakes have been unknown in Ireland, and a little incident which this fact ex- 
plains is related of Mr. Clark. When moving West after his arrival in this 
country, he passed by a pond where a chorus of frogs were " singing," and he 
stopped to get "some of those young ducks," as he supposed them to be. He 
continued his efforts till a man came along who gave him a short lesson in 
natural history. 

It is to be regretted that the names and experiences of all the old settlers 
cannot be given with greater accuracy and detail, but the following list con- 
tains the names, so far as obtainable, of those who arrived previous to the or- 
ganization of the township in the spring of 1845 : Moses Fairchild, Patrick 
Clark, Nathan Decker, Jonathan Chadeayne, Israel Poinset, Anthony Poinset, 
William Phelps, James Blee, Thomas Blee, William Blee, Latham Blee, Absa- 
lom Bayless, Thomas McGlaughlin, Robert Gage, M. C. Crowel, L. S. Mar- 
ing, Clement Dearing, H. C. Crowel, Chancey Hadley, Benjamin F. Davis, 
John Chandler, John McTaggart, James McDorman, James Kincaid, Daniel 
Barcus, Hiram H. Clark. Nathan Decker was a Nimrod, and better known 
as Hunter Decker. It is said that he died in the late war, in which he and 
one son wore the gray, while two of his sons fought under the stars and stripes 
in that struggle. Jonathan Chadeayne was a blacksmith, and erected the first 
forge in the township. The township was now growing steadily, many locat- 
ing in the western part, at the Maring settlement. There were six families here 
in 1845, and in 1847 it had increased to eleven. 

Many were the hardships and privations endured by the people of those 
early days, but nearly every old settler will assert that they experienced more 
true enjoyment and neighborly kindness than in these latter times. Their 
intercourse was characterized by a mutual flow of kindly feeling and a gener- 
ous spirit of equality, and they were always ready to render any assistance 
necessary. When a new settler arrived, word was passed around, and, on the 
day appointed, willing hands raised the cabin into which he probably moved 
before the floor was laid or the fire-place built. When he was ready for a roll- 
ing, the neighbors would gather in, some with their ox-teams, and before night 
the logs would be in heaps ready for burning. These were always merry 
times, and when the work was done, " sleights of art and feats of strength 
went round." Sometimes the women would come, too, ready for a quilting bee, 
and often a hard day's work would be succeeded by a night spent in "jest and 
youthful jollity." It is said that sometimes, when no fiddler could be procured, 
they would " trip the light fantastic toe " to the music of a jewsharp. 

"Sports like these, 
With sweet succession, taught e'en toil to please." 

Money was scarce and many stories could be told of great sacrifices made 
to obtain the necessaries of life. Once Mr. Clark killed one of his oxen, and 



208 HISTORY OP WHITLEY COUNTY. 

with the proceeds of the hide and part of the meat bought shoes for his family. 
Mr. Henry Crowel at one time sold every animal on the place to make a pay- 
ment on his land. The spinning wheel and loom produced most of the cloth- 
ing for the family, and the mothers were often alone in the woods for several 
days while their husbands were gone to mill. Game of all kinds was very 
plenty, and in the spoils of the hunt and chase the pioneers found a large 
share of their support, while the wild honey, of which there was an abundance, 
added a luxury to their homely fare. Once the people at the Maring settle- 
ment were out of meat, and Robert Bell, who was a great hunter, was detailed 
to kill a deer. In the evening, he made his way to a pond nearly a mile away, 
where the deer often gathered, and soon the report of his rifle told of his suc- 
cess. One of the men went to the place, but as it was now quite dark there 
was great probability of their getting lost unless they had some guidance. This 
was given by Mrs. Philip Maring, who kept blowing a conch shell until the 
men came, one carrying the deer and the other the gun. Mr. Bell is the hero 
of a wolf story, which, though not very thrilling, is perhaps worth relating, 
and runs as follows : He was roaming through the woods with his gun one 
day, when he found a hollow log, in which he discovered some young wolves. 
They were about forty feet from the end, but in he crawled, at the risk of a 
flank attack from the older members of the family, took them out and carried 
them home. This brings to mind Gen. Putnam's famous exploit, the only 
material difference being in the age of the wolves. 

In those days, the roads or trails were so obscure that they were easily lost, 
and many a belated traveler has made his bed by the side of a tree while the 
savage howls about him made the situation far from pleasant. Latham Blee 
started home from Columbia City one evening, in the early days of the settle- 
ment, but morning found him in the top of a tree where he had remained all 
night, not wishing a closer acquaintance with the wolves below him. 

Moses Fairchild and Patrick Clark attended a convention at the county 
seat one time, and, starting home as it drew near sunset, found darkness upon 
them before they had gone many miles. After they separated to go different 
routes, so happened that they both became lost. Mr. Fairchild finally tied 
his horse to a sapling and lay down beside a tree to wait for coming day. When 
dawn did arrive and reveal his situation, he found himself not quite a half mile 
from home. Among the many similar incidents that might be related is one in 
which Mrs. Davis was the principal actor. It was in the fall of 1847, and the 
shades of evening found her at a neighbor's house not very far from home. She 
started home through the woods, but soon became bewildered, and, after wan- 
dering through the swamps and bushes, struck the old Raccoon road. This she 
blindly followed northward, and a little before midnight found herself shoeless, 
with bleeding feet and torn clothing, at Michael Crowel's, on the Illinois 
road, seven miles from home. She was so bewildered and nearly prostrated 
with fright and fatigue, that she did not go to the house, but sat on the fence some 





CvTTUJ 



J^uon^ 



cz-^u 



JEFFERSON TR 



JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 211 

distance away, screaming for help. It is said that Mr. Crowel thought at first 
it was a panther he heard, but in a few minutes he investigated the matter and 
took her to the house. Meanwhile, her neighbors had been aroused, and men with 
torches were searching in every direction. At last one party found her tracks, 
which they followed, finding on the way her lost shoes. When morning came, 
she rode home on horseback behind one of the men. 

Going to market was no pleasant task, as the roads were but wagon tracks 
winding through the woods, and the streams all had to be forded. Most of the 
people went to Fort Wayne for their milling, and would often have to wait a 
day or two for their turn, and in coming home would, perhaps, camp out two or 
three days until the subsidence of a swollen stream would enable them to cross. 
Many amusing incidents could be related of trips of this kind, and the times 
they often had in fording. Sometimes they would plunge through, with cattle 
partly swimming and wagon and grist completely under water. Once, under 
such circumstances, a man was crossing a ford with a jug in the bottom of the 
wagon, and when he reached the middle of the creek, it rose with the water and 
floated off down stream. 

One of the Indian trails passed close to Mr. Fairchild's cabin, and these 
dusky denizens of the forest often visited his house to beg a little salt or meal, 
or borrow a kettle for their cooking. He always treated them kindly, and in 
return they would often bring him fish or a piece of venison, and they some- 
times stored their hides at his house until they were sold. John McGlaughlin 
tells an amusing story, to which we will give a place here. When a boy, he 
was going along an Indian trail one day, with a man by the name of Ford. 
Ford thought he would have a little fun at the expense of a party of redskins, 
which he knew would pass soon, so he tied some of the bushes together across 
the narrow path, and then they hid to await developments. Soon a party of 
half-drunken Indians came along on full gallop, and when they came to the 
place mentioned the ponies went under, but the riders did not. The reader 
can easily imagine the scene that followed. Some were seriously hurt ; but the 
perpetrators offered no assistance, and it was some time before they dared to 
leave their hiding-place. The Indians were frequent visitors at the cabins of 
nearly all the early settlers, but were rarely known to steal, and soon left the 
hunting grounds, where they had roamed so long, to the desecration of the ax 
and plow. 

Raccoon Village is prominently identified with the history of the township, 
and here deserves more than a passing notice. Its history under the Indian 
occupation will be found elsewhere, and to the older citizens of that part of the 
country it is associated with many pleasing memories. It was located in the 
southeast corner of the township, on the north bank of the Wabash Canal, and 
originally consisted of a brick house with two rooms and a number of log cabins, 
all erected by the Government for the occupation of the Indians. The place 
was named after the chief, Raccoon, who occupied the brick house referred to, 



212 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

and who, it is said, now quietly sleeps on the top of the neighboring hill, over- 
looking the spot where he once held kingly sway. After the advent of the 
whites, the land was sold, the brick house passing into the hands of Jesse Ver- 
milyea. By him it was rented to different parties, Thomas McGlaughlin being 
an occupant in 1843. It was built squarely on the county line, one room being 
in Whitley and the other in Allen County. A legend, having a mythical flavor, 
but worthy of note, runs to the effect that once, about forty years ago, a Justice 
of the Peace, holding a commission in Allen County, commenced a marriage 
ceremony in the west room. During the progress of the ceremony, it was ob- 
served that he had no jurisdiction there, so the party adjourned to the east 
room, in Allen County, where the matrimonial knot was legally tied. When 
the canal was built, this place became a landing, to which the farmers hauled 
their produce for shipment, and spring usually found immense piles of logs and 
wood here, ready for transportation. The canal, too, has saved many an em- 
igrant from the east a toilsome journey overland; and, in the winter, when the 
ice was thick, it was well improved by people wishing to go to Fort Wayne. 
This was a favorite resort for idlers, and here, on a pleasant Sunday in summer, 
a crowd of men and boys would generally be found, smoking, discussing the 
topics of the day, watching the deer on the prairie to the south, or waiting for 
a packet boat to glide by. But these are all now among the things that were. 
The last canal-boat left the place in 1879, and " stem ruin's plowshare " has 
obliterated every trace of the historic village. 

Mention may be made here of the fact that the remains of a huge mas- 
todon were exhumed a few years ago, while a marsh was being ditched. Portions 
of these now grace the shelves of various museums in the country, and one of 
the massive teeth is in the possession of W. M. Gillespie, of Jefferson Town- 
ship. 

In the spring of 1845, the citizens petitioned the Board of Commissioners 
to organize the township for civil purposes. There was some debate as to the 
name by which it should be christened, some wanting it called Polk Township, 
others favoring 'Jefferson.'" The names Raccoon and Fairfield were also 
proposed. There was no name mentioned in the petition, however, and when 
it was presented to Chancey Hadley for his signature, he wrote " Jefferson 
Township " on the outside. This name the Commissioners adopted, and ordered 
"that the citizens of said township meet at the dwelling house of Michael C. 
Crowel, in the said township, on the first Monday in April, 1845, then and 
there to open and close an election according to law, and elect one Justice 
of the Peace, and all township officers that the law requires ; that Michael C. 
Crowel be inspector of said election, and that they do their civil business in 
the name and style of 'Jefferson Township.' " Pursuant to the above, ten voters 
met at Mr. Crowd's April 7, 1845, and set running the political machinery of 
the township. For Justice of the Peace, Leonard S. Maring received nine 



JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 213 

votes, and Jonathan Chadeayne, one vote. Latham Blee was elected one of 
the Board of Trustees, but the names of the other officers could not be learned. 

In the earlier days of the township, Lot Bayless' mill in Allen County 
supplied most of the settlers with the little lumber required, but as time rolled 
on, the great wealth of large timber here gave rise to numerous saw-mills, som 
of which have since been moved away. The first saw-mill was built by Daniel 
German, on the Illinois road, and was set running in 1852. In its erection the 
people of the township assisted largely, taking their pay in sawing. In the 
course of a few years, it was moved a short distance eastward, and in 1876 was 
purchased by Robbins & Frantz. In 1881, it was torn down and some of it is 
now a part of the Robbins Mill in the southern part of the township, owned by 
the above mentioned firm. The second saw-mill was built by Bayless & Bro., in 
1856, on the Liberty Mills road. The next year, a " corn cracker " was added, 
which continued in operation until 1860, when the mill was burneil. It was 
immediately rebuilt, and again burned in 1869. It was again rebuilt, and in 
1876 was removed to Michigan. The Dustman Mill was built in 1866, by 
Black, Dustman & Co. It was erected at a cost of $5,500, and was the first 
circular saw-mill in the township. It has changed hands several times, and is 
now owned by Thrasher & Jerome. In 1867, a shingle factory was built at the 
present site of Forest, by Miller & Baker. In 1871, a stave machine was 
added, which was sold in 1876, and the building considerably enlarged to make 
room for planing machinery. It has run as a planing mill and shingle fac- 
tory ever since. The Crowel mill was put up, in 1873, by Sowers & Morrolf, 
at a cost of about $2,000. In 1875, Oliver Crowel purchased an interest, and 
later secured the entire property, which he still owns. In 1876, Youna & 
Metzler erected a saw- mill at Forest, at a cost of $3,000. It has changed 
hands several times, and is now owned by Young & Co. The next year, a 
flouring-mill was put in operation in connection with the saw-mill. It was 
built by Young & Richards, at a cost of $2,500. Later the firm became 
Young & Long, and in 1882, R. L. Pence purchased Long's interest. It has 
two sets of buhrs, and a capacity of 150 bushels per day. 

A generation ago, when the people of Indiana were struggling to clear 
up their farms and at the same time keep the wolf from the door, the educa- 
tional advantages enjoyed by the children were few and meager. The educa- 
tion they did secure was principally acquired during a two or three months' 
winter term of school in a house which corresponded in every way to the order 
of things in that early day, and in the case of the stronger minded youth was 
often dug out at home by the hickory bark or tallow candle. Yet these dis- 
advantages were largely balanced by the strength of mind and self-reliance 
that they tended to impart, and it was under such circumstances that a large 
number of the eminent men of to-day acquired their early education. 

In 1844, Benjamin F. Davis and John Chandler, his brother-in-law, set- 
tled on the southeast quarter Section 23, and erected a double cabin, Davis 



214 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

occupying one room and Chandler the other. Mr. Davis and his wife were 
both well educated, and here (in the spring of 1845), in the one room occupied 
by the family, Mrs. Davis taught the first school of Jefferson Township. She 
was paid by subscription and had a school of about seventeen small scholars. 

In the fall of 1845, the first schoolhouse was erected on the banks of Big 
Indian Creek, on the Liberty Mills road, about one-quarter of a mile from the 
Broxon Corners. It was a rude log affair, about 18x20 feet, with a large fire- 
place and stick chimney, and, like all the country schoolhouses of that day, had 
slab benches with no backs ; one long, horizontal window on each side 
admitted the light ; and here, the following winter, James T. Bayless swung 
the birch over the young ideas of the neighborhod. One of the pupils was a 
youth of about seventeen, who had never been to school, and he started the 
first day impressed with the idea that he was going to learn " a," but as to the 
nature of the mysterious " a" he was entirely in the dark, probably supposing 
it to be a matter of considerable importance. When the teacher came around to 
investigate the extent of his literary progress, the following dialogue took 
place: " Charley, what is that?" "Well, now, you're ahead of me there, 
Jim !" " That is 'a.' " Jewhillikers ! Jim, is that ' a ?' " said the astonished 
boy. The spring term of the Indian Creek school was taught by Mary Phelps. 
Frederick Fulk taught the third term, and Mary Phelps again the next sum- 
mer. 

In the fall of 1847, a schoolhouse, similar to the above described, was 
built at the Maring Corners, in the western part of the township. Here 
William Bell was installed master and taught a school of twenty-five pupils the 
mysteries of the three R's, having but one scholar who had advanced to the 
itudy ot grammar and geography. Jane Miller taught the next spring, and 
William Bell again the following winter. Some rousing times were experienced 
at the numerous debates, spelling-schools and meetings held here, and to which 
the people went on foot or in ox-carts, or often the young gallant and his girl 
would ride one horse, which custom has been superseded by the new-fangled 
ways of to-day. In 1847, the first division of the township was made, it being 
divided equally into four districts. 

Immediately in the wake of the tide of immigration followed those early 
circuit riders and ministers of nearly every denomination, who held services at 
the low schoolhouses, or at the cabins of the settlers, or often assembled their 
congregations in one of "God's first temples," and who sought out and united 
in spirit the scattered members of their churches wherever they could be found. 
The first preaching of which any definite knowledge can be obtained was in 
1846, by Zachary Garrison, who held services at Zephaniah Bell's and also at 
William Davenport's. Part of the time, he was assisted in his labors by Mr. 
Worth. Zephaniah Bell also preached some about this time, and others, of 
whose work nothing can be learned. Methodism here as elsewhere has been 
a little mercurial in its progress, there having been three organizations at dif- 



JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 2 li- 

ferent times, and at present but one. The first Methodist minister who held 
services in the township was probably Milton Haun, who commenced preaching 
at the Indian Creek schoolhouse in the spring of 1849. The next summer, a 
class was organized, which was the first religious organization in the township. 
Daniel Barry was appointed class leader, which office he has filled to the 
present day. In the fall of 1849, Haun was succeeded by James Elrod, who 
held services here monthly for one year. He also preached at the Maring 
schoolhouse, where a class was organized about this time, and probably by 
Elrod, but which broke down after a few years. For obvious reasons he called 
this place Sodom, by which name Forest is known unto this day. One Sunday, 
some of the boys took their fiddles to church, with which they entertained the 
congregation till the preacher came, and after meeting indulged in a game of 
jumping, at which it is said the minister himself tried his skill. Elrod was 
followed by Rev. Perkins, J. Dean, S. W. Camp, A. Nichols, H. Woolpert, B. 
F. Armstrong, E. M. Baker, W. E. Curtis, T. J. Shackelford and others. In 
the earlier days of the Indian Creek Church, it belonged to the Huntington 
Circuit, but was shortly after changed to the Roanoke Circuit, to which it 
belonged until 1870, when it became a part of the Areola Circuit, of which J. 
C. Maclin had charge. In 1870, Maclin organized a class in the northern 
part of the township, which was kept up for five or six years, and then consoli- 
dated with the older church. The Methodists have never built a house of wor- 
ship, but for a good many years have held bi-monthly services at the Town 
House. In 1879, this church enrolled fifty members, and now has but 
eighteen. In 1882, it was united with the Kelseyville Circuit. The first 
Catholic services were held at Mr. Hine's by Father Fowler, of Fort Wayne, 
at quite an early day. Chapel exercises have been held monthly at Mr. Blee's 
for a number of years. Of those who succeeded Fowler, were Fathers Fox, 
Shaffey and Harkman. 

For a number of years before the organization of the Church of God in 
this township, David Keplinger, of that denomination, preached irregularly at 
the Maring Schoolhouse, and, in 1857, he organized a church of twenty mem- 
bers, at the Brandenburg Schoolhouse. He was followed by Rev. Slyter. F. 
Comp and John Andrews. In 1869, this church completed the Evergreen 
Bethel house of worship, which is still in use, and was the first church building 
in the township. It was built at a cost of $1,500, and was dedicated by R. H. 
Bolton. The Christian or Disciples denomination at present has two prosperous- 
organizations in the township, with good buildings. The first preaching was 
by G. B. Mullis, of Logansport, on the first Sunday in June, 1855. August 
2, 1858, a church of twenty- two members was organized at the Indian Creek 
Schoolhouse, by William Dowling. The first officers were Elders, Samuel Bra- 
den and James Broxon ; Deacons, William Jeffries and Daniel Swisher. In 
1874, the building in present use was built at a cost of $1,500, and dedicated 
by L. L. Carpenter, of Wabash. Since its organization, the church has enrolled 



216 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

164 members, and now has a membership of forty-four. Following is a list of 
the preachers who have ministered to the spiritual wants of this congregation : 
G. W. Chapman, James Hadsel, William Dowling, Z. W. Shepherd, B. W. 
Hendryx, A. Walker, C. B. Austin, F. H. McCormack, T. M. Burnau, P. 
Hasty and 0. A. Newton. In 1858, William Dowling preached at the Maring 
Schoolhouse, and during the same year organized a church of twenty members 
at that place. He was followed by George Chapman, B. W. Hendryx, Z. W. 
Shepherd and others. In 1879, the frame building in present use at Forest was 
completed at a cost of $3,000, and dedicated by M. P. Galleher. 

Several secret societies have flourished at different times in this township, 
the first being a Know-Nothing Council, one of the political organizations of 
that day. It was organized in October, 1854, with about forty members, and 
continued in operation for about four years, its membership at one time reach- 
ing nearly one hundred. In January, 1874, the following granges were organ- 
ized in the township: Fair Oaks Grange, No. 991, with twenty-four charter 
members; J. C. F. Crowel, W. M. Its most prosperous period was the winter 
of 1877, and the last meeting was held in the spring of 1881. Sugar Grove 
Grange, No. 1,075, organized the same day with twenty members. It has 
since disbanded. Jefferson Grange, No. 1,256, started with fifteen members 
and continued in operation three years. Forest Lodge, I. O. 0. F., No. 546, 
organized May 5, 1877, with the following charter members: Marshall Wright, 
Francis M. McDonald, Edward B. North, Moses T. Simon, James F. Johnson. 
During the first three years of its existence, it occupied the room above a drug 
store, and in the summer of 1880 the present hall was fitted up. Its member- 
ship is now nineteen. 

The postal facilities enjoyed by the people here thirty years ago were in 
general keeping with the existing order of things, the nearest post offices being 
Fort Wayne and Roanoke and postage from 15 cents to 25 cents a letter. At 
last the people began to want some improvement in this respect, and an agi- 
tation followed which resulted in two post offices being established on the Lib- 
erty Mills road, and at about the same time. As near as can be learned, this 
was in 1856. A weekly mail followed for several years, and later became tri- 
weekly. William T. Jeffries was the first Postmaster at Saturn, and held the 
position three years. He was succeeded by James T. Bayless and Eli Hatfield, 
who were followed by James Broxon, who gave the office its name and who 
held the office since December, 1867. The first Postmaster at Laud was 
Thomas Neal. He was succeeded by Christian Bechtel, who handled the mail 
for about twenty years. In 1880, it was removed to Forest, where M. G. 
Wright took charge, and was succeeded by Edward Phelps, the present in- 
cumbent. 

The history of the little village of Forest begins with the erection of the 
Livenspargar saw-mill in 1854. It was built by the Miller Brothers and Allan 
Quick, and is still in lively operation. This mill and one residence lie in 



THORN CREEK TOWNSHIP. 217 

Washington Township, while the balance of the town is built across the road 
in Jefferson. The site of the village was originally owned by William Bell, 
who afterward sold out to Calvin Maring. While Mr. Bell owned the land, 
Allan Quick secured one-quarter of an acre, on which he built a residence in 
1854. He afterward built a house on the corner now occupied by Mr. Brock. 
Meanwhile, Carvin Maring laid out several large lots, and the next improve- 
ment followed in 1866. During this year, the Myers brothers built a black- 
smith-shop on the corner, and Henry Myers erected a house on the same lot. 
In the spring of 1867, Elwood Nichols erected a large building, probably in- 
tended for a shop, but the same summer lot and building were sold to James 
Baker, who put in a stock of dry goods and groceries, valued at $1,000. Other 
improvements followed slowly, and in the fall of 1870, Dr. Richards built the 
room now occupied by the drug store. During these years, the place had been 
known by different names, such as Sodom and Lickskillet, and now some of 
the citizens began to think of a change in this respect. Accordingly, when 
the building mentioned was completed, a convention was held for the purpose 
of naming the little place. An oyster supper was one feature of the gathering, 
and the question before the meeting was settled by ballot. Several names 
were proposed, but Forest won the day, and as Forest it has since been known. 
In 1878, Mr. Bobbins built a business room in which Mr. Bainbridge, of 
Columbia City, has since had a stock of dry goods and groceries. The build- 
ing occupied by the hardware store was erected in 1880, by Vincent White. 
The first stock of goods was put in by Edwards & Anderson, of Columbia City, 
who in 1881 sold to James Burwell. Since 1863, Dr. Richards has been 
practicing here, and later, Drs. Koontz and Putts located at this place. The 
town has now a population of a little over one hundred, and has a good church, 
and a brick schoolhouse, four stores, a grist-mill, two saw-mills and a hoop 
factory. It is growing steadily, and is patiently waiting for that blessing so 
greatly desired by all inland towns, a railroad. 



CHAPTER XII. 

BY E. A. MOSSMAN. 



Thorn Creek Township— Physical Features— The First and Subsequent 
Settlers— Life in the Woods— First Birth, Marriage and Death- 
Milling Interests— Blue River Water-Power— The Only Villiage ( ?) 
— Old-Time Customs— Agricultural Resources— Religious and Edu- 
cational Training. 

" And many strokes, though with a little ax, 
Hew down and fell the hardest-timbered oaks." — Shakespeare. 

THORN CREEK TOWNSHIP derives its name from a small stream 
which is the outlet of Round Lake. Throughout the greater part of the 
township the soil is remarkably fertile. Originally the township was very 



218 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

heavily timbered and owing to the fact that there was at that time no con- 
venient market for lumber, the early settlers burned, in log-heaps, walnut and 
other valuable timber which, if standing, would to-day be more valuable than 
the land on which it grew. There are several very fine lakes in the township, 
the principal of which are Crooked, Cedar, Shriner and Round Lakes, in 
which there is an abundance of excellent fish. The last three of the above- 
named lakes are connected, their common outlet being Thorn Creek. The civil 
township of Thorn Creek and Congressional Township No. 32 north, of Range 
9 east, coincide throughout. Owing to the fallibility of man's recollection, it 
is difficult to ascertain to an absolute certainty who was the first settler of 
Thorn Creek Township ; yet it scarcely admits of a doubt that John H. Alex- 
ander and his family were justly entitled to claim the honor of being the first 
white persons to locate within the limits of the township. It is certain that 
they came into the township prior to the immigration of the families of John 
and Joseph Egolf and Martin Overly, which was in 1836. John and Joseph 
Egolf started from Fairfield County, Ohio, on the 4th day of July, 1836, and 
arrived in Thorn Creek Township the latter part of the same month. Martin 
Overly came to the township in the fall of the same year. The family of John 
H. Alexander is said to have moved to Michigan many years ago, and there is 
now no one living in the township who can give the exact date when he moved 
into it. There is a circumstance, however, which Mrs. Margaret Egolf (widow 
of Joseph Egolf) distinctly remembers, which almost, if not altogether, con- 
clusively proves that he settled in the township eight or nine months prior to 
the time when John and Joseph Egolf came, which would have been in the fall 
of 1835. The circumstance related by Mrs. Egolf was as follows : Mr. Joseph 
Egolf, soon after he settled in the township, being out one morning hunting his 
cows, heard voices, which he confidently believed to be the voices of white 
people. An intervening lake and the want of time prevented him from going 
just then to see who his neighbors were. In a few days, however, he and his 
wife started out in search of them. After a long and toilsome walk, they 
found the object of their search, which proved to be the residence of John H. 
Alexander. The distance between the two families was not, on a direct line, 
more than two miles. By the circuitous route they were obliged to travel, 
however, which meandered around the margin of the lake, it was, probably, 
fully twice that distance. Mr. Alexander's folks told Mrs. Egolf that she was 
the first white woman but one they had seen for nine months. The first that 
they had seen within the preceding nine months was, they said, the wife of an 
emigrant who passed by their house on his way farther West. Mrs. Egolf 
does not now remember whether they placed the time at nine months, for the 
reason that it was that length of time since they had moved into the State 
or not, but thinks it more than probable that such was the case, for the reason 
that the general aspect of things about their dwelling seemed to indicate that 
they had not probably been there for a greater length of time. As would be 



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THORN CREEK TOWNSHIP. 22 J 

natural, both families were overjoyed of course to find that they had so much 
nearer neighbors than they had supposed. Families residing within two, three, 
or four miles of each other, were in those days considered near neighbors. 
But marvelous changes have been wrought here, as elsewhere, during the half 
century of time that has intervened between those days and the present. When 
we view Thorn Creek Township as she is to-day, with her large and intelligent 
population; her good schools and churches at almost every cross-road; her 
complete network of excellent highways; and with her hundreds of well-im- 
proved and well-tilled farms, many of them with superb and costly buildings 
upon them ; and when we contrast her in her present condition with what she 
was in those early days, we are impelled to exclaim, in the language of the im- 
mortal bard : 

" Can such things be, 
And overcome us like a summer's cloud, 
Without our special wonder ?" 

During the next year after John and Joseph Egolf and Martin Overly 
settled in the township, six other families moved in, all from Ohio. They were 
the families of Adam Egolf, Henry Egolf, Jacob Shearer, Peter Shriner, Jacob 
Hively and Daniel Hively. There came, also, at the same time, Mrs. Mary 
Egolf, mother of Adam, Henry and John. She died within a very few days 
after her arrival (in June, 1837), and was, probably, the first white person who 
died in the township. John Egolf, Adam Egolf, Henry Egolf and Daniel 
Hively are still living on the same land that they entered and located upon 
when they first came to the State, and will continue, in all probability, to re- 
side there until they shall close the volume of life's pilgrimage. 

William R. Martin was born September 1, 1837, and was, probably, the 
the first white child born in the township. His father, Benjamin F. Martin, 
settled in the township in 1837, and died February 10, 1842. 

The first election in the township was held at the residence of Benjamin 
F. Martin, and the voters thereat were Adam Egolf, Joseph Egolf, Henry 
Egolf, John Egolf, John H. Alexander, Nathaniel Gradeless, Benjamin F. 
Martin, Martin Overly, Peter Shriner, Daniel Hively, Jacob Hively, Jacob 
Shearer and Jacob Brumbaugh. One of the first (perhaps the very first) sur- 
veyors of the county was John H. Alexander, a son of John H. Alexander* 
the first settler in the township, of whom mention has been made. Adam 
Egolf was the first Justice of the Peace elected in the township. He served 
one term, but declined a re-election. The emoluments of the office of Justice 
of the Peace were not so great, in those days, as to prompt men to make use of 
every means that they could command, fair and unfair, to secure their election 
to that office, as is sometimes the case at the present day. 

The statements of the surviving pioneers are somewhat discrepant as to 
the location of the first schoolhouse that was built in the township, some affirm- 
ing that it was built on very nearly the same ground that Thorn Creek Bethel 



222 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

now stands on, and others, that it was on Jacob Humbarger's farm, now owned 
by a man named Hoops. The probability is, however, that there was one 
erected at each place and about the same time. The time was about the year 
1841. The first teacher at the schoolhouse that stood where Thorn Creek 
Bethel now stands was Charles Hughes. He received $13 per month and 
boarded himself. William Widup taught school in a private house, in what 
was known as the Egolf neighborhood, as early as the year 1841, and it is 
probable that he taught the first school that was taught in the township. The 
first schoolhouses were built of logs, with puncheon floors, chimneys composed 
of sticks and mortar, a wide " fireplace " at one end, or side, and a clapboard 
roof. The walls were chinked with mortar made of clay, and the " furniture " 
consisted of a sufficient number of indestructible, backless benches, more con- 
ducive to backache than to comfort. The writing was done on broad slabs, 
hewn as smoothly as they could conveniently be, and, supported by stout pegs, 
or pins, driven into auger-holes in the walls. The branches studied were 
reading, writing, arithmetic, geography and grammar ; geography and grammar, 
however (especially the latter) were studied by but a very few. The methods of 
instruction were quite different from the methods of to-day. The pupils were 
not organized in classes, in any of the branches except reading and spelling. 
If a pupil wanted any difficult point in any other branch explained, he had to 
wait until the teacher was at leisure, and then go to him. Although it is ob- 
viously true that this method was greatly inferior to those that are in vogue at 
the present day, yet it is also true that those who obtained their education 
under the old regime compare favorably, in point of intelligence, with those 
who have been educated under the new. Thorn Creek Township has at pres- 
ent some first-class brick schoolhouses, and she is probably able to make as 
good a showing, in all matters pertaining to educational affairs, as any of her 
sister townships. 

The early settlers, although they were, as a rule, men in very moderate cir- 
cumstances, yet, as they bought their lands very cheaply, which rapidly grew 
into value, and as they were almost universally enterprising, industrious and 
frugal (being compelled, by force of circumstances, to practice economy, even 
had it not been their natural inclination to do so), they rapidly rose to easy, and 
many of them affluent, circumstances. True, they were compelled, at first, to 
pay exorbitant prices for such commodities as they were under the necessity of 
purchasing, but after they had been here a year or two, and had an opportunity 
of clearing up a few acres of ground, they were able to produce and manufact- 
ure very nearly everything that their necessities required, be it food, raiment, 
implement, vehicle, or whatsoever it might be. Very many, and perhaps most, 
if not all, of the very early settlers made their own and their families' shoes, 
spun the flax, and carded and spun the wool for the clothing for their entire 
families, besides being their own carpenter, wagonmaker, blacksmith, brick 
mason, etc., etc. In short, each man was, of necessity, a jack of all trades. 



THORN CREEK TOWNSHIP. 223 

Log-rollings (not of the disreputable kind, however, that the present-day poli- 
tician is eminently noted for) and raisings were everyday occurrences. Some 
of the early settlers say that they have attended rollings for as many as twenty- 
three consecutive days, Sunday only excepted. Notwithstanding the hardships 
and privations they were compelled to endure in those times, however, the pioneers 
generally say that life was infinitely more enjoyable then than at the present 
time, for the reason that every person of respectable antecedents was then 
regarded and treated as the peer of any man, even though he were as poor as 
the grandfather of poverty ; or, otherwise, that the social position of an indi- 
vidual in nowise depended upon wealth or the lack of it. Whereas, to-day, it 
is, they say, lamentably otherwise, and that the world seems to think that 

' ' Dimes and dollars ! dollars and dimes ! 
An empty pocket is the worst of crimes !" 

His eye brightens and his countenance is all aglow with heartfelt pleasure as 
the aged pioneer relates how families went en masse in sleds to visit other 
families four or five miles distant, to spend the long winter evenings, and how 
greatly they enjoyed themselves in those primitive times, when an unblemished 
character was a free pas3port to the best society in the land. 

Thorn Creek is one of the few townships in the county (perhaps the only 
one) that has not somewhere within its limits a platted town or village. There 
is, however, a collection of houses in the northeast corner of the township, to 
which the name of Bloomfield is applied, although it has never been platted as 
a town. There is a small stock of " dry goods and groceries" kept there by 
Abraham Friend, and this is the only place in the township where any kind 
of merchandise is sold. 

The manufacturing interests of the township, like the mercantile, are quite 
limited, and will occupy but little space in this history. About the year 1841, 
Richard Baughan built a water-mill, with one run of buhrs for grinding corn, 
on the Blue River, in the southwest part of the township. There was also a 
saw-mill in connection with it, and subsequently a bolter was put in, so that 
wheat and buckwheat were ground, although it is said that the flour made was 
very inferior in quality. About the year 1855, the dam was carried away by 
a freshet, and there was no grinding done after that time, although the dam 
was partially repaired, and some sawing was done afterward. Some portions 
of the substructure are still to be seen, although the upper portion of the build- 
ing was long since carried away. About the year 1846, a saw-mill and carding 
machine were erected on Thorn Creek, just on the bank of Round Lake, by 
Solomon Auspaugh, who operated it until the year 1849, when he sold it to 
Wesley Hyre, who rebuilt it, discarding the carding machine and digging a 
new race, about a quarter of a mile in length. The water-power is excellent 
the greater part of the year ; the fall is ample (about ten feet), and the mill did 
a great deal of work for many years, but on account of the scarcity of timber, 



224 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

it is not, and has not been for the past few years, running much more than half 
the time. It has proven a very valuable piece of property to all who have 
owned it, and is yet a good mill, and would be valuable still, if there was plenty 
of timber in the neighborhood. About the year 1860, Wesley Hyre sold the 
mill to his son, Joseph Hyre, who owned it until about the year 1865, when 
he sold it to his brother, Leonard Hyre. Frederick Magley purchased the mill 
of Leonard Hyre, about the year 1867, and still owns it. Mr. Magley came 
to the township from Licking County, Ohio. About the year 1850, a man by 
the name of Knaga built a saw-mill on Thorn Creek, about one and a half 
miles from Round Lake. In a very short time after he built it, he died. After 
the death of Mr. Knaga, Frederick Humburger rented the mill of the Knaga 
heirs, and ran it for about five years, when Cyrus Knaga, a son of the original 
builder, took possession, and ran it for about nine years, when Samuel Cover- 
stone bought it, and still owns it. This, like the one just mentioned, was very 
profitable for a long time, but, being located but a very short distance from it, 
the scarcity of timber in the vicinity renders the property of less value year by 
year for the purpose for which it was erected. The water-power, however, as 
has been previously observed, is excellent, and when the time shall come, as it un- 
doubtedly will, when they can no longer be profitably run as saw-mills, they can 
be converted into flouring- mills, woolen-mills, or something of the sort. The 
depth of water in the lake, and consequently the amount of fall at the mills, is 
liable to fluctuations of several feet, as the weather changes from very wet to 
very dry. During high water, there is a fall at the upper mill of about ten 
feet ; and in very dry weather, the water is so low that the mill cannot run. 
In consequence of this fluctuation, it manifestly would not be prudent in con- 
verting those saw-mills into other kinds of mills, to put into them the full amount 
of machinery that could be run when the water is highest, for the reason that 
such a large portion of it would necessarily have to stand idle for such a great 
length of time each year. 

About the year 1873, a steam saw-mill was erected by Thomas N. Hughes 
& Co. about three miles north of the southwest corner of the township, and 
just across the line from Smith Township. The mill was run there until the 
fall of 1881, when it was removed to near Taylor's Station, on the Eel River 
Division of the W., St. L. & P. R. R., about four miles west of Columbia City. 

It is somewhat involved in doubt as to who were the first couple married in the 
township ; but the probability is that it was either Mr. Solomon Auspaugh and 
Mary Hively, or Peter Egolf, son of Adam Egolf, and the lady whom he mar- 
ried, whose name could not be ascertained. It is tolerably certain the first 
mentioned couple were married in the fall of 1843, but whether the latter 
were married before that time or after cannot be definitely ascertained, although 
it is quite certain that there was but a very short interval of time between the 
two marriages, whichever may have been first. 

What is now Whitley County constituted a portion of Huntington County 



THORN CREEK TOWNSHIP. 225 

up to about the year 1839, and it is said that after the county of Whitley was 
struck off, and was organized as a separate county, the first term of the Whit- 
ley Circuit Court was held at the house of Richard Baughan in Thorn Creek 
Township and that Charles Ewing was the Presiding Judge, and John H. 
Alexander one of the Associate Judges at the court. 

About the winter of 1872-73, Thomas Hildinger was killed in the town- 
ship whilst loading a saw log, by the log rolling back upon him in consequence 
of the chain breaking. About the winter of 1880-81, David Bowers was 
killed by a limb falling on him while cutting down trees in the woods. About 
twenty or twenty-five years ago, Rudolph Brock was drowned in Shriner's 
Lake. At a very early day, probably in 1838 or 1839, a man by the name of 
Michael Divibiss died at the house of Joseph Egolf under such circumstances 
as to make it very doubtful whether he intended to commit suicide, or whether 
he took the poison which killed him without knowing that it was a poiion, and 
believing that it possessed medicinal properties that would cure his ailment. 
He had entered a piece of land near where Joseph Egolf lived, and was 
improving it, and boarding at Joseph Egolf's, his family still continuing to 
reside in Ohio. He had been complaining for several days of not feeling well, 
and one day he took his tobacco pipe, which he had been using for a long time, 
and, scraping off the gummy substance that was adhering to the inside, took it. 
In a short time he became deathly sick, and died in the course of a few hours. 
Before he died he seemed exceedingly anxious to tell to those who were present 
something that seemed to weigh upon his mind, but his tongue seemed to be 
paralyzed so that he could not. These are all the fatal casualties that could 
be learned of upon diligent inquiry. 

The first religious meetings that were held in the township were held in 
the old log schoolhouse that formerly stood on the spot on which Thorn Creek 
Bethel now stands, just north of Adam Egolf's residence. This was about the 
year 1843. A very short time afterward, Adam Egolf organized a Sunday 
school at the same schoolhouse, and the same has been kept up during the 
summer season ever since. The minister who established the first church was 
Zachariah Garrison. He was, at that time, a Methodist minister, and the 
church that he organized was a Methodist church ; but he afterward severed 
his connection with the Methodist Church and became a minister in the Church 
of God, and the entire congregation, or the major part of them at least, went 
with their pastor to the Church of God. They now have a membership of 
about thirty, and their pastor is Benjamin Ober. They also have a very nice 
cemetery, that has the appearance of having been well kept, and in which 
there are a number of very neat and pretty and some quite expensive appearing 
tombstones. Just three miles north of the church just spoken of is a church 
that was erected, about the year 1867, by the Lutherans and German Reform- 
ers conjointly. It is commonly known as the Hively Church. Thomas Hil- 
dinger, who met with an accidental death, as before stated, was the builder. 



226 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

The probable cost of the building was about $500. There is a very pretty and 
neat cemetery adjacent. Neither society has any regular pastor at present, nor 
are there any meetings held there. Rev. John Miller is the last Lutheran 
minister who has occupied the pulpit. Who was the last of the German Re- 
formers the writer is unable to state. 

The finest church edifice in the township, probably, was erected by the 
Free Methodist denomination, on the northeast corner of Section 25, in the 
year 1875. The first pastor was Rev. A. F. Gadwin. The society, at the 
time of the erection of the church, was but four. The building cost, probably, 
$1,400. It is beautifully situated on the north bank of Blue River, within a 
few rods of the confluence of Blue River and Thorn Creek. A very neat 
graveyard lies just across the highway from the church. They have a present 
membership of about twenty. They have a Sunday school during the sum- 
mer season, which is generally well attended. The present pastor is Rev. 
Thompson. 

The surface of the greater portion of the township is slightly undulating. 
There are portions of it, however, which might, not inappropriately perhaps, 
be termed hilly, and there are also portions, although the area is quite small as 
compared with some of the other townships in the county, that are swampy or 
marshy. There being no facilities for transportation within the township (not a 
mile of railroad, canal nor navigable river), it is essentially an agricultural and 
stock-growing district. All the agricultural products that are usually culti- 
vated in this latitude yield well here. The central and northern portions are 
rather remote from any good market for grain and other agricultural products; 
yet, notwithstanding this fact, real estate commands a good price. Stock rais- 
ing is engaged in quite extensively by several of the more wealthy farmers of 
the township, and it seems to be very remunerative. In passing through the 
township one will see a great many very fine herds of stock. Much attention 
is given to the breeding and importation of thoroughbred stock, and Thorn 
Creek never fails to secure her full quota of red ribbons at our county fairs, on 
account of her fine stock, as well as on account of the excellence of her farm 
products. 



CHAPTER XILT. 

by colonel isaiah b. mc donald. 

Troy Township Forty-five Years Ago— Customs of the Early Times- 
Valuable Statistics— Firit Birth, Marriage and Death— Catalogue 
of Old Settlers— Industries— Villages, Schools and Churches— Edu- 
cational Reunion— Old Settlers' Meeting— E. L. Barber's Address, 
"Respect for Old Age." 

THIS TOWNSHIP was organized by the Board of Commissioners in May, 
1839. This was originally organized as Township 32 north, Range 8 east, 
and contained the usual 36 Sections. The township was named Troy by Jesse S. 
Perin, who had formerly lived at Troy, N. Y. The first election was held on the 



TROY TOWNSHIP. ■ 227 

4th of July, 1839, at the house of Joseph Tinkham. The judges of that election 
were Jesse S. Perin, Samuel Hartsock ; Inspector, Price Goodrich ; Clerks, 
Thomas Estlick and Timothy Devinny. The number of votes cast was twelve, to 
wit: Bela Goodrich, Jesse S. Perin, James Sytel, William Doney, James Keirsey , 
Joseph Tinkham, Jacob Scott, Stephen Martin, Sr., Henry Moore, Sr., Jona- 
than Smith, James Joslin and Samuel Hartsock. At this election, Nathan 
Chapman received seven votes for Justice of the Peace, and Price Goodrich 
five votes and no more. The second election was held at the same place, Jo- 
seph Tinkhan's house, on the 1st Monday in August, 1839, by the following offi- 
cers, to wit : Price Goodrich, Inspector ; Joseph Tinkham and Samuel Hart- 
sock, Judges ; Timothy F. Devinny and James Keirsey, Clerks. Ten votes 
were cast, to wit : Bela Goodrich, Stephen Martin, Sr., Timothy F. Devinny, 
Samuel Hartsock, Price Goodrich, Joseph Tinkham, Nathan Chapman, Joel 
Rine, James Keirsey and Asa Shoemaker. This was the first general election 
held in the township, for township, county and State offices. 

It is pretty well settled that Samuel Hartsock, from Tiffin, Ohio, was the 
first settler in what is now known as Troy Township, and that he located on 
Section 13, north of the now village of Loraine. This was in 1836. Thomas 
Estlick came next. Soon after the following named persons came with their 
families : Stephen Martin, Sr., John Snodgrass, Price Goodrich, George W. 
Elder, Joel Rine, Nathan Chapman, James Keirsey, Joseph Tinkham, Bela 
Goodrich, T. F. Devinny and Jacob Scott. The settlement of the township 
was quite slow till about 1840, when the settlers began to come in pretty fast. 
Robert Adams, Lewis Adams, Jacob Stackhouse, Henry Harpster, James 
Grant (who was the second Justice of the Peace and was commissioned in 1841), 
Samuel Marrs, Samuel Palmer, Henry Roberts, Levi Adams, Pearson R. Wal- 
ton, James Latoon, John J. English, Almond Palmer, Hiram Lampkins and 
Harlow Barber came in during the year 1838-9. William Jameson came in 
1841 ; Alexander Blain came in 1840 ; Thomas A. Elliott came soon after ; 
Richard Vanderford came in 1842 ; William James came in 1838, and is still 
living ; was born in 1798 ; David and Mary James came at the same time, 
and with Samuel Hartsock's girls and boys constituted the young folks of the 
township. Carter McDonald came in 1841, and bought his land on Section 21, 
and moved his family in October, 1842, to the farm where William McDonald 
now resides. John Harrison came in 1841 ; Fielding Barnes came in 1843 ; Luke 
McAlister came about the same time ; Jonathan Sattison came in 1842 ; Lorin 
Loomis came in 1841, and settled at Grant's Corners; Ambrose M. Trumbull 
came in 1842 ; had lived several years in Noble County, near Cold Springs, where 
his father settled in 1834 or 1835 ; was married to Rebecca Hisely, in Thorn 
Creek Township, in March, 1842 ; had seven children; two of the sons died 
in the army — Preston and Dwight Trumbull — and were members of Company 
A, Thirtieth Indiana Volunteers. Robert J. Elliott came in 1843, and is 
now the oldest Justice of the Peace in the township. There is no township in 
the county which has advanced in improvements more rapidly than Troy. 



228 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

In 1838, the first taxes were assessed and collected as follows : John 
Burns paid $1.25 ; Thomas Estlick, $1.85 ; Samuel Hartsock, $3.06 ; Stephen 
Martin, Sr., $1.30; Jesse S. Perin, $3.40 ; Joel Rine, $2.51; John Snod- 
grass, $3.17, and Joseph Tinkham, $2.75. Total taxes for 1838, $19.31. This 
was for the whole township. The taxes were collected by Richard Collins, 
then Collector. The taxes for 1881 amounted to $6,394. 

When the first pioneers came, the township was one vast wilderness of 
very heavy timber. There is no township in the county which has produced more 
walnut timber for manufacture and shipment than Troy ; and no township has 
had a better set of honest, industrious and enterprising settlers. Improvements 
have very steadily advanced, and, to-day, it is one of the best improved and 
wealthiest townships in the county, and no township in the county has better 
society. 

The first child born in the township was Thomas Estlick ; the next was a 
daughter of Joel Rine, and the first death is said to have been a child of the 
latter. Among the first marriages were those of Rev. Samuel Smith to a Miss 
Blanchard and David James to Eunice Goodrich. There were not many 
weddings during those days, as most every settler brought a wife with him. 

The three oldest ladies living in the township at present are Mrs. Mary 
Myers, aged 86 ; Miss Margaret Rhodes, 80, and Mrs. Carter McDonald, 78. 

The township had but very few roads up to 1842. From that time, as 
the settlements increased, roads were opened and improved. There were some 
few Indian trails. The old " Squaw Buck" trail was an important one. The first 
saw-mill and " corn cracker" was built by Robert Adams north of the center 
of the township, on the outlet of Cedar Lake. The first steam saw-mill was 
built by James Grant and Henry Swihart, at Grant's Corner (now the village of 
Loraine Post Office). There are now two saw-mills in the township, one owned 
by Mosher & Co., and one by Sipps & Smuthers. Each of these mills makes 
about 500,000 feet of lumber per year. 

The first school in the township was taught by Stephen Martin, Jr., in 
his own house in 1838-39. The first schoolhouse was built at Grant's Corners, 
and Miss Clarissa Blanchard taught the first school in that house — a summer 
school. George Colby taught the first winter term in the same house, and 
boarded with James Grant ; had eighteen scholars, at $2 a scholar, for three 
months. The next schoolhouse was built on the land of A. M. Trumbull, 
and was called the " Old North Schoolhouse, " it being north of Troy Center. 
The next schoolhouse was built at " Black Rock," near one Casey's land ; it 
was called " Black Rock" on account of Casey, who was a colored man and 
the only one ever residing in the township. The first frame schoolhouse was 
built on the Joseph Tinkham farm, near Allen Adam's place. Every school 
district in the township, except the Snodgrass district, has a nice brick school- 
house. No township in the county has better schools, nor better people to 
maintain them. 



TROY TOWNSHIP. 



229 



The land in the township is quite rolling, interspersed with some of the 
finesl lakes in the county, to-wit : Cedar Lake, Robinson's Lake, Rine's 
Lake and other smaller ones. The water, both from springs and wells, is the 
best in the county. The health of the township has always been good. This 
township has never had a murder committed within its borders, as known of. 
There has never been a saloon in the township ; it has neither a lawyer nor 
doctor. Since the early settlement it has been a quiet, peaceable and respect- 
able community. 

The following are some of the energetic men of the township : Levi 
Belch, David James, A. M. Trumbull, James Blain, George H. Grant, Jona- 
than Sattison, Polk Lipps, William McDonald, S. J. W. Elliott, Jacob R. 
Elder, Chancey Goodrich, C. F. Marchand, Jacob Smith, Henry Snyder, 
Zachariah Barnes and others. Troy will always hold her own in good schools 
and laudable enterprises of all kinds. 

There are two churches in tho township — Presbyterian and Methodist — 
and most of the people are church-going and sincere. The following is proba- 
bly the first church subscription in the township : 

We, the undersigned, hereby agree to pledge ourselves to pay the amount set opposite our 
names for the purpose of erecting a building for public worship at the following place in Troy 
Township, Whitley County, Ind., to wit: On the land now owned by Robert Tinkham, on the 
Columbia and Oswego Road, at the point where said road makes a right angle to the west, said 
building to be a frame of the following dimensions : Thirty-four feet wide and forty feet long, the 
same to belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church of said township ; Provided, however, that 
all evangelical denominations which may desire the use of the same for public worship shall 
have it when not occupied by said Methodist Episcopal Church. The subscriptions in materials 
are to be delivered and labor paid as shall be desired by the contractor, cash subscriptions to 
be paid by the first of October, 1849. 



SUBSCRIBERS. 



Harlow Barber 

A. M. Trumbull 

George Fesler 

James Goodrich 

Robert Tinkham 

Joseph Tinkham 

Uri Tinkham 

Price Goodrich 

Carter McDonald 

Robert Adams 

Lewis Adams 

Levi Myers 

Jacob Keefer 

P. R. Walton 

Henry Swihart 

Jacob Sayler 

Franklin Templin 

Francis Crabb 

Richard Vanderford. 

A. K. Goodrich 

B. M. Marrs 

Henry Smith , 

Ralph Goodrich 



6 



|11 00 

5 00 

6 00 
15 00 

5 00 



5 00 
10 00 



8 00 
2 00 

1 00 

2 00 



4> 

■M 

3 



$6 00 
25 00 



00 
00 



10 00 

10 00 

5 00 

10 00 



2 00 
2 00 

6 00 

* 



t 

5 00 
2 00 
2 00 
1 00 



o 



$13 00 



7 00 
10 00 
10 00 
10 00 
10 00 
10 00 

5 00 



10 00 



3 00 



SUBSCRIBERS. 



W. Y. B. Pierce 

Martin Ireland 

Virgil Barber 

Allen Adams 

Truman Barber 

John Adams 

Benjamin Wooden 

Jonathan Shoemaker. 

Isaac Hartsock 

Thomas A. Elliott 

Henry Roberts 

C. W. Hughes 

J. S.Collins 

Richard Collins 

Joseph H. Pratt 

Isaac Keirn 

Francis L. McHugh ... 

J. W. Baker 

Samuel D. Jones 

Samuel Smith 

Jane Martin 

John McKeehan 

Peter Snider 



.a 

a 



$1 00 
1 00 
1 00 



5 00 



5 00 
3 00 
3 00 
3 00 



5 00 
1 00 

1 00 

2 00 
2 00 



8 



$1 00 
5 00 



00 
00 



5 00 



2 00 



10 00 
2 00 



.8 

03 
Hi 



$8 00 
5 00 



5 00 
5 00 
5 00 



: Lumber. 



f Materials. 



230 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

As early as 1840, the Methodist class had been organized by Samuel 
Smith, pastor, and Burris Westlick, Presiding Elder, the following persons con- 
stituting such class : Price Goodrich and wife, Henry Roberts and wife, Joseph 
Tinkham and wife, Michael Blanchard and wife, Salmon Agard and wife, Rufus 
King, Samuel Hartsock and wife and Robert Tinkham. Among the pastors 
have been Revs. Miller, Blue, Eaton, Bradley, Forbes, Sparks, Blake, Cooper, 
Strite, Bradshaw, McCarty, Paton, Camp, McMahon, Baker, Lacy, Smith, 
Church, Slade, McElwe, Green, Smith and Reed. In 1877, a new brick 
church was built, at a cost of $2,504.90 ; it was dedicated on the 2d of De- 
cember, same year. The present membership is sixty-nine. Sunday school is 
conducted in summer. 

The Presbyterian Church society was organized in 1846 by J. U. Sadd, 
and at the start had nine members. A frame church was built three years 
later, the cost being about $500. The present frame structure cost about 
$1,400, and was erected in 1880. Since the society was first organized, 116 
persons have been members, 44 have been dismissed by letter, 32 have died, 3 
have been expelled, and the present membership is 37. 

On the 15th of June, 1878, an educational reunion was held in Troy Town- 
ship, at Cedar Lake Grove. Two thousand persons were in attendance. A 
large procession marched from the Methodist Episcopal Church to the grove. 
Martial and cornet bands were present. The object was to bring together the 
old and the new teachers, to have a good social time in talking of the past and 
the present school interests. Mrs. Harlow Barber was the oldest teacher 
present. She was given the wreath of honor by Miss Jennie Hartsock, in a 
beautiful and eloquent speech. Mrs. Barber's biography was read by her grand- 
son. After the picnic dinner, Rev. A. J. Douglas, then County Superin- 
tendent, spoke at length to the large assemblage. Among those who labored 
to make it pleasant on that day were O. L. Cummins, H. A. Hartsock, Miss 
Jennie R. Hartsock, Mrs. J. D. Jameson, Mrs. David James, James Blain, 
and Dr. S. S. Austin, of Etna Township, who read one of the psalms with 
splendid execution. 

Perhaps the greatest gathering ever in the township was the Old Settlers' 
Reunion, held in September, 1881. Several thousand persons were present. 
Committee on Programme — Jacob Scott, O. L. Cummins and Cyrus Keiser; 
Committee to Award Presents — W. A. Marrs, David James, John Smith, C. 
F. Marchand and Abram Elder ; Committee to take Care of Old Settlers — J. 
Q. Adams, J. R. Elder, Thomas Estlick, Jacob Smith and Rodney James ; 
Marshals — F. D. Cummins, S. J. Elliott, Jr., Joseph Snodgrass and J. G. 
Stickley. John Snodgrass was President of the Day, and A. M. Trumbull, 
Secretary — the latter was Acting President. John Snodgrass, the oldest set- 
tler in the township, was presented a fine gold-headed cane. Francis Tulley, 
the oldest settler of the county, was presented a beautiful silver-headed cane. 
Mrs. Sarah Roberts, the- oldest lady settler of the township, was given a nice 






TROY TOWNSHIP. 231 

rocking-chair. The exercises of the day were closed by the following eloquent 
address, entitled "Respect for Old Age," delivered by E. L. Barber, of 
Larwill : 

address of e. l. bakber at the old settlers' re-union in troy township 

september 3, 1881. 

Mr. President, Old Pioneers, Friends and Neighbors : 

Through the kindness of your committee in charge of affairs on this memorable day, I 
have been asked to add something in honor of the occasion and in memory of the pioneers of 
Troy, both living and dead, who nearly half a century ago left homes in the older States to 
brave the perils incident to the settlement of a new country in the wilderness of the then far 
West. I will try and not tire your patience, and while my story will be, to some extent, ramb- 
bling and disconnected, in it is embodied what I thought might be appropriate for the occasion. 

I see around me to-day familiar faces. Many of them I remember having seen when a 
boy, thirty or forty years ago. I see in this company the bronzed faces (wrinkled by time), of 
many of the old pioneers, who dared forty years ago the perils of a life in the woods ; who dared 
the privations, such as the young men of the present day know nothing of, and with which they 
would not care to grapple. Like way-marks of the olden time, a few of them still linger, weak 
with age, and bowed with the weight of many toilsome years. These old pilgrims are worthy 
of our veneration, and they are worthy of our kindliest care and warmest thanks — for to them 
and such as they, we owe the privilege of assembling to-day on the banks of this beautiful lake ; 
in the shade of these trees, surrounded with well-tilled farms ; with churches, with school- 
houses and the happy homes of an intelligent, moral and cultured people. For had not they and 
such as they hewn out the way, you never would have followed. Had they not endured the 
privations of the early settlers, you would not have just been reaping a plenteous harvest, for 
'twas the old settlers — the pioneers — who bore the burdens, endured the privations and made 
your happy homes, surrounded with plenty, a possibility to-day. 

They cleared up the forests, cut down the great trees, and with prodigious labor prepared 
the untamed soil. We are but reaping the fruits of their labors. These old gray-headed men 
and women are the survivors of a once numerous band. They are the few remaining links of 
the broken chain which bound the years of the dead past to the living present. Their age and 
weakness are appeals to our hearts. With them the very citadel of life seems crumbling from 
the effects of time. With a full knowledge of " waning strength and increasing weakness," 
they are yet powerless to resist the unequal warfare. Commend to me the young man, the 
young lady, or the child who is not afraid, but quick with pleasant smiles, with loving words 
and deeds of kindness, and whose hearts commiserate the sufferings and excuse the foibles of 
the decrepit and old, the sun of whose lives is near its setting. Weak, often sick ; scarcely 
ever well, they are hopeless for anything better on this side of the grave. Weary with a 
long and toilsome journey, sensitive to slights and more appreciative of deeds of kindness than 
when flushed with health and prospective years, they live in their hearts. Listen, then, you 
who are younger — listen patiently to their oft-told story of suffering. Commiserate with them 
in their sorrows, and be glad with them in their fleeting moments of joy, for their hearts are 
just as young as they were before their cheeks were wrinkled with care, their eyes dim with 
age, or their hair whitened with the frost of years. Remember those stooping shoulders were 
bowed, carrying heavy burdens for you : those shrunken, bony hands, once fair and shapely, 
are now stiffened with age ; those stumbling feet and tottering limbs, once swift and sure as 
your own, were never tired in doing countless errands of kindness for you. They are fast 
nearing the River's bank. Their journey is nearly ended. For them there soon shall be rest 
in the quiet of the grave. They have nothing left here but you. Your smiles are the sunshine 
of their hearts. Your loving care is to them more precious than gems which cluster and glisten 
in royal crowns. Their hopes are centered in your success. You are to them a part of their 
very existence. Their few remaining days, or years, by you can be made happy. You can 
smooth the few remaining miles of their journey to the sheltering rest of the grave. Kindly and 



232 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

considerate treatment of the old and helpless speaks in unmistakable language of a true and 
tender heart, and God will not forget any who respect and tenderly care for the old pilgrims 
bowed with years of toil and sorrow, no matter what your creed. 

There is inspiration in the surroundings of to-day, thoughts of the olden time come gently 
drifting back, thronging the halls of memory. The very air seems filled with the lingering 
<echoes of voices now hushed forever. The soft summer winds seem whispering to the murmur- 
ing leaves of the scenes and the friends of long ago. Again we see the pioneers of the olden 
times building their log cabins and cutting down the great trees ; we hear their ringing axes 
and the thundering of falling timber; again we see the blazing brush, and the sky is filled with 
the glare of burning heaps of logs, and the sun is darkened with blinding smoke ; we see the 
stalwart forms of sturdy pioneers and hear them shouting to their patient teams of oxen as they 
clear the rich soil of the encumbering logs ; again we hear the sound of mauls as they split out 
rails to fence their little fields. Now we see them tilling the soil with hoes and planting corn, 
pumpkins and potatoes among the roots and stumps. We help to gather the corn and dig the 
potatoes. Now 'tis evening, and we listen for the bells — for the cows are coming home from the 
rich peavine pastures of the woods and are standing down by the bars with distended sides 
waiting for milking time. The chores are all done, and night has filled the woods with darkness 
and gloom, and we hear the long-drawn mournful howl of hungry wolves, and an owl is hooting 
■down by the swamp. Again we see the hunter, clad in buckskin, with waumous and coon-skin 
cap ; now we hear the deep bay of hounds as they chase from swamp to swamp, and from run" 
way to runway the panting, frightened deer, and hear the crack of a rifle from where a hunter 
is lying in wait for the unsuspecting game. 

The scenes change. The crops are gathered, the corn is cribbed, the potatoes are buried, 
.and the great yellow pumpkins are covered with vines to protect them from frost; the prairie 
hay is cut and stacked, and great heaps of logs are hauled into the door-yard for winter wood. 
Now the boys and girls have new suits of home-made linsey or the old ones patched, and, with 
«ach a new pair of cowhide shoes (which must last a year), are getting ready for the winter 
.school in the new log schoolhouse, with a great open fire-place, greased paper for windows and long 
benches hewn out of split logs for seats. There are many here to-day who then mastered the 
rudiments of an education in keeping with the opportunities of the times. Then the school- 
master of those early days — what an important personage he was ! How stately he looked, as, 
■with whip in hand, he marched up and down the little room, hearing a class in reading, teach- 
ing the little ones their ABC, and showing the older ones how to cipher. Occasionally he 
would louch up some of the boys who had been caught whispering or making faces at the girls. 
How they would jump and scratch ! for their pants were thin and the whip was of hickory well 
seasoned in the hot embers of the glowing fire. Oh, what spelling-schools ! How can you forget 
them ? How we used to stand up in a long row, with folded arms, and spell — yes, until we 
could spell every word in the book. And such dinners as we took to school ! Didn't we do justice 
to them? Yes, dinners of johnny-cake and venison steak, and sometimes a bior piece of pumpkin 
pie, and once in a great while a slice of wheat bread with butter, and a little sugar sprinkled 
on the butter. Now I see a group at home, gathered around a blazing fire in the fire-place, with 
hearth, jambs and back wall made of pounded clay, and chimney of mud and sticks. Oh, what 
fires ! how they cracked and roared those cold winter nights ! There, too, sat father smoking 
his wooden pipe, and mother with her knitting, while the girls were making the old spinning- 
wheel hum as they spun into yarn the rolls, which had been carded by hand ; while the boys 
would work at their sums, crack hickory nuts, or whittle out puzzles of little wooden blocks, 
while the great fire threw out a cheering heat, and a gleam of comfort pervaded the whole house. 
Then the visits from neighbors those long winter evenings ! A loud knock would be heard 
at the door, and a welcome " come in ! " was the response, and in the open door would stand 
some old neighbor and his wife, who came to spend the evening. Oh, how welcome they were, 
how glad we all were to see them ! How they would sit by the fire and talk over the story of 
their lives and their future prospects. And such stories of hunting and trapping ! How they 
• could tell stories of adventure and escape, till in our young imagination we could see all again 
enacted before our eyes. Oh, yes, those were the days of hardships on the frontier, and some- 



TROY TOWNSEIir. 23& 

times of short rations, but withal were happy days, and their memory is engraven on the tablets of" 
our hearts, and cannot, must not be forgotten. 

Again the scene changes. 'Tis the fall of the year. The poison of the undrained swamps 
has made us all to shiver and shake with the ague, or lay for weeks burning with fever, without 
well ones enough to wait on the sick. Then came old Dr. McHugh, picking his way among the 
swamps and logs, on horseback, with blazed trees for his guide and an old Indian trail for his road- 
Oh, what doses of medicine he gave us — calomel, jalap, ipecac, Dovers powders, with Peruvian 
bark and pills as big as peas, with pink and senna and snakeroot. Oh, how they vomited, and 
purged, and bled us, and how, after weeks of fever and shakes, we pulled through, mere skel- 
etons, and what yellow, bilious-looking wrecks we were! 

How discouraged the old settlers used to get, and how they talked of and longed for the- 
comforts of the old homes they left when starting for the West. Oh, yes, many of them suffered* 
long and died, and were buried in rough, unpainted coffins, here and there, in the shades of the 
great woods, without stone or monument to mark their place of rest. Again, how punctual 
were the early settlers in attending meetings, sometimes at a neighbor's house, and often, in the 
pleasant days of fall and summer, they gathered in the woods to hear the old-time preachers 
expound the Word. Yes, in those days, everybody went to meeting, on foot or on horse- 
back. And such preachers ! How they would travel and preach, and preach and travel on 
horseback from one neighborhood to another, to fill their oft-recurring appointments, always car- 
rying a pair of saddle-bags, in which were stowed a well-worn Bible and hymn book, with occa- 
sionally a copy of Pilgrim's Progress or Baxter's Saints' Rest. No preachers in this neck of 
woods had in those days fine top carriages and double teams to roll them to their Sunday ap- 
pointments ; but a horse, bridle and saddle were considered a complete outfit, and most of their 
work was done on week days and evenings, and it was a lucky neighborhood which had preach- 
i ing on Sunday. Preachers were hard worked and poorly paid. But all seemed happy and con- 
tented, and as a class were well fed, honored and respected. Such, old friends and neighbors,, 
were some of the incidents and surroundings of the olden time, with which many of you are- 
familiar. 

Long years have passed since then. Your ranks have been thinned and your numbers 
lessened, until but few are left to tell the story of the first settlement of Troy. Many have 
given up the struggle and are now at rest. Some have been sleeping for many years, and now 
quite often we hear of one, and then another, who long years ago were your neighbors in Troy, 
going to their last home, full of years and honors. Yes, most of the army who started on the 
journey with you have dropped out of the ranks. Their lives have been eventful and full of 
thrilling experiences. They, with you, have suffered great privations ; their feet have often 
trod gently among new-made graves ; they have often shed tears of sorrow with those who 
mourned ; their eyes have gazed sadly on many mournful processions ; and now they, too, are 
gone. One at a time they were gathered home. The soft winds of summer and pitiless storms 
of winter have sighed and howled over some of their windowless homes with the dead for many 
years. Their work is done. They now rest from the weary strife. Their warfare with nature 
and the great woods of Troy is over. They have cut down their last trees and have made their 
last roads. They have built their last cabin, have trapped their last wolf, shot their last deer ; 
have sat quietly fishing in the old canoe on this beautiful lake for the last time. They have 
plowed their last furrow among the roots ; have hoed their last row of potatoes and corn. They 
have gathered at the old Center Schoolhouse on election day for the last time ; have builded 
their last log schoolhouse ; have carried the log benches for the last time into the old settler's 
cabin to accommodate their neighbors when they assembled to worship their God. They have 
set their last example, given their last counsel, endured their last suffering. They have taken 
their last medicine, uttered their last prayer and said their last "good-by." They have filled 
the full measure of usefulness and have left a record of good deeds, kindness, patience and! 
endurance. As a class, the old pioneers are almost extinct. Once in a while only, now, we see 
them — one here and one there, halting on their staff, with dimming eyes and dull ears. They 
are the survivors of a once great band, who, dressed in buckskin, linsey and blue jeans, nearly half 
a century ago, laid the foundation on which the fair fabric of our present prosperity is builded.. 



234 HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 

Honor is due alike to the living and the dead. On the graves of the dead we can yet 
plant flowers, and water them with our tears, and keep alive sentiments of undying remem- 
brance in honor of men whose deeds are more deserving of remembrance than were the deeds 
of thousands of so-called heroes who have been immortalized on the pages of history and em- 
balmed in the hearts of their kind. They warred with the sword and became heroes, with their 
weapons stained with blood ; they left devastated fields, ruin, desolation, orphans and broken 
hearts in their pathway to victory. The dead we honor in many a quiet spot are sleeping their 
last sleep unknown to fame, unsung by bard, with no graven monument to mark the end o* 
their journey. Yet they were the true heroes; they were the untitled warriors, whose his- 
tory (if written) would glisten all over with countless battles fought and victories won. The 
legacy they have left us is a beautiful land, reclaimed from nature ; cultivated fields, reclaimed 
from out the wood ; beautiful meadows, which once were swamps full of reptiles and deadly 
miasm ; gardens now bloom with fragrant flowers where, forty years ago, the wolf and wild-cat 
made their home. 

We honor the soldier who fights for the right or the salvation of his country, and the 
great names of such as have assisted in breaking from bleeding hands and limbs the shackles 
which cruel might had fastened there, or helped unbar the ponderous doors of ignorance, which 
for ages excluded the light of progress from darkened human minds. They are not forgotten, 
but in every city, hewn in marble, they stand as way-marks in the progressive journey of man, 
or look out from the painter's canvas to cheer all who emulate their example, or follow their 
teaching. They have left such tracery in the sands of time as the storms of centuries shall not 
obliterate, and the influence of their lives is engraven on the progress of their age. 

Let us not forget to honor those whose patient toil and unyielding perseverance wrested 
from the gloom of a trackless forest, in these solitudes of nature, an empire and dedicated it 
forever to pursuits of peace and all that makes of home and country a blessing. Every ripple 
on yonder lake reminds us of their smiles ; every rustling leaf, every whisper of the summer 
winds, stirs within us memories of their kindly words, and honest deeds ; every shadowy wing, 
song of bird and scent of fragrant flower but a reminder of the olden times when these fields 
and this shore echoed with footsteps and voices which shall echo no more. Let us care tenderly 
for the living ; let us not forget the dead. I give you a sentiment which I know will touch a 
responsive chord in every heart : 

" To the living we will give our smiles and cheers ; 
To the dead, our gratitude and tears I" 



CHAPTER XIV. 

BY COLONEL ISAIAH B. McDONALD. 



Etna Township — A General View or the First Settlement — Organization 
and Officers — Names of Old Settlers — A Summary of the Township's 
Industrial Growth— Villages, Schools and Churches. 

THIS is a small township lying north of Troy, and was originally a part of 
Washington Township, in Noble County (T. 33 R. 8), and was attached 
to Whitley County in 1860. It is two miles wide and six miles long, and 
contains twelve full sections of the finest lands in Northern Indiana. The 
township was settled in 1834 or 1835. The first settler is hard to account for. 
We are unable to say who came first. Some think that one Jacob Grumlich, 
a German, was the first ; others think that one Abraham Goble was the first ; 
while some contend that Robert Scott was the first. These persons are all 
dead or moved away, hence it is almost impossible to find out who was really 



ETNA TOWNSHIP. 235 



the first settler in what is known as the " Etna Strip. The first settle* .were 
Robert Scott, Jacob Grumlich, Abraham Goblc, John Blain, John Scott. 
The first birth in the township was a child of Robert Scott, a male ch.R 
The first death was a child of Robert Scott, named Jacob Scott The first 
female who died in the township was Sarah Elizabeth Long, a daughter of 
James W. and Catharine Long, 1838. The first wedding was that of Elisha 
Moore, who came from Clark County, Ohio, and marned Nancy Scott in 1837, 
near what is now Hecla Post Office. The first wedding after the township was 
set off to Whitley was Adam C. Johnson and Margaret E. Long m 1860 
The more prominent old settlers were Jacob Grumlich, Abraham Goble^ Robert 
Scott, John Scott, John Blain, Alexander Blain, John Scott, James W. Long. 
John Blain and his wife, Elizabeth Blain, are the oldest persons in the town- 
hip. John Blain was born in Pennsylvania, Febrnary 29 1792, and his wife 
was born Jannary 29, 1791; they were married m Ohm, near Chillicothe 
1816, and have lived together as hnshand and wife nearly s,xty*.x (66) years- 
two generations-on the farm where they settled with their litt e chrldrcn m 
1836-forty-six years ago. They are truly old pioneers. The Long and 
Blains and Scotts have, from the earliest settlement of that region, consented 
a large and respectable portion of that most excellent community. Nearly a 
are Pennsylvania people, and of a very hardy race; nearly all are tall, well 
builj3 of great endurance. James W. Long came in 1836 and » yet Imng, 
but his good wife, whose name was Catharine Blam, died in April, 1882. 
They were married in 1826, hence had lived together nearly fifty-six years. 
The children of this good old couple were John Long, Mary Jane Long Thomas 
A. Long, Margaret E. Long, Sarah E. Long, Agnes Long, Lucnda Long and 
William Cowan Long. Three are dead-Thomas, Sarah E. and Agnes. Father 
Long was County Commissioner for the period of six years, in Noble County, 
before Etna was set off to Whitley Connty. The prominent eld settlers, not 
above mentioned, were Washington Jones, JoshnaBenton, Mr. Hartup, Benjamin 
Beyer, Saruch Benton, Thomas Cunningham, Alanson fucker James Blam, 
William A. Blain, Wilson Blain, Lewis Trumbull, Joseph Welker, John Ben- 
nett, Dr. S. S. Austin, Hugh Allison and others. 

Hugh Allison erected the first saw-mill and grist-mill in the township, in 
1839-40, at the outlet of the lake near Cold Springs. The first steam saw-m,ll 
was built on the land of Alanson Tucker, west of the village of Etna (Hecla 
Post Office), and the next on Thomas Hartup's farm in the west part of the 
township. The first tannery in the county was carried on by Abraham Goble, 
who is still living near the village of Webster in Kosciusko County, and is a 
very old man. The first schoolhouse was built near the Goble pfece, in 1837 
or 1838 The first church was built in 1840 and 1841, by the Presbyterians 
and others, on the John Blain farm, near John Snodgrass' farm, and has been 
rebuilt once or twice. The first school teacher was Rufus D Kinney ; he was 
also the first Justice of the Peace, and a good man. The village of Cold 



236 



HISTORY OF WHITLEY COUNTY. 



Springs is in the east part of the township, and has one church and school- 
house. 

Etna, the largest village, is a nice little place ; is near the center of the 
township. Has two stores, three physicians, Drs. Austin, Coyle and Scott, 
all of whom are excellent gentlemen and able physicians. Dr. Stephen 
S. Austin is a native of New York ; Dr. William H. Coyle is an Ohio man ; 
Dr. Scott is a native Indianian, and a young man of promise. There are two 
blacksmith shops, and one wagon-shop. There are four schools in the 
township, four churches, Presbyterian, Baptist, Methodist and United 
Brethren. There are two steam saw-mills, both of which do a good busi- 
ness. This township has a very intelligent population. Hardly ever go to 
law to settle their differences. It is pretty certain that the township was first 
settled in 1834, and that no portion of Whitley County is better improved, no 
people in the county more kind, hospitable and intelligent; no township has 
produced more tall men and no township handsomer women. We wish Etna 
and her people long life and a continuance of all that is laudable and worthy of 
imitation among brave men and fair women. 




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



COLUMBIA CITY. 

JOSEPH W. ADAIR, County Superintendent of Whitley County, Ind., 
was born in Washington Township, Noble County, Ind., November 29, 1843, and 
is one of eleven children, six yet living, born to Joseph E. and Eliza (Windoes) 
Adair, the mother being the second wife. The first wife was a Miss Coons, 
who left two children at her death, both of whom are living. Joseph E. Adair 
was a native of Virginia, born July, 1797. His parents were John and Eliza- 
beth (McKnight) Adair, natives respectively of the County of Downs, Ireland 
and Scotland. John Adair came to America as a British soldier during the 
Revolutionary war, was taken prisoner by the Colonial troops, and held until 
the close of the struggle, when he married Miss McKnight in South Carolina, 
removed to Virginia, and afterward to Madison County, Ohio, where he died, 
aged 74 years. Joseph E. Adair received a liberal education. Was married 
in Madison County, Ohio, emigrating, in 1836, to Noble County, Ind., where 
he purchased a large tract of land on the south side of the Tippecanoe River, 
where he engaged in clearing and farming, until his death, October 29, 1849. 
He was an honest and highly respected citizen, and filled the office of Justice of 
the Peace for many years. Mrs. Adair was married, in 1854, to C. B. Wood, 
who died in 1871, Mrs. Wood dying in September, 1873. Joseph W. Adair 
remained on the farm and attended school until the age of sixteen, when he 
came to Columbia City and entered Douglas' select school, after which he 
began his career as a teacher, teaching in Elkhart, Whitley and Noble Coun- 
ties, and Principal of the schools of Ligonier, and of the high schools of Wolf 
Lake, making a total of twenty terms. During this time, he attended a year at 
the Methodist College at Fort Wayne, and one year at Wabash College at 
Crawfordsville, Ind. In March, 1869, he located in Columbia City, and began 
the practice of law, having read law for some time under Hon. H. D. Wilson, 
of Goshen. In 1873, he became a partner of Hon. J. S. Collins, which con- 
tinued until January, 1882. He married, July 25, 1867, Miss Amelia Young, 
daughter of John Young. Esq., ex-Auditor of Noble County, and to them 
have been born three children — Edward T. (deceased), Jessie and Josephine. 
Mr. Adair is a Democrat, a member of the I. 0. 0. F., the 0. F. Encamp- 
ment, and of the Masonic Fraternity, being High Priest of Columbia City 
Chapter, and also of the Commandery at Fort Wayne. He is emphatically a 
self-made man. In September, 1881, he was elected County Superintendent 
of Schools of Whitley County, in which capacity he is now serving. 



238 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

FRANKLIN P. ALLWEIN was born in Lebanon County, Penn., 
March 26, 1844. His parents, Samuel and Elizabeth Allwein, were natives of 
Pennsylvania, and of German descent. Of a family of nine children, all are 
living with the exception of one son, Jonathan, who was killed at the battle of 
the Wilderness in the late war. The father was a shoemaker by trade, and 
himself and wife are living in Lebanon, Penn. Franklin P. remained with his 
parents until he was twelve years of age, attending school, and, in 1859, he 
learned coach-smithing. In March, 1861, he enlisted in Company G, Fifth 
Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and, after his term expired, re-enlisted in the 
One Hundred and Twenty-Seventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry as Fourth 
Sergeant, where he continued until the regiment was mustered out of service, 
when he re-enlisted again in Company F, Forty-Eighth Regiment, and 
remained with them as First Lieutenant for three months, when he went to 
Washington, acting as First Lieutenant in the Quartermaster's Department, 
where he continued until February, 1866, when he was finally discharged. Mr. 
Allwein saw active service in the battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, 
besides many raids, skirmishes, etc. After his discharge, he returned to his old 
home, from there to Fort Wayne, and ill health obliging his removal, he 
came to Whitley County, where he engaged for two years in saw-milling. He 
then went to Larwill and worked at blacksmithing until the fall of 1880, when 
he was elected Sheriff of Whitley County on the Democratic ticket. He is an 
honored member of the I. 0. 0. F. of Larwill Lodge, No. 238, and was mar- 
ried December 6, 1866, to Lydia Atchison. Mrs. Allwein is a member of the 
M. E. Church and the mother of six children, three of whom — Cora, Jennie 
and Blanche — are living. 

PHILIP ANTHES is a native of Prussia. He came to America in 1868, 
first locating at Van Wert, Ohio, where he engaged in the bakery trade. After 
seven months' residence in Van Wert, he went to Fort Wayne and engaged in the 
same business there for nearly eighteen months. He came to Columbia City in 
1870, where he has since resided. He embarked in the grocery and saloon 
business upon coming here, and is now conducting one of the best places of its 
kind in the city. He is an enterprising business man, and liberal in all mat- 
ters of public improvement. He is a member of the I. 0. R. M., in which he 
has passed all the chairs. Mr. Anthes was married, in 1870, to Miss Kate 
Sipe, a native of Stark County, Ohio. Their children are — Philip, Adolph, 
Emile, Lavina and Ida. 

WILLIAM M. APPLETON is a native of New York, and came with his 
parents to the West when quite young. At the age of fourteen, began learn- 
ing carriage-body making in Dayton, Ohio, and for a period of fifteen years 
was employed at that business at different points throughout the State. In 
1860, he came to North Manchester, Wabash County, this State, and conducted 
a shop there about two and a half years. In 1863, he sold out and enlisted as 
a private in Company E, One Hundred and Thirtieth Indiana Volunteer In- 



COLUMBIA CITY. 239 

fantry, and was immediately elected Second Lieutenant. At Atlanta, he was 
wounded in the breast ; returned home on furlough and was laid up four 
months. On rejoining his company, he was promoted to be First Lieutenant 
and subsequently to the rank of Captain. He served until the close of the war 
and was mustered- out at Indianapolis in 1865. He then worked at his trade, 
in various localities, until the fall of 1868, when he came to Columbia City and 
for five years was employed at the business. In 1873, he opened out on his 
own account, steadily increased his trade, and has one of the leading industries 
of the town, employing from eight to ten hands constantly, and turning out all 
kinds of wagons, buggies, etc., and running a large wareroom in connection 
with his factory. He was married, in 1859, to Minerva Brower, a native of 
Pennsylvania, and is the father of five children, viz.: Allie Slussman, residing 
in town ; Earl, who works in the factory ; Otis, Jessie and Dora. He is a Royal 
Arch Mason and an influential citizen. 

J. W. BAKER, editor and proprietor of the Columbia City Commercial, 
came to Columbia City in January, 1869, and purchased the material of the 
Whitley County Republican, then defunct, and upon its ashes has built up the 
structure of the Commercial to its present proportions. Mr. Baker's life has 
been devoted to newspaper work, and he possesses the true journalistic sense, a 
faculty indispensable to the editor. Mr. Baker was born in Hancock County, 
Ohio, March 7, 1845, and attended public school until fifteen years of age, when 
he removed to Warsaw, Ind., June 7, 1860, and took a higher course of study 
at Warren Seminary. He served a thorough apprenticeship in the " art pre- 
servative " in the office of the Northern Indianian, then owned by Judge James 
H. Carpenter, remaining here two and a half years. He was then engaged 
for some time on the Whitley County Republican, then owned by the late Hon. 
A. Y. Hooper. Also worked at the Call for a few months, in the office of the 
Marshall County Republican, published at Plymouth by J. Mattingly, now 
publisher of the Bourbon Mirror. Mr. Baker re-entered the Northern In- 
dianian in 1864, as foreman of the office, and served as such under the pro- 
prietorship of Messrs. Luse, Rippey & Williams, present proprietors of the 
office. Mr. Baker was elected by the Legislature of 1877 as a Director of the 
Northern Prison, served two and a half years, but was subsequently defeated 
because of the Democratic majority. 

G. M. BAINBRIDGE was born in Oneida County, N. Y., March 19, 
1832, and is one of twelve children, seven yet living, born to Edmund and Dor- 
cas (Wiggins) Bainbridge, who were natives respectively of New Jersey and 
New York, and of English descent, his grandfather, Richard Bainbridge, being 
a native of England, he having a brother who was a Commodore in the Amer- 
ican Navy during the war of 1812. Edmund Bainbridge followed the occupa- 
tion of farmer through life. Himself and wife lived together fifty-three years, 
his death occurring in New York in 1873. Mrs. Bainbridge is a resident of the 
city of Rochester, N. Y. G. M. Bainbridge remained in New York until 1859, 



240 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

when he went to Vineland, N. J., but, not being favorably impressed with that 
place, came to Columbia City, Ind., where he has since resided. His first ven- 
ture was in a general boot and shoe business, which he continued until 1865, 
when himself and brother purchased the stock of B. & S. Herr, merchants, G. 
M. becoming sole proprietor soon afterward. He carries a fine line of goods, 
and has one of the best general stores in the city, and has met with continued 
success from the start.' Mr. Bainbridge was married, February 14, 1865, to 
Miss M. J. Hughes, born October 10, 1843, and daughter of Charles W. 
Hughes, deceased, who came from Virginia to Whitley County at an early day, 
and whose biography and portrait accompany this work. Mr. and Mrs. Bain- 
bridge are parents of three children, and are members of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church. 

H. N. BEESON is a native of Stark County, Ohio, where he was born 
December 11, 1836, and is one of nine children, six yet living, born to William 
and Hannah (Hanby) Beeson. The father's occupation was that of scythe 
and sickle maker, but in later years he followed farming. In 1842, he removed 
from Ohio to Indiana, locating on a farm one and a half miles from Columbia 
City, then a small settlement of but six families. Here his death occurred in 
1843, after which the family removed to the village, where they all yet reside, 
with one exception. The oldest son, Benjamin, took up blacksmithing, which 
he has since followed. H. N. attended school until he was thirteen, when he 
learned his brother's trade, at which he worked for twenty-nine years in Co- 
lumbia City. In 1878, he embarked in the drug business, to which he has 
adhered to the present time, with some changes. From 1879 to 1881, the 
business was carried on by the firm of Beeson & Co., when the partnership 
was dissolved, Mr. B. retaining sole proprietorship. His drug house is first 
class in every respect, making a fine success of the undertaking from the start. 
Mr. Beeson is a Democrat and a member of the Masonic order, having 
ascended in that fraternity to the Royal Arch Degree. He was married, 
February 9, 1860, to Miss Nancy Bodley, daughter of Capt. James Bodley, 
and lost his wife by death seven years later. In 1869, he married his present 
wife, and a family of two children — Charles H. and Mary — is the result of 
this union. 

D. R. BRENNEMAN is the son of Abram and Elizabeth (Rush) Bren- 
neman, who were born, reared and married in Pennsylvania and emigrated 
to Clark County, Ohio, and then, five years later, moved to Champaign County, 
where they remained until 1850, when they came, with their children, to this 
township, where they purchased 160 acres of land. There the mother died in 
1866, and the father, subsequently retiring to Columbia City, died here in 1876. 
They had a family of twelve children, as follows : John, who was a prominent 
politician and who served as Sheriff two years, died in 1864 ; Barbara Ster- 
ling, deceased; Catharine, wife of I. B. McDonald; D. R., our subject; 
Abram, living in Kosciusko County ; Elizabeth Obenchain, deceased ; Mary, 



COLUMBIA CITY. 241 

deceased ; Henry, died from effect of wounds received while in battle, at Pitts- 
burg Landing, with his regiment (Forty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry), 
when he had been in the service about one year ; Fanny Schwartz, living in 
Iowa ; Isaac ; Levi, a carpenter in town, and Benjamin F., in the grocery trade. 
Our subject was born in Pennsylvania, Lancaster County, in 1829, and came 
with his parents to this State in 1850 ; remained with his father one year, and 
then went to farming in Washington Township, where he remained till 1880, 
when he retired to this city. He still owns 100 acres highly cultivated land in 
Washington, the acquisition of his own industry and enterprise. In 1882, he 
associated with him his brother Isaac, and engaged in the sale of musical instru- 
ments and sewing machines, handling the Patterson, Estey and Shoninger 
organs ; the Fisher, Steinway and Decker pianos, and the Queen sewing 
machine. He was married, in 1852, to Miss Caroline Plough, a native of 
Montgomery County, Ohio. She died in 1873, leaving five children — William, 
Sarah A., Isaiah, Henry and Lydia E. In 1874, he married Mary E. McFarren, 
of this county, and from this union there is one child living — Florence. Both 
Mr. and Mrs. B. are members of the Baptist Church, and he is a highly esteemed 
and valued citizen. Isaac Brenneman, brother of our subject, was born in 
Champaign County, Ohio, in 1854, and came here with his parents. He 
remained on the farm till twenty-one, and, in 1864, enlisted as private in Com- 
pany A, Thirteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry ; fought at Fort Fisher, and 
served till the war closed. On his return, he engaged in a saw-mill in this 
township ; worked five years ; then ran his father's farm two years ; then came 
to Columbia City ; engaged in various mercantile pursuits, and is now partner 
with his brother, D. R., as dealer in musical instruments, etc. He was mar- 
ried, in 1868, to Maggie Schwartz, a native of Stark County, Ohio, and is the 
father of one child — Erlo 0. 

ELI W. BROWN is a native of Stark County, Ohio, where his birth 
occurred in September, 1836. His early educational advantages were limited, 
although after he had reached Columbia City, in 1852, he continued to prose- 
cute his studies under the tutelage of Rev. A. J. Douglas, a man of fine abil- 
ity and unquestionable purity of heart. At the age of seventeen, Mr. Brown 
began teaching school, in the meantime continuing his self-imposed mental 
culture. In 1858, he had become so well known as to be elected, and twice 
re-elected, County Surveyor by the Democracy. In 1864, he resigned the po- 
sition, and two years later purchased a half-interest in the Fort Wayne Daily 
Sentinel. After a few months, he sold his interest in the Sentinel, but during 
November of the same year, bought the Columbia City Post, which he edited 
and published until 1881. In 1870, he was elected County Clerk, and for the 
past eighteen years has been Chairman of the County Democratic Central Com- 
mittee, and also for six years a member of the State Democratic Central Com- 
mittee. There is scarcely another man in the county who has been more active 
in political work than Mr. Brown. Always a " stalwart Democrat," he has, 



242 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

with signal fidelity, upheld the standard of his party, and persistently main- 
tained Democratic principles. He has done a great deal for the county — to 
build up its institutions — to disseminate truth — to advance public interests — 
and to encourage the progress of enlightenment and justice. In 1858, Mr. 
Brown was united in marriage with. Miss Nancy, sister of Rev. A. J. Douglas, 
and has by her three children — Florence, Edith and Carlotta. 

VALLOROUS BROWN is a native of Ohio, having been born in Knox 
County, May 23, 1846. His parents, William R. and Sarah (Pond) Brown 
were natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively, and had a family of three 
children, but two, Hannah E., now Mrs. Yontz, and Vallorus, yet living. The 
father was a farmer^and moved to Noble County, Ind., in 1848, locating in 
York Township, where they remained about four years, and then removed to 
Columbia Township, Whitley County, Ind., and afterward to Thorn Creek 
Township, where Mr. Brown died, in 1870. Mrs. Brown afterward became 
the wife of William Ream, and at present resides in Columbia Township. Val- 
lorous Brown was reared on a farm, receiving the ordinary advantages of the 
common schools. At the age of twenty, he began teaching and continued at 
that for four years. He was married, March 6, 1871, to Miss Mary Baker, 
and followed farming for four years. He then purchased a saw-mill, three miles 
north of Columbia City, which he operated for three years. In 1878, he re- 
mold to Columbia City, engaging in the manufacture of lumber near the Eel 
River Railroad, afterward purchasing another mill near the Wabash depot, and 
successfully operating the two until April, 1881, when he transferred his field 
of labor to Albion, until January, 1882, when he disposed of all his lumber 
interests, and opened a hardware store in Columbia City, at which he is yet 
engaged. He carries a first-class stock of goods, valued at over $7,000, and 
does a good business. Mr. Brown is a Democrat, a Royal Arch Mason, and 
himself and wife are parents of four children — William, Laura, Charles and 
Daisy. 

WILLIAM CARR is a native of Wentworth, Yorkshire, England, where 
he was born March 30, 1834. He received a common school education, and, 
at the age of fifteen, served an apprenticeship at the stone-cutter's trade. He 
emigrated to America in 1854, stopping at different cities, and working at his 
trade. While in the employ of Saulpaugh & Co., in Nashville, Tenn., he met 
and married Miss Mary F. Jackson, who was born in Vermont, May 28, 1838. 
The marriage took place December 21, 1856. In March, 1861, Mr. Carr re- 
turned north, and was engaged in the construction of the stone-work of the 
Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad for nearly ten years. He settled 
at his present home in Columbia City in 1864, where his employment has been 
that of contractor and builder. His family consists of two daughters — Sarah 
J., now Mrs. L. C. Mitten, and Ottley A., now Mrs. Dr. L. M. Linvill. Mr. 
Carr is a Democrat, a member of the Masonic Fraternity, and of Fort Wayne 
Commandery, No. 4. He was elected to represent the people of Whitley County 



COLUMBIA CITY. 243 

in the State Legislature in 1880, and, although identified with the leaders of 
progression and improvement, has never aspired to political prominence. Mr. 
Carr is an honorable, liberal man, of fine feelings and positive opinions, which 
can be changed only by convincing arguments. Being social and a true gen- 
tleman at all times, he occupies an estimable place among the best men of the 
community of Whitley County. 

JOSEPH CLARK is a native of Montgomery County, Ohio, where he 
was born April 14, 1846, and is a son of Otho and Elizabeth (Oaks) Clark, 
the former a native of Washington County, Md., and the latter of Franklin 
County, Penn. They were married in Pennsylvania, and removed to Dayton, 
Ohio, about 1838, where they resided until October, 1846. when they removed 
to Huntington Co., Clear Creek Township, Ind., where Mr. C. engaged in 
farming and shoemaking, residing on a farm of 200 acres, and by his own 
industrious, energetic efforts from the humblest beginnings, raised himself to a 
position of ease and comfort in his old age. He now resides in Jefferson Town- 
ship, Whitley County, where he moved in April, 1866. His wife died Decem- 
ber 23, 1880. Of a family of ten children, seven are yet living. Joseph Clark 
is the seventh child, was reared on a farm, and received a good common-school 
education. He began teaching at nineteen and taught nine terms. Was mar- 
ried, in November, 1875, to Miss Leah Schinbechtel, a native of Ohio — after 
his marriage, farming, teaching, assessing and saw-milling until October, 1878, 
when he was elected Treasurer of Whitley County, re-elected in 1880. He is 
now serving his second term. He is a member of the Masonic Fraternity, and 
a Democrat. His family consists of four children — Ida L., Ethan O., Walter 
L., and one unnamed. Mr. Clark owns 150 acres of land in Jefferson Town- 
ship, and had three brothers in the late war. 

M. E. CLICK was born in Clark County, Ohio, March 19, 1834, and is a 
son of Jacob and Catherine (Myers) Click. Mr. Click is of German descent, 
and a native of Rockingham County, Va. Their family consisted of nine sons, 
all living. The mother died in December, 1852, and Mr. Click afterward 
married Susanna Ream, who became the mother of five children, three boys and 
two girls, of whom the sons only survive, making a total of twelve living sons 
of Jacob Click. He is a wagon-maker and farmer, and himself and second wife 
reside in Clark County, Ohio. M. E. Click spent his earlier years on his 
parents' farm, but at the age of twenty, took up the study of daguerreotyping, 
and has followed it ever since through all the improvements this age of progress 
necessitated. He traveled extensively in the interest of his profession, and 
located in Chicago, in 1862, for the purpose of studying photography. In May, 
1863, he came to Columbia City, where he located for the practice of his art, 
and, being a first-class artist, his location has been permanent and successful. 
He is now owner of considerable town property. In December, 1865, he was 
married to Mrs. Harriet Nave, and they have one son, Edwin H. Mrs. Click 
was the widow of Daniel Nave, and daughter of Henry Smith, an early resident 



244 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

of the county. Mr. Click is a Republican, and in Masonry has advanced to 
the Royal Arch Degree. 

CLUGSTON, ADAMS & CO., in April, 1878, with a general assortment 
of goods, valued at about $12,000, engaged in mercantile business at the corner 
of Chauncy and Van Buren streets, Columbia City, and met with remarkably 
good success, and, as trade demanded, they kept adding to the variety and quan- 
tity of this stock, till they now carry, without exception, the largest and best 
assortment of goods of any house in the town, it being valued at $30,000, and 
consisting of dry goods, silks, hats, caps, boots, shoes, ready-made clothing, 
carpets, groceries, etc., and they do an average annual trade of $90,000 to 
$100,000. The senior partner, Asher R. Clugston, was born in New Castle 
County, Del., December 22, 1839, and is one of four children born to Asher 
and Catherine (Rittenhouse) Clugston, who were of Scotch descent. He came 
to Larwill, this county, in 1861, and in August, 1867, married Mary A. Mat- 
toon. To this union have been born three children — Lucia E., Gertrude M. 
and Arthur W. He is a Democrat, and a member of the Masonic fraterity, 
being a Knight Templer of Fort Wayne Commandery. John Adams, the 
second member of the firm, was born in Thorn Creek Township, November 22, 
1856, and is a son of Andrew Adams, an old settler of Whitley County, and 
yet living in Thorn Creek. His early education was gained in his native 
county ; he graduated at Iron City College, Pittsburgh, Penn., and he acquired 
his business knowledge by clerking in Columbia City. 

JAMES S. COLLINS is one of a family of eleven children, and was 
born in Wayne County, Ind., December 19, 1819. His parents, John and 
Jane Collins, were natives respectively of Virginia and Kentucky, were married 
in the latter State and emigrated to the Territory of Indiana in 1806, Mr. 
Collins finding the air of freedom more congenial to his strong anti-slavery 
principles. They settled four miles south of where Richmond now stands, and 
remained until 1836, when they removed to Whitley County, locating one-half 
mile west of the present site of South Whitley, remaining there until 1846, 
when they removed to Columbia City, where they afterward died. James S. 
Collins remained with his parents, assisting them in pioneer labors, until the 
spring of 1844, when he went to Fort Wayne, and began the study of law with 
L. P. Ferry, an attorney of that city. He remained there until Mr. Ferry's 
death, when he came to Columbia City, and began the practice of his chosen 
profession. He was admitted to the bar at the fall term of Whitley County 
Circuit Court in 1844, and has since devoted his time to practice, with the 
exception of three years, in which he was actively employed in the construc- 
tion of the Eel River Railroad, of which he was President. Mr. Collins was 
married, in 1849, at Richmond, Ind., to Eliza J. Fleming, and a family of six 
children was the result of this union — Jane H., Reginald H., Dorothy, How- 
ard, Sophia Du P. and William James, all living except Howard, who died at 
the age of six years. Mr. Collins was formerly a Whig in politics, but is now 



COLUMBIA CITY. 245 

Republican — was elected to the State Legislature in 1860, and served in the 
regular and special sessions of 1861. 

RICHARD COLLINS was born in Wayne County, Ind., May 8, 1815, 
and is a son of John and Jane (Holman) Collins. His early life was spent in 
Wayne County, where he received all the advantages the schools of that earlv 
day had to offer. He came to Whitley County with his parents, September 
25, 1836, locating in Cleveland Township, which has since been his home. He 
was married, May 8, 1844, to Mary Rhodes, who became the mother of two 
children — Walter S. and Mary E., both deceased — the mother dying August, 
1847. In the month of April, 1850, Mr. Collins married his present wife, 
Catherine Hildebrand, who is the mother of eight children, but four surviving. 
At the time of his marriage, Mr. Collins was County Clerk as well as Recorder, 
and served as such until November, 1855. He was the first Sheriff elected in 
Whitley County; in addition to these, he has filled various local offices of honor 
and trust. He was engaged in milling and merchandising in Columbia City 
for some time, until recently he changed his occupation for that of a lumber 
dealer, which business he still follows. He is one of the first and most highly 
honored citizens of Whitley County ; he is a Republican, but previous to the 
organization of that party was identified with the Whigs. He is a man possess- 
ing the confidence of all who know him. 

T. J. CUPPY was born in Cleveland Township, Whitley County, Ind., 
August 3, 1844, and is one of six children, three yet living, of the family of 
Abraham and Sarah (Collins) Cuppy. The father, Abraham Cuppy, was a 
native of Ohio, born in Clermont County, May 25, 1810, and his parents were 
among the first settlers of Ohio and Indiana. He was a man of much natural 
ability and fine powers of mind. He was married in Wayne County, Decem- 
ber 30, 1830, to Miss Sarah Collins, a native of Indiana. Mr. Cuppy was the 
first County Auditor, Clerk and Recorder of Whitley County, and also served 
as Legislator and State Senator. He died at Indianapolis, Ind., January 15, 
1847, while holding the last office. Mr. Cuppy was a prominent Democrat, a 
large land owner, and a member of the Masonic order. One son, William H., 
was Captain of Company B, Forty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in the 
late war. He was wounded at Fort Donelson, and, after months of suffering, 
died at his home in South Whitley, July 15, 1862, universally regretted. He 
had been highly educated, was of superior promise, and was sacrificed on the altar 
of his country. T. J. Cuppy early assumed life's responsibilities. During the 
war he was employed by the Government in various positions, and in 1870 
began work on the Bel River Division of the Wabash Railroad, then called the 
Detroit, Eel River & Illinois Railroad ; here he remained eight years, when 
he embarked in the grain trade along the line of the Eel River Railroad, with 
headquarters at Auburn, DeKalb County, Ind., at the same time establishing 
himself, as dealer in agricultural implements, in Columbia City and South 
Whitley, which business he is now exclusively engaged in in Columbia City, 

M 



246 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

carrying the largest stock in Whitley County. Mr. Cuppy was married, Jan- 
uary 9, 1881, to Miss Frances Stahl, a daughter of George W. and Nancy 
(Carr) Stahl, a native of Indiana, and of the Presbyterian faith. Mr. 
Cuppy is a stanch Republican, and a Sir Knight of the Apollo Commandery, 
No. 19, of Kendallville. He is also a member of the I. 0. 0. F. and of the 
0. F. Encampment. 

EDWARDS & ANDERSON, hardware dealers. This partnership was 
formed December 7, 1874, and the firm began operations with a stock of hard- 
ware valued at $3,500, meeting with assured success from the start. Their 
stock is now valued at $8,000, and they do a yearly business of from $40,000 
to $50,000. In addition to this the firm established a lumber yard in 1878, 
which business they still follow,, and in January, 1882, with their characteris- 
tic enterprise, and at considerable expense, they started their present hub factory, 
which is steadily assuming larger proportions, and in time promises to be one 
of the leading manufactories of the place. They are introducing the latest 
and most improved machinery, and furnish employment for fifteen men, only 
first-class workmen being employed. 

Millard F. Anderson is a native of Richland Township, where he was 
born January 25, 1848. After acquiring a good practical education, he left 
home at the age of 20, learned telegraphy, and was employed as a station agent 
for nearly five years in Iowa and Columbia City. In 1874, the partnership of 
Edwards & Anderson was formed, which has continued to the present time. 
In June of the previous year, he was married to Miss Jennie H. Morrison, 
daughter of Andrew Morrison (deceased), an early settler of Allen County, Ind. 
They have two children — Fred S. and Georgie J. * Mr. Anderson has relied 
entirely on his own industry and business ability, and by persistent effort, 
combined with unfailing courtesy, has established a fine paying business, reflect- 
ing credit on himself and of benefit to the community. Mr. Anderson is a 
Republican and a member of the I. O. O. F., also the O. F. Encampment. 

C. S. Edwards, the senior member of the firm of Edwards & Anderson, 
was born in Franklin County, Penn., December 14, 1835, and is one of a family 
of ten children, five yet living, of James and Elizabeth (Beaver) Edwards, who 
were natives of Pennsylvania, and of Scotch-Irish and German descent re- 
spectively. They moved to Fort Wayne in 1841, where Mr. Edwards carried 
on the shoe business for some years. He died in Allen County in 1860, his 
widow following in 1861, and both are buried in Lindenwood Cemetery. C. 
S. Edwards spent his early years in Fort Wayne, and in 1861 enlisted in the 
Thirtieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, as Drum Major. He was in the battle 
of Shiloh and other engagements; received his discharge in 1863, when he went 
to Montana, where he engaged in mining, teaming and merchandising, until 
1867, when he returned to Columbia City, and formed a partnership with Dr. 
D. G. Linvill in the hardware business. In 1869, having disposed of his inter- 
est in that line, he opened a livery business, which he followed for five years, 



COLUMBIA CITY. 247 

when the present partnership was formed. Mr. Edwards was married in Co- 
lumbia City, in 1870, to Miss Elizabeth White, and they have one daughter, 
Anna M. Mr. Edwards is a Republican and a member of the A., F. & A. M., 
of Columbia City, a man of fine business ability, and highly esteemed by all. 

CHARLES J. EYANSON was born September 20, 1839, in Versailles, 
Ripley Co., Ind. A year or more after his birth, his parents returned to Phil- 
adelphia, Perm., from which place they had previously removed. Here Charles 
J. acquired his education, and, in 1853, engaged in the dry goods trade, which 
he continued for three years, after which he learned the tailor's trade, which he 
has since followed, with the exception of an engagement as general agent for a 
sewing machine company, when he traveled over the South, establishing local 
agencies. In 1860, he formed a partnership with his brother, Thomas E., in 
Huntington, Ind., in merchant tailoring, where he remained until 1862, when 
he went to Roanoke, to carry on the same business. In 1865, his partnership 
was resumed with his brother, at Columbia City, on an extended scale, under 
the firm name of Eyanson Brothers, at the same time carrying on the man- 
ufacture of woolen goods in the woolen mills at the same place. The partner- 
ship with his brother was continued until January, 1874, when it was dissolved, 
Charles J. continuing the business alone. Besides his tailoring establishment 
with its dozen employes, he carries a large and general assortment of ready- 
made clothing, cloths, hats, caps and gents' furnishing goods, doing a successful 
business. November 20, 1866, he contracted marriage with Miss Magdaline 
Zimmerman, a native of Blumenfeld, Baden, Germany, and they are parents of 
six children — Charles J., Stephen T., Walburgh M., Frank E., Lewis and John 
N. Mr. and Mrs. Eyanson are of the Catholic faith. Mr. E. is a Democrat ; 
has held the office of Township Trustee, and is the present Town Treasurer. 
Mr. Eyanson's great-grandparents, on the father's side, came from the 
vicinity of Dublin, Ireland, to America, with Lord Baltimore, and John Eyan- 
son, our subject's grandfather, was born in Cecil County, Md., in 1753, and 
served eight years in the Revolutionary war. A brother of John, our subject's 
grand-uncle, William, also served in the Revolution, and was taken prisoner at 
New York ; was afterward exchanged, but died from the effects of starvation. 

F. H. FOUST is one of the early settlers of this place, and came from 
Delaware Co., Ohio, to Whitley Co., Ind., in the fall of 1849, locating in Co- 
lumbia City, and, in partnership with Adam Wolfe (formerly of Morrow Co., 
Ohio, now of Muncie, Ind.), engaged in the manufacture of fanning-mills. In 
1853, they established a partnership in the dry goods business, which was most 
successfully continued for ten years — Mr. Foust taking entire charge, as Mr. 
Wolfe never resided here. After the settlement of the affairs of this firm, they 
established, in November, 1867, a banking firm, under the name of F. H. 
Foust & Co., and known as the Columbia City Bank. This institution is one 
of the permanent features of the city, as the individual members are known to 
be men of undoubted honor and integrity, and solid financially. For the past 



248 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

two years, Mr. James G. Williams has been a partner in the bank. They 
erected their present three-story brick in 1873, and own a two-fifths interest 
in the new brick adjoining on the east, known as Foust's Block. The partner- 
ship existing between Messrs. Wolfe & Foust is one of the most harmonious 
on record, having existed since 1849. Mr. Foust was married, December 12, 
1850, in Columbia City, to Miss Moxie A. Jones. His birthplace was Dela- 
ware County, Ohio, where, on January 10, 1825, he entered this existence. His 
parents — Henry and Mary (Olds) Foust — were among the early settlers, dating 
back to 1807, and were of German descent. Mr. Foust is owner of the old 
homestead. He is a strong Republican, but has no aspirations for political 
prominence. 

THEODORE GARTY, dealer in black walnut and hard-wood lumber and 
furniture manufacturer, was born in Lorraine, France, and was the son of John 
and Catharine Garty. The father died in Lorraine, and the mother afterward 
married Victor Crouser. They emigrated to America in 1856, and located in 
Stark County, Ohio, and three years later removed to Columbia City. Here our 
subject began to learn cabinet-making with Henry Snyder, working three years ; 
then went to Fort Wayne and worked three years; thence to Cincinnati, St. Louis, 
Quincy, 111., Hannibal, Mo., Verona, Mo., and various other points, engaging 
in sundry branches of his trade, and embracing a period of about eleven years. 
In 1872, he returned to Columbia City, and became associated with Henry 
Snyder in the furniture business. In 1876, he formed a copartnership with 
George Steerhof, which was continued about two years, when he again formed a 
partnership with Mr. Snyder. In 1880, he became sole proprietor, and is now 
engaged largely in manufacturing, and employs about twelve men on the aver- 
age. He was married, in Hannibal, Mo., in 1871, to Miss Christina Blume, a 
native of Missouri, and five children are now living born to their union, viz.: 
Nettie, Edward E., Celeste, Robert and Menna. In 1880, Mr. Garty was 
elected City Clerk, and is now serving his second term. He has proven him- 
self a shrewd business man and consequently a successful one, and is favorably 
known for his upright dealings and business integrity. 

JAMES M. HARRISON was born in Beaver County, Penn., August 8, 
1837, and is a son of Samuel and Polly (McDowell) Harrison, who were 
farmers, and the parents of eight children, James M. being the youngest. The 
father was a native of County Down, Ireland, near Belfast, emigrated to the 
United States about 1812. Married and located in Virginia, where they lived 
until their removal to Gallipolis, Ohio, and afterward to Pennsylvania, where 
Mrs. Harrison died, about 1859. Mr. Harrison came to Allen County, Ind., 
where our subject was living, in 1864, and died in Noble County, Ind., in 1872, 
aged 81. James M. Harrison was reared in Mechanicsburg, Penn., where he 
acquired a good common-school education. Leaving Pennsylvania in 1855, he 
went to Noble County, Greene Township, Ind., remaining until 1862, teaching 
winters and being variously employed summers. He was married March 15, 



COLUMBIA CITY. 249 

1860, to Mary J. Richards, daughter of Joseph Richards, who was then a resi- 
dent of Swan Township, Noble County. In the meantime he had acquired 
forty acres of land, which he sold in 1862, removing to Allen County, Ind., 
where he engaged in farming and mercantile pursuits until the fall of 1864, 
when he farmed exclusively until 1868, the spring of that year removing to 
Churubusco, Smith Township, Whitley County, engaging in mercantile pur- 
suits until 1878, when he was elected Clerk of the Circuit Court of Whitley 
County, and removed to Columbia City, where he is now filling that position. 
Mr. and Mrs. Harrison were parents of the following family — Joseph R., Will- 
iam A., George F., living, and Mary C, James N., Emma J., deceased. Mrs. 
Harrison died in 1872, and the year following Mr. Harrison married his present 
wife, Janetta De Poy, who has borne him two children — Mary I. and Jessie W. 
In politics he is a Democrat; owns a farm of 132 acres in Noble County, Swan 
Township, and town property in Churubusco, this county. He is a member of 
the I. 0. 0. F., and Mrs. H. is a member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. H. 
is of English-Irish stock, and through his energy and industry has materially 
assisted in building up the town of Churubusco, from the smallest beginnings 
to its present size of nearly one thousand inhabitants ; esteemed by all, he is in 
every respect a self-made man. 

HE ACOCK & RUCH are the leading firm in the livery business in 
Columbia City. The partnership was formed in August, 1879, by the associa- 
tion of Alfred Heacock and Jacob A. Ruch. Mr. Heacock is a native of 
Columbiana County, Ohio, where he continued a resident until 1877. He is by 
trade a machinist, and was employed in that calling, together with traveling as 
a salesman until 1877, when he came to Columbia City, and, in connection 
with W. H. Liggett, built the " City " Flouring Mill ; the partnership lasted 
for two years, at the expiration of which period Mr. Heacock formed his present 
business connection. J. A. Ruch is a son of Charles Ruch, one of the old 
settlers of Whitley County. He has been connected with the livery business all 
of his life, for several years in association with his father. Messrs. Heacock and 
Ruch are courteous and obliging business men ; have a fine business establish- 
ment, and are worthy of the large trade, which by fair and honest dealing they 
have secured. 

D. R. HEMMICK first saw the light in Greene County, Ohio, October 
29, 1836, and is a son of David and Catherine (Johnson) Hemmick, who were 
natives of Ohio and Virginia respectively, and parents of eight children, three 
of whom are living. David Hemmick was possessed of an ordinary education, 
a farmer and shoemaker, and was married in Ohio. In the fall of 1859, he 
emigrated to Columbia City, Ind., having two sons at that place. His death 
occurred August 1, 1866, at the age of seventy-six years, seven months and 
seven days. He was a non-commissioned officer in the war of 1812 under 
Gen. Harrison, a most unassuming and honorable man. His widow yet lives 
in Columbia City at the advanced age of ninety-one years. D. R. Hemmick is 



250 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

of German-English descent, and received the usual advantages of the day for 
education. Coming to Columbia City, Ind., in 1857, he worked at cabinet- 
making and plastering until the breaking-out of the rebellion, when he enlisted 
in Company E, Seventeenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was assigned to 
the Army of the Cumberland, under Gens. Thomas, Rosecrans, et al. He par- 
ticipated in the battles of Greenbrier, Chickamauga, Shiloh and others ; was 
commissioned Second Lieutenant in 1865, and soon after promoted to First 
Lieutenant, serving through the war ; he was discharged in September, 1865 ; 
succeeding that, Mr. Hemmick returned to Columbia City, where he engaged 
successively in plastering, livery, dry goods and hardware business. In 1874, 
a partnership was formed to carry on the dry goods and grocery trade under 
the firm name of Neely & Hemmick. In 1877, this firm assisted in establish- 
ing the City Mills, and have retained their interest ever since. Mr. Hemmick 
was married, April 26, 1866, to Miss Lucy A. Watson, a native of Ohio, and 
to this union were born two children — only one, Rena, yet living. The mother 
died in the spring of 1870, and Mr. Hemmick married his second wife, Mar- 
garet Daniels, a native of Richland County, Ohio, in 1872, she dying the same 
year. Mr. H.'s present wife was Mrs. Sarah Ellen (Jones) Parrett, whose 
former husband was killed at the battle of Fort Donelson in 1862. Two 
children have blessed his last marriage ; but one, Cora Ruth, surviving. Mr. 
Hemmick is a stanch Republican, a member of the I. 0. 0. F., No. 176, 
Columbia Lodge, and himself and wife are members of the Lutheran Church. 
HON. ADAMS Y. HOOPER (deceased) was born at Athens, Ohio, 
in January, 1825. His father was a clergyman of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and he was an only child. The youth of the lad was largely passed 
on the farm of his father in Perry County, Ohio, but, at the age of eighteen 
or twenty years, he attended the Somerset Academy, though he afterward 
finished his academical course at Westerville Academy, Franklin County, Ohio. 
He afterward read law with H. H. Hunter, Esq., of Lancaster, Ohio, and, 
soon after his admission to the bar, was married to Edith B., daughter of Amos 
T. Swayze, the nuptials being solemnized in February, 1848. During the 
following year, he went to Huntington, Ind., but, in the autumn, came to Co- 
lumbia City, where he lived and labored until his death. He became a prom- 
inent lawyer, and during his life was a practitioner for some twenty-five years. 
Soon after his arrival in the county he taught school, and from the first won 
the hearts of all who knew him. He was appointed Postmaster of Columbia 
City by President Fillmore, and was an ardent Whig and Republican during 
his life. He occupied many minor positions of trust, always serving with 
scrupulous fidelity. In 1852, he was elected to the Lower House of the State 
Legislature, representing the counties of Whitley and Noble. In 1854, he was 
elected County Auditor, and about this time became connected with the Repub- 
lican, through which paper his rare elements of mind and heart first became 
known to his fellow-citizens. In 1868, he represented Whitley and Kosciusko 



COLUMBIA CITY. 251 

Counties in the State Senate with great credit to himself. After many years 
of faithful service in the county, he died of consumption, in March, 1875. 
His widow is yet living in Columbia City, as are also two of his children — 
Emma B. and Amos L. The other children, Almeda M., Webster, Emily 
G., Orvilla, Cassius B. and Kate R., are with their father. Perhaps no death 
ever occurring in the county was so widely and sincerely mourned as that of 
Adams Y. Hooper. He was so admired, so respected and so loved that his 
early death was regarded as a public calamity. This was due to the noble char- 
acteristics of the man, to his purity of heart, to his " unfaltering faith in the 
all-conquering power of a principle," to the devotion of his active mind in 
the diffusion of public faith and honor, and to those warm elements of mind 
and heart that kindled the respect and love of those who met him in business 
or in social life. The county will not forget the name of Adams Y. Hooper. 

MARTIN IRELAND, M. D., is a native of Ross County, Ohio, where 
he was born November 29, 1821 ; son of Stephen and Elizabeth (Carmean) 
Ireland, both natives of Maryland, and the parents of twelve children, eight of 
whom are yet living. They came to Ross County, Ohio, about 1805 ; were 
identified with the early settlement of the county. Mr. Ireland followed the 
occupation of farming during life. The mother passed away in Ross County, 
and the father, in 1848, moved to McLean County, 111., and from there went 
to Missouri to look after some property in 1857, where he died April 3 of that 
year. Martin remained on the home farm until twenty-one years of age, 
receiving such education as the schools of that day afforded. After leaving 
home, he engaged in teaching winters, and was variously employed during the 
summer months. He was married, September 23, 1847, to Sarah Fellers, a 
native of Virginia. She came to Ohio at the age of four years, and to Whitley 
County when thirteen. Dr. Ireland came to Whitley County, Ind., the fall of 
1846, and taught the first school in the first school building erected in Colum- 
bia City. The next year he decided to perfect himself in the study of medicine, 
to which he had paid some attention previously ; and, in 1849, attended medical 
lectures in Cincinnati. He located for the practice of his profession in Fayette 
County, Ohio, remaining six years, after which he returned to Columbia City, 
practicing here for over seventeen years, when he removed to Nokomis, 111., 
remaining there seven years ; but, in April, 1880, Dr. Ireland and family 
returned to Columbia City, where they have since resided. Their family con- 
sists of nine children — Augusta V., Arabella A., Clara V., Wooster M., Franklin 
S., John M., Sarah J., Merritta W. and Homer A. Dr. I. is a Republican ; 
a member of the A., F. & A. M., of Columbia City, and a graduate of the 
Wooster Medical University of Cleveland. 

WILLIAM W. KEPNER, one of Columbia City's successful business 
men, and a retired merchant, is a native of Juniata County, Penn., and was 
born in 1811. He was the son of Benjamin and Elizabeth (McCullough) Kep- 
ner, natives of Pennsylvania, where they died, members respectively of the 



252 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Lutheran and Presbyterian Churches. The father was a respected and trusted 
citizen ; was a farmer and merchant, quite successful in the accumulation of 
property. Our subject was the second child in a family of eight, and the 
eldest son. He was reared upon a farm, and at his majority went to boating 
on the canal, owning and running a boat for four years. He then ran a hotel 
in Ohio about six years ; then came to Columbia City, in 1846, and engaged in 
merchandising and dealing in furs, there being but a few families in the town. 
This he continued about twenty-two years, farming in the meantime upon his 
land in the township. In 1868, he withdrew from trade, and made investments 
in Kansas lands, and country and town property. He also, for several years, 
kept a hotel in town, and has made a success of life, having now retired from 
active business. He is owner of 350 acres of land in the county ; eighty-six 
in Stark County, and 400 in Kansas, and also considerable town property, 
which he is improving. In 1836, he married Miss Ann Pfoutzs, a native of 
Perry County, Penn., who has proved a faithful helpmate, in every way forward- 
ing the interests of her husband. They have had seven children, of whom 
three are now living, viz. : John H., grocer ; Charles A., one of the proprie- 
tors of the Main House, and Jennie Chambers, residing in Delphos, Ohio. 
Mr. Kepler and wife are members of the Lutheran Church, and since his 
coming has always been identified with the progress of the town, and has aided 
liberally, with time and money, in all laudable, public movements. 

DR. N. I. KITHCART was born in Ashland County, Ohio, January 16, 
1857, and is one of ten children, five yet living, born to Thomas and Anna 
(Ernst) Kithcart, who were natives respectively of Ashland County, Ohio, and 
Pennsylvania. The parents are farmers, and yet live in Ashland County, and 
are of Scotch-Irish descent. N. I. Kithcart remained on the farm until he was 
sixteen years of age, receiving all the advantages of the schools of that day, and 
attending the Greentown Academy, at Perrysville, Ohio, until twenty-one, in 
connection with the study of medicine under Dr. J. W. Griffith, since deceased. 
In 1872, he attended medical lectures at the Cincinnati Medical College, Ohio, 
for two years. While visiting a cousin, Dr. J. F. Gard, at Wawaka, Noble 
Co., Ind., he was induced to locate for the practice of medicine at Coesse, 
Whitley County, where he remained until the spring of 1876, when he returned 
to Cincinnati, and on March 28, of that year, was united in marriage to Miss 
Emma C. Busey, who was born in Covington, Ky., October 20, 1852. They 
located in Columbia City, where Dr. Kithcart has since enjoyed a large and 
successful practice. The Doctor, like the majority of Ohio, is Republican. 

RICHARD KNISELY, deceased, was a native of Bedford County, Penn., 
where he was born March 15, 1803. With his father's family, he came to 
Tuscarawas County, Ohio, in 1804, where his grandfather founded the town of 
New Philadelphia. Here Richard Knisely was reared, educated, and learned 
the carpenter's trade, and June, 1841, came to Whitley County, Ind., working 
for Judge Henry Swihart, who yet resides here. In 1845, Messrs. Knisely 



COLUMBIA CITY. 253 

and Swihart were elected Associate Judges, serving in that capacity acceptably 
until the office was abolished. He was married, June 7, 1846, to Miss Amy 
Norris, of Richland Township, after which he purchased a farm one and a half 
miles west of Columbia City, where he made a home and passed the remainder 
of his life. He divided his time in making improvements on his farm, and 
served as County Surveyor for several years. He was formerly a Whig, but 
identified himself with the Republicans, after the organization of that party, 
and was a zealous supporter of Lincoln's administration. Judge Knisely was 
well known by all old citizens of the county as a man of ability, honesty, and 
sterling integrity. He passed away from earth January 24, 1882, leaving a 
precious memory. Mrs. Knisely died in May, 1871, and was the mother of 
seven children who mourned her loss — William H., Emanuel, Alexander, Ga- 
briel, James C, Mary E. and George. The oldest, William H.,was born May 
20, 1848, spent his early years on his father's farm, teaching winters and work- 
ing summers. He was married, October 19, 1869, to Ruth McNear, and they 
remained on the farm until 1880, when they removed to Columbia City, where 
they have since resided. Mr. Knisely has been engaged in the trade of agri- 
cultural implement for ten years ; in connection with William Reed for four 
years, afterward with his brother, under the firm name of William H. Knisely 
& Bro. In April, 1879, he became a partner in the firm of Knisely, Krider 
& Liggett, since changed to Knisely, Reider & Co. Mr. and Mrs. Knisely are 
parents of four children — Laura D., Frank, Walter and Eddie L. Mrs. Knisely 
is connected with the U. B. Church. Mr. Knisely is a Republican, and a man 
universally esteemed and honored by all. 

WRIGHT LANCASTER was born in Wayne County, N. C, June 27, 
1819, and is a son of Rex Lancaster, and grandson of Wright Lancaster, of 
English descent. Rex Lancaster was, by trade, a wagon-maker. He married 
Pharaba Henby, and in 1820 removed to Wayne County, Ind., in a wagon of 
his own manufacture. The country, at that time, was new, and a log cabin in 
the wilderness, with the attendant hard work of clearing was the best to be 
had. Here they spent their days, rearing a family of seven children, four of 
whom are yet living. Wright Lancaster, the eldest, assisted in the support of 
his father's family until his marriage with Margaret Grimes, in 1844, they 
living on a rented farm in Wayne County for seven years, when they removed 
to Cleveland Township, this county, locating on a partly improved farm, which 
he had previously purchased. On this place Mrs. Lancaster died from cerebro- 
spinal meningitis, having been the mother of eight children — Indiana, John H., 
George G., Alexander G., Frank Rex, Ralph P., Mary V. and William S., all 
of whom are living except John. Mr. Lancaster married his present wife, 
Mrs. Sarah A. Grimes Mitchell, a half sister of his former wife, June 24, 1869, 
and two children are the result of this union — Nora, deceased, and Walter. 
Mr. Lancaster has been a constant resident of Cleveland Township since his 
arrival, and followed farming for an occupation, dependent entirely upon his 



254 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

own resources for success, and has always commanded the respected and esteem 
of all who knew him. He has always been identified with the Republican 
party, occupying, at different times, nearly all the township offices of Cleveland 
Township, and is the present honorable incumbent of the office of County Re- 
corder, to which he was elected in 1878. 

J. G. LEININGER came to Columbia City in 1866, as stock dealer, and, 
being favorably impressed with the country, the following year moved his family 
here, where they have since resided, with the exception of one year spent in 
Missouri, where Mr. L. was engaged in farming and buying stock in that State. 
He is, at present, owner of seventy acres of land in Union Township, one and 
a half miles east of Columbia City, and for several years operated a meat market in 
town, but now devotes his attention exclusively to farming and stock-raising. 
He takes an active interest in the welfare of the county, and all laudable enter- 
prises find in him a warm supporter. His political bias is Democratic, and he 
is, at present, President of the City School Board, and has filled the office of 
Township Trustee for three years. Mr. Leininger was born in Stark County, 
Ohio, February 7, 1826, and is one of six sons, all yet living, of John and Mar- 
garet (Goss) Leininger, who were of Franco-German descent. John Leininger 
was a blacksmith, but engaged in farming in later years. He died in 1870. 
Mrs. L. is yet living in Mercer County, Ohio. When they came West, in 
1833, and later, to Jay County, Ind./in 1837, the country was wild and un- 
broken, and they endured all the inconveniences and dangers attendant upon 
pioneer life. Game must have been abundant, for J. G., when a boy of four- 
teen, shot and killed seventy-two deer in twelve months. Here he was reared, 
educated and married. January 13, 1848, Miss Elizabeth Broom became 
his wife; she died June 2, 1863, having been the mother of six children, three 
surviving her. To Mr. Leininger's second marriage with Sarah Hough, De- 
cember 1, 1864, have been added five children, four yet living — Effie S., David 
A., Margaret E. and Silas E.; Sarah E., deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Leininger 
are both members of the Lutheran Church. 

LIGGETT & CRIDER. This partnership was formed between John 
H. Liggett and N. W. Crider in July, 1881, and was but the culmination of 
previous business moves by John H. Liggett. In September, 1877, he pur- 
chased the stock of Warren Mason, consisting of books and stationery, which 
was kept in the post office. This stock he removed to the room now occupied 
by Beeson's drug store, continuing the business alone, and making additions 
for nearly two years, when he purchased the stock of W. H. Smith, and re- 
moved all to the room now occupied by the present firm. Here they do a first- 
class business, and besides a general stock of books and stationery, they are 
agents for the Domestic Sewing Machine and for the Mason & Hamlin Organ. 
Mr. Liggett is also agent for the Pacific Express Company. N. W. Crider, 
the junior partner in this firm, was born in Smith Township, Whitley Co., 
Ind., May 27, 1838, and is a son of John and Rosanna (Tulley) Crider. Mrs. 



COLUMBIA CITY. 255 

Crider was the first female white child born in the county. N. W. received a 
good practical education in youth, and began teaching at the age of twenty. 
After teaching three terms, he concluded to change his occupation. In the fall 
of 1872, he removed with his parents to Columbia City, where he has since 
resided, and has assisted materially in the business and social prosperity of the 
city. Mr. Crider is a member of the Grace Lutheran Church, and votes the 
Republican ticket. 

W. H. Liggett is a son of Alexander D. and Delithe Liggett, bom in High- 
land Co., Ohio, August 4, 1838, one of a family of twelve children. A. D. 
Liggett was a farmer — an honest, industrious man — and himself and family 
emigrated to Wabash County, Ind., in 1854, where he died July 12, 1870, 
highly respected by all. His wife resides in Columbia City. W. H. Liggett 
grew up on the farm, until, at the age of sixteen, he came with his parents to 
Indiana, where he taught school winters and worked on the farm in the summer 
months. November 29, 1860, he married Rebecca Jane Mills, a native of 
Preble County, Ohio. In April, 1863, Mr. Liggett moved to Cleveland Town- 
ship, Whitley Co., and continued farming and teaching until October, 1874, 
when he was elected Sheriff of the county on the Independent ticket, serving 
two terms in succession. In the fall of 1877, he, in connection with Thomas 
and Alonzo Sharp and Messrs. Meely & Hemmick, of the dry goods firm of Mee- 
ley & Hemmick, began the erection of what is now known as the " City Mills," 
under the firm name of W. II. Liggett & Co. The mill was completed in Feb- 
ruary, 1878, and is a two and a half story and basement, 35x50, with engine- 
room attached, 35x20. It has a manufacturing capacity of seventy-five barrels 
per day, with the latest improvements for first-class work. In 1878, Mr. Lig- 
gett formed a partnership for the sale of agricultural implements, under the 
firm name of Knisely, Krider & Liggett, which has since been changed to 
Knisely, Reider & Co., Mr. L. still retaining an interest, although devoting 
himself to milling since his term of office expired. He is a member of the 
Masonic fraternity and a Republican in politics, which accounts for his defeat 
as Legislator in a county having a Democratic majority of from four hundred 
to five hundred. His family consists of five children — Emma, Edith, Eliza- 
beth, Mabel and John A. — and are highly esteemed by neigbors and friends. 

DR. DAVID G. LINVILL is of Welsh descent, his ancestors coming 
to this country about the time of Wiiliam Penn's advent. Three brothers, 
William, Benjamin and Solomon, settled in Pennsylvania. Benjamin was the 
great-grandfather of the subject of our sketch. Himself and brothers were 
hunters by occupation, and, in 1730, they discovered a creek in Virginia, which 
has since been called Linvill Creek in their honor. Here Benjamin settled in 
1756, and reared a family. One son, the grandfather of Dr. Linvill, was 
named Benjamin, after his father. He married a Miss Matthews, who bore 
him a family, and lived and died at his home on Linvill Creek, a large 
plantation and slave owner. Of a family of nine children, Benjamin, the 



256 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

third son, was the father of Dr. Linvill. After his father's death, the home- 
stead was sold and Benjamin, taking the proceeds, went into Ohio, and pur- 
chased a section of land on Rush Creek, in Fairfield County, to which place 
the family removed previous to the war of 1812. Here Benjamin married Sarah 
Swayze, a daughter of Judge David Swayze. He was a miller by occupation ; 
served in the war of 1812, and is yet living in New Salem, Ohio, at the ad- 
vanced age of ninety. His wife died in 1872. They were parents of four 
sons and one daughter, all living except one son, who died from disease con- 
tracted while in the army. Dr. D. G. Linvill was born on the banks of Rush 
Creek, Fairfield County, Ohio, February 1, 1821. Until he became of age, his 
time was variously occupied as miller, clerk and in perfecting his education. 
At this time he began the study of medicine with his uncle, Dr. Swayze, and 
graduated at the Western Reserve College, at Cleveland, in 1849, and the same 
year formed a partnership with his uncle for the practice of medicine at Colum- 
bia City, Ind. This partnership continued until 1855. Dr. Linvill has been 
eminently successful in his practice, both as surgeon and physician. He be- 
came a member of the American Medical Association in 1874, and is also a 
member of three local societies. He holds liveral views on politics and relig- 
ion, and is a member of the M. E. Church, and also belongs to the mystic 
brotherhood of Royal Arch Masons of Columbia City. He was married June 
24, 1854, to Martha J. Myers, daughter of Abram Myers, and fifteen children 
have been born to them ; but eight now living, viz.: Lewis, David, Frank, 
Eddie, Hayes, Benjamin, Elbertine and Josephine. Dr. Linvill has been more 
than ordinarily successful in life, and is one of the most prominent and highly 
respected citizens of Whitley County. 

CHAUNCEY B. MATTOON is a native of the " Old Bay State," and 
was born in Northfield November 2, 1839. He is one of five children, all yet 
living, of Hezekiah and Mary (Maynard) Mattoon, grandson of Hezekiah and 
Penelope (Lyman) Mattoon, great-grandson of Philip Mattoon, the family 
having been in America since 1676, and has identified itself with the political, 
military and general history of our country. C. B. Mattoon remained in his 
native town, and engaged in house-painting, until April, 1861, when he en- 
listed in the Fifteenth Regimental Massachusetts Band, and, together 
with his regiment, went immediately to the front, where he participated in 
the battles of Ball's Bluff, Fair Oaks and all through the Peninsular cam- 
paign. By special act of Congress, discharging bands, he received his 
discharge in 1862. He then went to Boston and worked in the sewing-machine 
shops of Grover & Baker until March, 1864, when he came West, and located 
in Larwill, Whitley County, Ind., where he was employed in the manufacture 
of staves. In 1869, he came to Columbia City, and, for a time, was in the 
employ of the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad, when he went to 
Fort Wayne in the employ of the Adams Express Company, returning to 
Columbia City upon the completion of the Eel River Railroad, where he has 



COLUMBIA CITY. 257 

since remained, with the exception of two years spent in Logansport. He is 
now station agent at Columbia City, and his varied experience has peculiarly 
fitted him for the position. Mr. Mattoon was married June 10, 1871, to Miss 
Mary S. Keefer, who died September 1, 1880, leaving three children — Grover, 
John and Harry. Mrs. Mattoon was a daughter of Peter Keefer, a native of 
Pennsylvania, and of German descent. 

COL. ISAIAH B. McDONALD is a native of the Old Dominion, his 
birth occurring at Woodville, Rappahannock Co., September 18, 1826. His 
parents — Carter and Elizabeth (Carder) McDonald — were natives of the same 
State, and both were of Scotch descent. Nine sons and three daughters were 
born to these parents, Col. McDonald being the second son and second child. 
In 1836, the family moved to Wayne County, Ohio, and, in 1842, to Whitley 
Co., Ind. For some years in early life, Col. McDonald worked as carpenter and 
joiner, but after he had attended two terms of the Edinburg Academy, Wayne 
County, Ohio, he became a successful school teacher, extending his services as 
such over Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. In May, 1852, he returned to Whit- 
ley County, and soon after began the practice of law. During the same year, 
he secured the election as Prosecuting Attorney for the counties of Whitley 
and Noble, continuing to serve as such until 1855, when he was elected Clerk 
of Whitley County. From 1864 to 1870, he served as School Examiner of 
Whitley County, but resigned during December of the latter year, to accept 
the responsibilities of Representative in the State Legislature. He took a front 
rank in legislative debate, and was appointed Chairman of the House Judiciary 
Committee. 1876, he was Presidential Elector, and represented the Twelfth 
Congressional District in the National Democratic Convention, on which occa- 
sion he cast his vote for Tilden and Hendricks. He has filled many minor 
positions in county affairs, but always with that inflexible fidelity which has 
ever been a characteristic of the man. He is a Mason, an Odd Fellow and a 
Sachem of the Improved Order of Red Men. No man has done more for 
Columbia City and Whitley County than Col. McDonald. His success in life 
is mainly due to his extraordinary energy and in his determination to succeed. 
He is a strong Democrat, and has long been connected with the newspapers of 
the county, through the columns of which his individuality and influence have 
been widely felt. Col. McDonald has an excellent military record. During 
the entire rebellion, he was an earnest War Democrat. The wing of his party 
which declared the war a failure received no sympathy from him. He enlisted 
as a private at the first call to arms, but was chosen Second Lieutenant of 
Company E, Seventeenth Indiana Volunteers, going out as such to the field. 
He served his country until the autumn of 1864, when he resigned and came 
home, when, greatly to his pleasure and astonishment, he was presented with 
an elegant sword by the members of his command, who had sent the sword to 
Columbia City from the field, to be publicly presented to him on his arrival. 
Upon the sword were written, as follows, the battles in which he had fought : 



258 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Elk Water, Va.; Greenbrier, Va.; Camp Alleghany ; McDowell, Va.; Cross 
Keys; Cedar Mountain ; Catlett's Station ; Waterloo; Second Bull Run ; and 
Winchester. In July, 1861, Lieut. McDonald was appointed Senior Aid-de- 
Camp and Chief of Staff to Gen. J. J. Reynolds, in Western Virginia. In 
Headley's History of the Rebellion, honorable mention is made of Lieut. Mc- 
Donald, who at Camp Alleghany began the attack with a charge upon the rebels 
by moonlight. Gen. Milroy, in his report of the battle, had this to say of Col. 
McDonald : "I owe the warmest thanks to Lieut. McDonald, of your staff, 
for the able and efficient service which he rendered on the march and in the 
action by his activity, bravery and coolness in leading and rallying the troops." 
In January, 1862, he was transferred to the staff of Gen. Milroy, and served 
with him through the Virginia campaigns of 1862-63, as Captain and Com- 
missary of Subsistence. In August, 1862, when Gen. Pope's trains were 
captured at Catlett's Station, a correspondent of the Philadelphia Inquirer 
wrote as follows : " During the onset of the rebels, after the wagons of Pope's 
train had been fired, they started from the road to where Gen. Milroy 's trains 
lay, intending to pay their attention to them, but they were promptly met by a 
guard of about one hundred men, headed by the gallant Capt. I. B. McDon- 
ald, Commissary of Milroy's brigade. His bravery and determination saved 
the train." Gen. Milroy said of the Second Bull Run fight: " I avail myself 
of this opportunity to return my thanks to the members of my staff — Capts. 
Baird, Flesher and McDonald and Lieut. Cravens." The following is the dis- 
patch which led to Capt. McDonald's promotion : 

Bloody Run, Bedford Co., Perm., June 20, 1863. 
Governor of West Virginia, Wheeling, Va: 

I am at this place with nearly half my command, including most of the Twelfth Virginia. 
Capt. I. B. McDonald, my Commissary, is with me, and is the only staff officer of my command 
who saved all his papers and money. His conduct in the battles of Sunday and Monday last was 
most gallant and praiseworthy, and any promotion you can give him would be well deserved and 
most gratifying to me. He would make a splendid Colonel for my gallant old Third Virginia. 

[Signed] R. H. Milroy, Major General. 

He was advanced to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel some months later ; 
but, as above stated, returned home in autumn, 1864, after an active military 
career of three years and four months. He handled millions of dollars of govern- 
ment property and large sums of money, and has numerous private letters from 
his superior officers, to whom his accounts were * rendered when he resigned, 
attesting his honesty and fidelity. Col. McDonald takes no greater pride 
than in exhibiting his many letters from the parents or other relatives of boys 
whom he cared for during his leisure hours, while they were burning with fever 
in the hospitals or tortured with agony while lying wounded and helpless on 
the battle-field. The following letters are two of many. In 1864, a young 
soldier at Cumberland, Md., by the name of Burton Reynolds, of the Fifteenth 
New York Cavalry, took sick, and requested Col. McDonald to send for his 
mother. She came on, but the boy grew worse, and was taken home to New 



COLUMBIA CITY. 259 

York. Mrs. Reynolds was without friends or means, but Col. McDonald gave 

her money and assisted her in getting her boy home to die. The following is 

a letter from the mother of the dying young soldier: 

Camillus, N. Y., June — , 1864. 
Lieut. Col. McDonald : 

Dear Sir — We have delayed writing to you this long, hoping that we might be able to say 
our son is getting well ; but, alas ! we fear this is not to be. He is very sick with typhoid 
fever — seems rapidly passing away. He has spoken of you often ; says ne shall ever love you 
for your kindness to him. To-day he wished that he had a picture of you, that he might never 
forget your looks. I will not attempt to express our gratitude to you for all that you did for us 
in that dark and trying hour. If you ever visit New York, don't fail of letting us see you. 

Yours, with respect, Mrs. G. D. Reynolds. 

Another letter was received from the same lady, announcing and deploring 
the death of her boy soldier and repeating her expressions of gratitude and 
friendship. The following letter, written by the brother of another poor sol- 
dier boy, who had been kindly cared for by Col. McDonald, explains itself. It 
will be observed that the writer was once Secretary of the United States Navy : 

Clarksburg, W. Va., September 8, 1863. 
Capt. McDonald : 

My Dear Sir — I desire to return to you my lasting regards and the sincerest and lasting 

thanks of my mother, for your unceasing attentions to her during the illness of my brother, and 

for your many acts of kindness and friendship at his death. I met my mother and Clay's corpse 

at Grafton, on Sunday, the 6th inst. Owing to your sympathy, kindness and energy, all the 

necessary arrangements had been made, and much of the grief natural to a fond mother over 

the death of a son was assuaged by your attentions, gentlemanly deportment and management. 

We reached home Sunday evening at 5 o'clock P. M. Matters were immediately taken in 

hand by the military of the place, and Clay was buried by them on Monday morning at 10 

o'clock. My father and mother desire to be kindly remembered. 

Believe me, Captain, truly your friend, N. Goff. 

These and other letters similar in nature show the sympathy which Col. 
McDonald had for his suffering and unfortunate fellow-soldiers. Notwithstand- 
ing the pressure of his duties, he found time to visit the hospitals of pain and 
cheer the hearts of many poor soldiers with the thought of life and the dear 
ones at home. He made friends wherever he moved by the sterling qualities 
of his character. While Commissary of Subsistence, he did all in his power 
to have an abundance of stores on hand. The following is interesting in this 
connection : 

Headquarters Milroy's Independent Brigade, Woodville, Va., July 31, 1862. 
To all Whom it may Concern : 

Having, from time to time, ever since we have been connected with Gen. R. H. Milroy's 
Brigade, in Western as well as Eastern Virginia, noticed the constant and untiring efforts, as 
well as the proper deportment of Capt. Isaiah B. McDonald, C. S., in endeavoring to obtain the 
necessary supplies for his brigade, we, the Chaplains of the Second and Third Regiments of 
Virginia Volunteer Infantry, most cheerfully acknowledge the kind appreciation of his success 
in supplying the wants of both men and officers of the said regiments, of which we have the honor 
of being Chaplains. Therefore, we feel safe in recommending him to the confidence of all true 
and loyal men wherever his lot may be cast. 

James W. Curry, Chaplain Third Regiment Virginia Volunteers. 

James W. W. Bolton, Chaplain Second Regiment Virginia Volunteers. 



260 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Mrs. Catharine (Brenneman) McDonald, wife of Col. McDonald, is the 
second daughter and third child of Abraham and Elizabeth Brenneman, and was 
born near Lancaster, Penn., July 6, 1827. She went to Champaign County, 
Ohio, in 1836, but came to Whitley County in 1851. Her marriage with Col. 
McDonald occurred November 28, 1854, since which time she has resided in 
Columbia City. She is the mother of four children, all boys, as follows : 
James Eli McDonald, late teacher of the Columbia City High School, and now 
half-owner and business manager of the Ligonier Banner. He was clerk of 
Columbia City, and is now about twenty-seven years of age. Charles Emmett 
McDonald, second son, is a school teacher, and is at present local editor of the 
Columbia City- Herald. His age is twenty-five. Abraham Carter McDonald, 
third son, aged seventeen, is now attending the Columbia City High School, 
and stands well in his classes. Frank Warren McDonald, the fourth and 
youngest son, is fifteen years of age, is a bright little fellow, and is now learn- 
ing the printing business. Col. McDonald may justly attribute much of his 
success in life to the worthy and amiable lady who for so many years has 
"doubled his pleasures and his cares divided." 

E. L. McL ALLEN, son of Henry and Frances M. (Lyman) McLallen, was 
born February 2, 1836, in Tompkins Co., N. Y. His father was of Scotch 
and his mother of English descent ; parents of twelve children, only three of 
whom survive — Margaret A., the wife of David B. Clugston, of Larwill, and 
the two sons, E. L. and Henry. From New York the family emigrated to 
Whitley County, Ind., in 1844. The father was engaged in the grain and 
commission trade on Cayuga Lake, N. Y., but, after coming to Indiana, turned 
his attention to farming, and afterward merchandising in Tompkins County, 
N. Y. He was born August 3, 1808, and died October 30, 1875. Mrs. Mc- 
Lallen was born in Franklin County, Mass., May 7, 1807, and is yet living in 
Columbia City. They were married about 1831. During the building of the 
Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad, E. L. McLallen was one of the 
corps of civil engineers for that company ; he was engaged in various business 
affairs in Whitley County until 1874, when, with his brother, he removed to 
Columbia City and engaged in banking under the firm name of E. L. McLallen 
& Co. They are among the leading business houses of this city, and have met 
with deserved success. E. L. McLallen is a prominent member of the Masonic 
Fraternity, having taken the highest degrees of that order possible in this 
country. 

HENRY McLALLEN was born August 2, 1841, in Trumansburg, N. Y., 
and came with his parents to Indiana in 1844, where he has since resided. His 
literary education, like that of his brother E. L., was derived from the schools 
of that day, combined with home instruction. He took a thorough course in 
the Indianapolis Business College, and, from 1860 to 1870, was engaged at 
Larwill by the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & C. R. R. Company. He was then 
elected Treasurer of Whitley County, and re-elected upon the expiration of his 



COLUMBIA CITY. 261 

term of two years. In 1874, he became a member of the banking firm of E. 
L. McLallen & Co., in which business he has since been engaged. His wife 
was Miss Lavinia C. Clugston, to whom he was married June 7, 1866. She 
was born in New Castle County, Del., June 7, 1842, and died April 14, 1880, 
leaving a family of four children — Elisha L., Walter F., Henry DeWitt and 
Marshall Carr. Both Mr. McLallen and wife were members of the M. E. 
Church. Mr. McLallen is an esteemed brother of the Masonic Order, and a 
member of the Commandery at Fort Wayne. He also belongs to the I. 0. 0. 
F., and has passed through both subordinate lodge and Encampment. 

WILLIAM E. MERRIMAN came to Whitley County, Ind., from 
Wayne County, Ohio, in October, 1847, and purchased eighty acres of land 
in Washington Township. The winter following, he taught school in La 
Grange County, returning to Whitley County the next spring with the inten- 
tion of making a permanent home. He was there united in marriage, April 6, 
1851, to Miss Marguerite Shavey, a native of France, who was born August 4, 
1824. He worked on his place, improving and clearing, until 1859, when he 
was elected County Clerk of Whitley County by the Democratic party, in 
which capacity he served for four years, in the meantime selling his property 
in Washington Township and purchasing land, of which he now owns 315 
acres in Union Township, where he removed with his family in April, 1864, 
and where he still resides. Served as Township Trustee from April 4, 1867, 
to October 19, 1874. He was elected Representative of Whitley County in 
October, 1876, and served one term. In April, 1881, he was appointed 
County Auditor to fill the vacancy caused by the death of William H. Rutter, 
in which capacity he is now acting. He was born in Wayne County, Ohio, 
September 19, 1822, and is a son of Elisha and Penelope (Emerson) Merriman, 
who were natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Virginia, and parents of 
eight children, six yet living. Soon after the marriage of the parents, they 
emigrated to Wayne County, Ohio, for the purpose of making a home, and 
located on a farm, while the country was in a very unsettled condition. Here 
the mother died in May, 1861, at the advanced age of sixty-eight years. Mr. 
Merriman, after the death of his wife, removed from Wayne County, Ohio, with 
his children and settled with them in Washington Township, Whitley County, 
where he passed away at the home of his son James, in October, 1869, aged 
seventy-eight years. William E. and wife have a family of five children — 
Origen (deceased), Catherine, Penelope (deceased), James S. and Frank- 
lin. Two of the children — Catherine and James — are married, and 
reside in Whitley County. Mr. Merriman is a Democrat, and an honored 
member of the A., F. & A. M. 

ALF MILLER is a native of Stark County, Ohio, and the son of George 
F. and Elizabeth (Snyder) Miller, natives of Pennsylvania and Maryland. 
They came to this State in 1845, settling in Wells County, and four years 
later moved to Huntington County. In 1856, they went to Iowa ; in 1857, 

N 



262 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : 

returned to La Porte County, this State, and in 1858 came to Whitley, where 
the father died. There were nine children in the family, six of whom are still 
living, viz., Jeremiah, Jacob, Alexander, our subject, Martha McHenry and 
Louisa D. Prickett. Our subject learned blacksmithing in this county, which 
trade he followed for sixteen years, but is now proprietor of the "Occidental 
Billiard Hall and Saloon," his chief business being the running of his billiard 
tables, of which he has four, and with which he is doing a fine trade. In 1865, 
he married Miss Isabelle Cleland, a native of Whitley County, and born March 
23, 1848. They have five children, viz.: Willmetta, born in Larwill, Decem- 
ber 28, 1868; Jacob W., January 12, 1874; Etheline, March 2, 1876; 
Charles, October 13, 1877, all three in Columbia City ; Jeremiah, April 27, 
1879, in Huntington County. Mr. Miller is a Mason, and his establishment 
is carried on with the strictest regard to propriety. 

DR. A. P. MITTEN is a native of Knox County, Ohio, where he was 
born January 19, 1845. His father, James Mitten, was a native of West- 
minster, Md., a carpenter by trade. -He married Sarah A. Price, in Rich- 
land County, Ohio, after which he moved to Knox County, and in 1845 emi- 
grated to, Huntington County, Ind., and in 1852 removed to Huntington, 
where he afterward died in the fifty-sixth year of his age, and where his widow 
yet resides. Their family consisted of nine children, Dr. A. P. Mitten being 
the fourth child and first son. He came to Indiana with his parents and re- 
mained with them until manhood, receiving a good education in the public and 
select schools of Huntington. In the fall of 1862, he began the study of med- 
icine with Dr. D. S. Leyman, continuing with him four years. The winter of 
1865-66, he attended lectures at Rush Medical College in Chicago, and again 
in 1866-67, graduating at the close of the term. He then came to Columbia 
City and formed a partnership with Dr. D. G. Linvill, remaining uncil the 
winter of 1872-73, when he went to Bellevue Medical College, New York, 
taking both a regular and special course ; devoting himself particularly to sur- 
gery and diseases of women and children, he graduated at that institution, and 
returned to Columbia City, where has since been successfully engaged in the 
practice of his profession, in which he is an indefatigable worker. He was 
married, August 31, 1876, to Sarah E. Linvill, oldest daughter of Dr. D. G. 
Linvill, his former partner. This lady was born in Columbia City April 11, 
1859 ; is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the mother of one 
son, Frank Linvill. Dr. Mitten is a Republican, a member of the I. 0. 0. F., 
and also of the 0. F. Encampment, a member of the Presbyterian Church, and 
a most excellent and honorable man. 

GEORGE W. NORTH was born in Pennsylvania February 22, 1844, 
and is a son of John and Rachel (Sensebaugh) North, who are natives of Penn- 
sylvania, and parents of eight children, five yet living. They were married in 
Pennsylvania March 18, 1824, and removed from that State to Stark Co., 
Ohio, in the spring of 1850. The father, next winter, removed to Indiana, 



COLUMBIA CITY. 263 

and located in Columbia Township, where he purchased 160 acres of land that 
that he might give his children better opportunities for beginning life. He was 

a man of broad and decided views, and confined to no party or creed a man of 

honor, and possessed the unbounded confidence and esteem of all who knew 
him. He filled various offices in the gift of the people of his township satis- 
factorily, and died November 21, 1879, aged eighty-one years. His widow yet 
survives, and is a resident of Whitley County. G. W. North came with his 
parents to Whitley County in 1850, and was reared and educated on the farm 
two miles east of Columbia City. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company 
K, Eighty -eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, as private; went to the front 
with his regiment, and participated in the battles of Chickamauga, McLimore's 
Cove and Resaca ; received a wound in the hand at Resaca, and was severely 
wounded in the side at Chickamauga, from which he is yet a sufferer. His 
brother Edward, who enlisted in Company F, One Hundredth I. V. I., died 
in the service. After he returned from the army, he attended school, taught 
school and worked on the farm until 1874, when he opened a first-class hard- 
ware store in Columbia City, which business he has since successfully followed. 
He was married, in 1869, to Miss A. T. Harley, who died the year following. 
In January, 1882, Mr. North married his present wife, Miss Anna Rice. He 
is a Republican and a member of the A., F. & A. M. Like his father, he began 
life dependent on his own resources, and by his own unaided efforts has attained 
a position of prosperity and success. 

WALTER OLDS was born in Delaware (now Morrow) County, Ohio, 
August 11, 1846. He is the youngest of eleven children, five of whom are yet 
living, born to Benjamin and Abigail (Washburne) Olds, natives respectively of 
Pennsylvania and New York. They came to Ohio at an early day, where the 
father died in November, 1862 ; the mother is yet living. Walter Olds availed 
himself of the advantages of the public and union schools of Mt. Gilead. In 
July, 1864, he enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Seventy-fourth Ohio 
Volunteer Infantry. Participating in several severe skirmishes and engagments, 
he was discharged at the close of the war. After the war, he attended for some 
time the schools of Columbus, Ohio, and, in 1867, began reading law in the 
office of Olds & Dickey, of Mt. Gilead. In January, 1869, he was admitted 
to the bar in the Supreme Court, and, in April, 1869, came to Columbia City 
and formed a partnership with Hon. A. Y. Hooper (since deceased) in the 
practice of law. Since coming here, Mr. Olds has devoted himself to the prac- 
tice of his profession. He is a Republican in politics, and, in 1876, was elected 
a member of the State Senate, to represent the counties of Whitley and Kos- 
ciusko. In July, 1873, he was married to Marie J. Merritt, daughter of Zenas 
L. and Martha L. (Patterson) Merritt, and to them has been born one son — 
Lee M. Mrs. Olds is a native of Morrow County, Ohio, where she was born 
December 4, 1850. 

S. J. PEABODY was born in Noble County, Ind., September 29, 1851, 



264 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

and was one of eleven children, two yet living, born to John L. and Hannah 
(Ayers) Peabody ; the former born in Pompton, N. J., January 12, 1812, and 
dying at Areola, Allen County Ind., September 13, 1865; and the latter born 
in Pompton December 28, 1818. After their marriage, they lived in New 
York City till May, 1841, when they moved to Huron County, Ohio, and 
thence to Noble County, Ind., in 1843, where Mr. Peabody engaged in farm- 
ing till 1851, when he moved to Areola, Allen County, and entered the lumber 
trade. S. J. Peabody was reared in Allen County, where he received a good 
practical education. At the age of fifteen, he began doing for himself, running 
an engine, acting as head sawyer, etc., thus acquiring sufficient means to estab- 
lish a shingle factory at Areola, in 1869, which he ran for two years. In 1871, 
he moved to Taylor, this county, where he established a saw-mill ; leaving this 
in charge of a nephew, George Peabody, he came to Columbia City and engaged 
in a general lumber trade, which he has since continued with success, his last 
year's shipments amounting to 1,200 car loads, or a total of 7,000,000 feet. 
Beginning life with nothing, he now owns, besides his lumber interests, over 
1,100 acres of land. When he came to Columbia City in 1879, his brother, 
J. B., came with him, and together they purchased two saw-mills, but 
foave since disposed of one. May 22, 1875, our subject married Miss 
Hannah S. Swift, who was born in Wareham, Mass., and a lineal descendant of 
Peregrine White, the first child born in this country of the Mayflower Pil- 
grims. Mrs. Peabody bore her husband one child, Lina Genevieve, who was 
born April 8, 1876, and who died February 20, 1879, the mother following a 
month later. 

C. H. POND, architect and builder, was born in Connecticut, the son of 
Charles and Florilla (Preston) Pond, who both died when our subject was quite 
_young. He began his young life, on his own resources, by working on a farm 
at the age of fifteen ; a year later he tried clockmaking ; then went to learn, 
carpentering, serving two years. He followed this trade several years in Wis- 
consin, Wayne County, Ohio, etc., and in 1855 came to Columbia City, where 
he has since remained, with the exception of three years passed in Chicago. 
During his residence in Columbia City he was engaged for five years clerking 
in a drug store, but the balance of the time has been passed at his present busi- 
ness. He has planned and erected some of the leading and many of the best 
buildings in the town. He married, in 1844, Miss Jane Hartsock, a native of 
Ohio, and to their union were born four children, viz.: Rodney D. (deceased), 
Sumner (who died at the age of twelve), Florilla and Olen J. Both he and 
wife are members of the Baptist Church ; he is a Mason in the ninth degree, 
and has filled various offices in that fraternity — as Master of his lodge and as 
High Priest in his Chapter — and is now filling the office of Secretary of both 
lodge and chapter. As an architect, Mr. Pond has fine natural talents, and the 
many plans, drawings, etc., in his possession, all designed and executed by 
.himself, evidence the highest degree of merit. 



COLUMBIA CITY. 265- 

I. W. PRICKETT was born in Clark County, Ohio, the son of John, 
and Sarah (Wood) Prickett, natives respectively of Ohio and New Jersey. 
They were married in Ohio and followed farming there until 1836, when they 
came to Indiana, and the father entered largely into wild lands in Kosciusko 
County, and in Sparta and Washington Townships, Noble County, taking up 
their residence in the last-named township, where the remainder of their lives 
was passed, both dying in the Free- Will Baptist faith, the first church of which 
denomination in Noble County was located by Mr. Prickett. Their deaths 
occurred respectively in 1854 and 1855, and they had a family of eleven chil- 
dren, seven of whom reached maturity, viz.: Jane Voris, Isaac W., Jacob P. r 
William, Mary Metz, Thomas and Ann Beezley. Our subject was only three 
years old when he came to the county with his parents, with whom he remained 
till nineteen, and then went to Springfield, Clark County, Ohio, and learned 
the saddler's trade. He next took up his residence in Wabash County, Ind., 
for one year; then went to South Whitley and engaged in trade, and in 1874 
came to Columbia City, where he has built up a fine trade. He has a large 
salesroom, a brick block, and carries an extensive assortment of harness, sad- 
dlery, trunks, robes, etc. He was married, in 1855, to Miss Lois Martin, a 
native of Troy Township, and they have had four children, viz.: Herschel,. 
Estelle Peabody, Walter and Stephena. 

JACOB RAMP, dealer in lumber and manufacturer of barrel hoops, wag 
born in Cumberland County, Penn., and was the son of Philip and Elizabeth 
(Markward) Ramp, early settlers in this county. He resided on his father's- 
farm in Pennsylvania till eighteen years of age, and then went to learn the 
coachmakers' trade, at which he served four years, and afterward worked at 
carpentering for five years. The next seven years he followed farming, 
and in 1864 came to Indiana and engaged in the lumber business, which he has 
ever since followed, with the exception of two and a half years passed on his 
farm in Richland Township, this county, which he still owns and which com- 
prises 160 acres of well-improved land. In the spring of 1882, he added to- 
his lumber trade the manufacture of barrel hoops and is now steadily pushing 
that department. He has served in the Corporation Council two years, as- 
School Trustee three years, and was once elected Justice of the Peace, but did 
not serve. In 1852, he married Miss Rebecca Grawbaugh, a native of Cum- 
berland County, Penn. They have five children living, viz. : Margaret M. 
Bodley, George W., Martha E., Laura F. and Philip G. One son, Joseph 
E., twenty-one years of age, in August, 1881, was killed in his father's mill. 
Mr. Ramp is a member of the I. 0. 0. F., and, with his wife, a member of the 
Lutheran Church, and is regarded as one of Columbia's most enterprising 
citizens. 

PHILIP RAMP is a wholesale and retail dealer in lumber, and runs a\ 
saw-mill and planing mill in Columbia City. His parents, Philip and Eliza- 
beth (Markward) Ramp, were natives of Cumberland County, Penn., and came 



266 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

to Troy (now Richland) Township, this county, and settled on a farm in 1853, 
where the mother died in 1869. The father died while on a visit to Pennsyl- 
vania in 1863. Both were members of the German Reformed Church. They 
had seven children, as follows : Isaac, now in Southern Indiana ; Philip ; 
Jacob ; William ; Margaret Dennis, of Huntington County ; Abram, in Illinois, 
and Samuel. Our subject was born in 1828, in Cumberland County, Penn. ; 
worked on the farm till 1850, when he started for himself and came to this 
State, where, for three years, he hired out as a farmer. Then he farmed for 
himself awhile in Union Township ; went to Iowa, remained six years, and 
then came to Columbia City in 1861. In 1862, he commenced his present 
business, and has energetically pursued it, so that he now constantly employs 
ten or twelve assistants. He does quite a shipping business, and his mills are 
always busy. In February, 1851, he married Rachel North, a native of West- 
moreland, Penn., and of their offspring five are living, viz. : Frank, Elizabeth, 
Al. H., Edward and George W. He and wife are members of the Lutheran 
Church, and the family are regarded with respect and esteem by their neigh- 
bors and the citizens generally. 

BENJAMIN RAUPFER was born in Baden, Germany, November 3, 
1838, was reared and received a good education in his native town. His father, 
Peter Raupfer, died in 1851, and that fall our subject went to Switzerland and 
engaged in teaming and selling silks and other goods, continuing thereat until 
1865, when he embarked at Havre de Grace on the English ship " Belonia," 
bound for New York. After a stormy voyage of twenty-two days, he arrived 
in safety at his destination and soon after came to Columbia City, and took 
charge of an engine, which he ran for three years. He then opened a saloon, 
which he managed until 1879, when, in partnership with Fred Walter, he 
purchased the " Eagle" beer brewery, which the new firm enlarged and re- 
modeled, and converted into one of the finest in the country, giving it a capa- 
city of 6,000 barrels per annum, and the product is pronounced to be the best 
in Northern Indiana. In 1869, November 9, he married Mary Myers, who has 
borne him two children, Joseph and William, and the family are highly 
respected. 

JAMES RE IDE R was born in Wayne County, Ohio, February 19, 1841, 
and is a son of Christian and Martha Reider, who were natives respectively of 
Pennsylvania and Ohio, and were the parents of a family of eight children, all 
living. The father was a farmer and stock-dealer by occupation through life. 
He removed with his parents to Wayne County, Ohio, from Dauphin County, 
Penn., when twelve years of age, and subsequently married there, and came 
with his family to Columbia City, Ind., in 1865, where he died June 10, 1873. 
His widow yet lives in Columbia City. James was reared on a farm, receiving 
a good education, and was married February 25, 1864, to Mary M. Kister, of 
Wayne County, and in May of the same year enlisted in Company A, One Hundred 
and Sixty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry ; was assigned to the Army of the 



COLUMBIA CITST. 267 

Potomac, stationed at Fort Ethan Allen, Va., and discharged September 10, 
1864, after which he removed to Whitley County, Ind., where he has since 
resided, farming in Columbia Township until 1869. He then removed to Thorn 
Creek Township, remaining until 1872, when he returned to his former farm, 
remaining until the fall of 1874, when he was elected County Clerk, and after 
his term of four years had expired, engaged in the hardware trade, and is now a 
member of the firm of Knisely, Reider & Co., doing good business in hardware 
and agricultural implements. Mr. Reider is Democratic in politics. Himself 
and wife are members of the Baptist Church, and have a family of four children, 
viz. : Eddie W. and Otto F., twins ; Harry W. and Lula M. 

JOHN RHODES is a native of Franklin County, Ohio, where he was 
born, November 9, 1814, and is one of eight children (four yet living) born to 
Peter and Catherine (Hoffman) Rhodes, who were both natives of Pennsylvania, 
and of German descent. Peter Rhodes followed distilling and weaving in 
earlier life, but after his marriage, moved to Franklin County, and engaged in 
farming. He served in the war of 1812, moved to Putnam County, Ohio, 
where he died in 1838, and his widow the year following. John Rhodes re- 
mained on the farm until 1837, receiving but a limited education. At the age 
of twenty-three, he began learning the mill-wright trade, and at the age of 
twenty-five had thoroughly mastered the business. In March, 1839, he con- 
tracted marriage with Mary Ann Clevinger, who died in 1840. In July, 1841, 
he came to Columbia City, purchased the lot he now owns, cleared up the trees, 
and erected a frame building, 18x36 feet, one story. He then returned to 
Ohio, and in December, 1841, was married to Ann Enslen, returning in August, 
1842, to Columbia City, which, at that time, was a comparatively new country. 
Since then, by industry, economy and energy, he has become one of the most 
substantial citizens. Himself and wife were parents of four children — Francis 
L., Sarah E., Alfaretta A. and Edith A. Of these, only two are living — 
Francis, who married Lillie Cunningham, and Edith A., now Mrs. Ruch. The 
mother died November 22, 1874. 

CHARLES RUCH is the son of Jacob and Hannah (Walter) Ruch, and 
was born in Augusta Township, Northumberland Co., Penn., November 1, 
1808. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and of German and English 
descent respectively. Their family consisted of eight children, five of whom 
are yet living. The occupation of the father was that of stone-mason, but in 
later years he engaged in farming, which he followed until his death. Charles 
Ruch was reared on the farm until eighteen years of age, receiving the ordinary 
common-school advantages. He learned the cabinet-maker's trade, working at 
that several years. He then read medicine for two years, but discontinued 
that, finding the occupation of house-painting and paper-hanging more lucra- 
tive. In 1838, December 4, he was married to Sarah N. Fertig, and engaged 
for some years afterward in mercantile pursuits. In 1845 (October), he came 
to Fort Wayne, where he followed cabinet-making. In March, 1849, he re- 



268 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : 

moved to Smith Township to settle his father's estate, where he remained until 
November 1854, when he moved to Columbia City, which has since been his 
home. Here he engaged respectively in painting, livery business, merchandis- 
ing, etc. Mr. Ruch began life on the bottom round of the ladder, and, by 
strict integrity and perseverance, has acquired a competence, and a character 
fully in sympathy with all laudable and progressive enterprises. Democratic in 
politics, he served as Postmaster in Columbia City for two years under Pierce's 
administration. Of a family of thirteen children born to Mr. and Mrs. Ruch, 
only the following survive, viz.: Albert F. ; Margaret L., now Mrs. Lowden- 
slager ; Mary K., now Mrs. Heitzfeld; Joseph H. ; George W. ; Jacob A., and 
Ann E., now Mrs. Heacock. Both Mr. and Mrs. Ruch are members of the 
Lutheran faith. The two sons, Joseph H. and George W., own and operate 
one of the leading drug stores in Columbia City. They are also proprietors of 
a new grocery-house, where everything pertaining to a first-class business is 
found. Their success is no doubt due to their unvarying fair dealing, liberality 
and enterprise — characteristics of the family. 

I. B. RUSH came with his parents to Grant County, Ind., in early life,, 
where he remained on the farm until twenty-five years of age. He then went 
West, but returned in 1859, and in response to President Lincoln's first call 
for troops in 1861, volunteered, went to Indianapolis, was sworn into service, 
but the volunteers exceeding the number required, many were debarred from 
active service, and Mr. Rush returned home, re-enlisted in August, 1861, 
in Company F, Thirty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, as private; was 
immediately sent to the front, commissioned Sergeant Major, and entered 
active service. In June, 1862, was promoted to Second Lieutenancy. In 
August, 1863, was made First Lieutenant and Adjutant of his regiment, and 
soon after was placed on detached service on staff duty, serving as Assistant 
Adjutant General to Brig. Gen. E. B. Brown, of St. Louis. Mr. Rush par- 
ticipated in all the important engagements from Cairo to New Orleans, includ- 
ing the siege of Vicksburg. He was also at Fort Donelson, Port Hudson,. 
Champion Hills, and the capture of Jackson, Miss. At Champion Hills he 
was severely wounded in the right knee, from the effects of which he yet 
suffers. While at Vicksburg, Mr. Rush was detailed on " Flag of Truce 
Duty," and sent into the interior by Gen. Grant's orders. Mr. R. still pre- 
serves these orders in the General's own handwriting. He participated in the 
very last battle of the war, on the grounds of Palo Alto, where Gen. Taylor 
fought his celebrated battle in 1847, and was mustered out of service in 1866, 
when he returned home, remaining until 1869, when he came to Columbia 
City and accepted the position he now holds in the Columbia City Bank, where 
he has since remained. Mr. Rush was born in Randolph County, N. C, 
June 11, 1833, and is the oldest child of Nixon and Demaris (Byrne) Rush, 
who were natives of North Carolina, and of English and German-Irish descent 
respectively, and both families of Revolutionary war memory, both great- 



COLUMBIA CITY. 269 

grandfathers, Rush and Byrne, serving in the struggle between the Colonies 
and Great Britain, and both grandfathers serving in the war of 1812. Nixon 
Rush was reared in the South, on his grandfather's large plantation, where he 
held ownership in sixty-eight slaves, to all of whom he gave their freedom in 
1835. Thirty-eight of these were sent to Indiana with Nixon Rush, their 
expenses being paid by his father. They were left in Orange County. All 
took their old master's name, and many have attained considerable prominence 
among the colored people. Nixon Rush and wife are both living in Grant 
County. Mr. I. B. Rush was married in June, 1870, to Nancy Elliott, of 
Beaver, Penn., and their family consists of two daughters, Demaris and Mar- 
garet. Mr. Rush is a Republican, and Mrs. Rush is a member of the Presby- 
terian Church. 

WILLIAM SELL was born in Stark County, Ohio, August 2, 1837. 
one of ten children (five of whom only are now living), born to Henry B. and 
Nancy (Eberhart) Sell, natives of Pennsylvania and Maryland, and of German 
descent. Henry B. Sell was a farmer by occupation, and at the age of seven- 
teen moved to Stark County, Ohio, and at nineteen was married. On his 
arrival in Ohio, he had only 25 cents, and at the time of his marriage had 
earned enough to buy a pair of young steers. He worked at clearing, etc., 
till 1844, when he came to Indiana, stopping at Fort Wayne, Liberty Mills, 
and finally in Columbia Township, where he purchased some land and went 
through all the hardships incident to pioneer life, and by persistent labor 
acquired 845 acres of good land. His wife, who ably assisted him in all his 
undertakings, died about the year 1872, Mr. Sell surviving her about four 
years and dying in 1876. They were members respectively of the Lutheran 
and Presbyterian Churches, and had the respect of all who knew them. Our 
subject, William Sell, was reared in Whitley County, from the age of six years, 
and obtained his education at the common schools. September 2, 1860, he 
married Miss Martha Jane Riteneour, and to their union were born seven chil- 
dren, viz. : Benjamin F., Henry J., William J., Catharine, Charley (deceased), 
Milledore and Theodore, twins, the last now dead. The mother died in August, 
1871, and Mr. Sell married his present wife, Miss Anna Riteneour, sister of 
his deceased wife, who has borne him four children — Cora A., Irvin (deceased), 
Fanny (deceased) and Oscar. Mr. Sell owns and works 160 acres of land in 
the township, and is doing a good business in town, in handling all the latest 
and best improved agricultural machinery known to the trade. He is a Demo- 
crat, and a member of the Lutheran Church. 

CAPT. PETER SIMONSON (deceased) was a native of New Jersey, and 
studied civil engineering at Providence, R. I. At the age of fourteen, he had 
become so proficient that, with an odometer, he traversed and measured " Little 
Rhody," and drew a very accurate map of the State. At the age of eighteen, 
he was a man in form, and could scarcely be surpassed in his occupation as 
civil engineer. He went to Ohio, and was given charge of a division of construe- 



270 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

tion on what is now the Pennsylvania Railroad. Shortly after this, in com- 
pany with William P. Shinn, who is now one of the wealthy manufacturers of 
St. Louis, and several other young engineers, he came to Indiana (1855), and 
was given charge of a division on the then Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad. 
He remained with this road until it was finished, and then engaged for a short 
time in the lumber and saw-mill business, and was placed about $5,000 in debt. 
After this he was again in the employ of the railroad last mentioned, furnish- 
ing fencing, telegraph poles, and wood for repair work, from Crestline to Chi- 
cago. He thus not only paid his debts, but had some money besides. At this 
time the rebellion burst forth, and he began raising the Fifth Indiana Light 
Artillery. One hundred and forty-eight men were enlisted in Whitley, Noble, 
Kosciusko and Allen Counties, and, under the command of Capt. Simonson, 
marched to the field. The movements of this battery will be found narrated in 
the military chapter of this volume. After three years' service, he was ap- 
pointed Chief of Artillery of the Second Division of the Fourth Army Corps, 
the highest possible promotion in the artillery service. This gave him com- 
mand of thirty-six guns. It was under his express orders that the shot was 
fired which instantly killed the rebel Gen. Polk. He was a natural leader, 
brave, honest and intensely loyal ; but at last, at Marietta, Ga., while placing 
his battery in an exposed but excellent position, he was killed instantly by a 
musket ball which pierced his forehead. He died lamented by all his associates 
in arms and at home, and especially by his devoted family. He had lived at 
Columbia City for a number of years, having married, in July, 1857, Miss 
Annie Swihart, of that place, by whom he had one child — Mary. He was a 
noble-hearted man, a Mason, and came of good family, his father having been 
a prominent Baptist clergyman in the East. 

HENRY SNYDER, like many others, began life a poor boy, dependent 
entirely upon his own business ability and industry. He inherited much me- 
chanical skill from his father, and at the age of seventeen learned the furniture 
and cabinet-maker's trade, which in his hands has led on to success. He came 
to Columbia City in 1853, and from small beginnings his business has attained 
its present proportions. It is conducted on Van Buren street, in a two-story 
brick building, owned by himself, 25x147 feet. Here he has a large and finely 
assorted stock of goods, and, in addition, does a general manufacturing busi- 
ness. In his workshops he has an engine, planing mill and all modern ma- 
chinery. In connection with this is a first-class undertaking establishment; 
and his annual sales are from $12,000 to $15,000. His son, William D., is 
associated with him, under the firm name of H. Snyder & Son. Henry Sny- 
der was born in Cumberland County, Penn., February 23, 1828. His parents 
were natives of the "Keystone State" and of German descent. Of their fam- 
ily of nine children, eight are yet living. The father's trade was that of a 
carpenter, but in later years he preferred farming. He moved, with his family, 
to Richland County, Ohio, about 1834, and to Kosciusko County, Ind., in 



COLUMBIA CITY. 271 

1852, where he engaged in farming until his death, which occurred in 1873. 
Henry Snyder was married in Ohio, January 1, 1850, to Elizabeth R. Stough, 
and they have a family of two children — Sarah J., now Mrs. Waidlich, and 
William D. Mr. S. is a Republican, a member of the I. 0. 0. F. and himself 
and wife are members of the Lutheran Church. 

A. J. STOUFFS was born, June 10, 1831, in Belgium, Province of 
Brabant, son of Anthony J. and Josephine (De Corte) Stouffs, natives of Bel- 
gium and the parents of seven children, six of whom are yet living. Anthony 
Stouffs was Treasurer under the Belgium Government, but resigned in 1880, 
and himself and wife are yet living in their native country. A. J. Stouffs 
received a good education in Europe, and was engaged in importation of silks 
from Eastern countries and wholesaling in Belgium and France ; was married, 
December 27, 1852, to Miss Zelia Steyls, and, on December 21, 1859, took 
passage, with his family, on board the steamer "Kangaroo," bound from Lon- 
don to New York, arriving in this country January 11, 1860, since which time 
the West has been his home. He came to Illinois, engaged in farming and 
buying wheat, and was for a time in Chicago, selling goods. In 1864, he came 
to Hobart, Ind., where he was engaged, in the capacity of freight clerk, by 
the P., Ft. W. & C. R. R. Co., and in 1865 came to Columbia City in the 
same capacity, where he has ever since remained. In 1867, he assisted in the 
establishment of a flax mill, which was burned in 1868. He is now retired 
from active labor, but assists his son, Arthur, who owns and runs a first-class 
grocery store near the depot, and "lends a hand" on the home farm of 175 
acres. Mr. and Mrs. Stouffs are parents of five children — Anna, Arthur, 
Mary, George and Blanche. Mr. Stouffs is a Democrat and himself and wife 
are members of the Roman Catholic Church. 

EPHRAIM STRONG first saw the light in Chenango County, N. Y., 
May 6, 1816, and is one of a family of seven children, three yet living, born 
to David and Sarah (Slater) Strong, who were natives respectively of New 
York and Rhode Island. David Strong was a carpenter by trade, and died in 
1826, leaving a widow and six children in limited circumstances. The widow 
remained in that vicinity until her death, which occurred at the age of sixty- 
seven years. Ephraim Strong's educational advantages in youth were slight, 
and he was early thrown on his own resources. He remained in his native 
State until 1837, when he started West and arrived in Fort Wayne October 7, 
1837, .where he remained until 1839, working at job work and saw-milling, 
when he went to Adams County, Ind. ; on July 2, 1840, married Miss Angeline 
Hill, daughter of George Hill, then living in Adams County, Ind. He re- 
mained there, engaged in farming, until 1844, when he removed to Whitley 
County, locating in Thorn Creek Township. In the fall of 1845, he removed 
to Columbia Township, and purchased the property now comprising the County 
Poor Farm, at that time entirely devoid of any improvement. Here he built a 
cabin and began clearing and improving the place for a future home. He sold 



272 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

this property in 1850 and removed to Columbia City, engaging in the meat 
and grocery business until the death of his wife, which occurred in 1856. He 
afterward purchased a farm in Thorn Creek Township, to which he removed after 
his marriage, May 3, 1857, to his present wife, Eleanor Kyler, of Kosciosko 
County, and the disposal of his town property. He farmed for two years and 
sold again, only to purchase on a larger scale, and in 1863 added 145 acres 
more adjoining, to which he had previously added eighty acres. In 1871, he 
removed to Columbia City, and in 1874 engaged in mercantile business, which 
he has since followed, and by his own persistent and unaided efforts has ac- 
quired a competence. He is the father of ten children, five by each wife, 
seven yet living. One son (Aaron) served through the war in the Seventeenth 
Indiana Volunteer Infantry. Mr. and Mrs. Strong are both members of the 
Universalist Church. 

HON. H. SWIHART has for nearly half a century been identified with 
the progress and development of Whitley County. He is a native of Mont- 
gomery County, Ohio, where he was born in 1807. His parents, Adam and 
Catherine (Shidler) Swihart, were natives of Pennsylvania, and pioneers of 
Montgomery County, Ohio, where they settled in 1804 ; in 1828, they removed 
to Preble County, Ohio, where the remainder of their days was passed. Our 
subject is the fourth child of a family of eight, and in his youth and early man- 
hood was familiar with the pioneer life of Ohio. In 1831, he was united in 
marriage with Dorothy Ulrich, a native of Pennsylvania; this marriage occurred 
in the same house where our subject was born, being at the time the property 
of his wife's father. From this period until 1835, Mr. Swihart engaged at 
farming and conducting a saw-mill. He then emigrated to Indiana, settling, 
in 1836, upon eighty acres of land which he entered in Cleveland Township in 
1835, his family consisting of wife and two children — Catherine and Anna. 
For five years following, he was employed in clearing up land, etc., to earn a 
livelihood. In the spring of 1841, he removed to Columbia City and engaged 
for about four years in erecting saw and grist mills. He then embarked in 
the mercantile business, at which he continued over ten years, during the latter 
portion in association with John M. Willett, and again with Daniel Halteman. 
About this time he was elected a Director of the railroad then in course of con- 
struction between Fort Wayne and Chicago, and for about five years engaged 
at contracting upon its construction. In 1859, he was elected County Recorder, 
serving four years. He also, in 1859, embarked in the lumber business, which 
he followed until 1876, when he retired from active labors. From 1845 until 
1848, Mr. Swihart was an Associate Judge of the Circuit Court, resigning 
before the expiration of his term. In 1848, he was elected upon the Repub- 
lican ticket to represent his district in the State Legislature, the district at this 
period usually giving about five hundred Democratic majority; he served in 
this office two terms. Mr. Swihart has served in several minor offices of trust, 
among which we mention as Justice of the Peace three years, and as the agent 



COLUMBIA CITY. 273 

for the county and Elihu Chauncey for the sale of lots in Columbia City. He 
has always advanced, as far as able, measures of enterprise and progress ; has 
aided liberally all good works, and has aided materially in furnishing historical 
matter for this work. His wife died in 1855; four children are now living — 
Mrs. Catherine Scantling, Anna M. Thiele, Elizabeth Tharp, and Isaac, a 
farmer of Etna Township; the last was a member of the Fifth Indiana Battery, 
and served over three years. Two sons died in the service — Adam, a Lieu- 
tenant in the One Hundreth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in service over two 
years, died at home from effects of service, and Gabriel of the Fifth Indiana 
Battery. The latter enlisted in the Twelfth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and 
spent six months in service, and six months in Southern prisons, then joined 
the Fifth Indiana Battery and was killed in 1864 near New Hope Church, 
Georgia. 

FRANCIS TULLEY, one of the oldest settlers of Whitley County, Ind., 
and a present resident of Columbia City, was born April 3, 1810, in Ross 
County, Ohio, and there grew to manhood. He was of a family of eight chil- 
dren, but two yet living, born to Francis and Elizabeth (Wayland) Tulley, who 
were natives of Virginia, and were of English and German descent. Francis 
Tulley's early years were spent on his parents' farm, his educational advan- 
tages being necessarily limited. He was married, February 26, 1833, to Miss 
Mary E. Nickey, who was born in Augusta County, Va., July 12, 1812, and 
was one of eleven children, five yet living. Her parents were Samuel and 
Catharine (Bolsley) Nickey, and were of German descent. After the death of 
the father in Virginia, the mother, with the remainder of the family, removed 
to Ross County, Ohio, in 1832. Mr. and Mrs. Tulley emigrated to Indiana 
in 1834, locating in Smith Township, Whitley County, which, at that time was 
an almost unbroken wilderness. Here they built a log cabin, set up their house- 
hold gods and began to battle with the rude forces of nature around them, un- 
dergoing all the privations and toil incident to pioneer life. Here their chil- 
dren were born, four in number — Rosanna (now Mrs. John Krider), William 
A., a gunsmith ; Cyrus B., an attorney, all residents of Columbia City, and 
Wesley C, of Smith Township. In June, 1872, the parents left the old home, 
in which they had encountered life's joys and sorrows and had amassed an am- 
ple competence by their labors, and came to Columbia City, where they have 
since lived quiet, retired lives, loved and esteemed by all. Mr. Tulley is a 
Democrat, and himself and wife are members of the United Brethren Church. 

WILLIAM A. TULLEY was born on the old Tulley homestead, in Smith 
Township, November 24, 1836, receiving the advantages of the common schools 
of that day. He engaged in teaching and working on the home farm until his 
marriage with Miss Eliza J. Reed, which took place February 12, 1859. Mrs. 
Tulley died June 10, 1863, leaving one daughter — Elnora E. Previous to the 
death of his wife, Mr. Tulley began learning ambrotyping and photography, 
but relinquished that project and returned to the farm, where he remained until 



274 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

his marriage with his present wife, Mrs. Allie (Bodley) Spear, daughter of Capt. 
J. Bodley and widow of James Spear. This occurred October 18, 1870, and 
one child was born to this union — William B. In 1873, Mr. Tulley went to 
Clark County, Wis., where he learned the gunsmith's trade, which he has since 
followed. In April, 1877, he located in Columbia City, where he does a good 
business, carrying a fine stock of everything in his line, and making a success 
of the undertaking. He owns town property in Churubusco, besides eighty 
acres in Smith Township. Mr. Tulley is a Democrat, and Mrs. Tulley is a 
member of the Methodist persuasion. 

CYRUS B. TULLEY was born in Smith Township, Whitley County, 
Ind., August 18, 1839. Spent his youth on the old homestead, availing him- 
self of the best advantages the schools of that day offered. He was married, 
October 25, 1859, to Fannie W. Krider, and afterward engaged in farming 
and teaching until he came to Columbia City in 1865 and began the study of 
law, and engaged in surveying. In the spring of 1866, he was elected Town 
Clerk, and the year following was elected one of the Town Trustees. In the 
fall of 1867, he was elected County Surveyor, in 1871, City Marshal, and, in 
the fall of 1872, was elected to the State Legislature, serving in the regular 
and special sessions of 1872—73. In 1875, he was again elected Town 
Trustee, and in 1878 was re-elected to the Legislature, serving in the regular 
and special sessions of 1879. Mr. Tulley was admitted to the bar of Whitley 
County in 1869, and has made the practice of law his profession. He is at 
present acting Justice of the Peace and strictly Democratic in politics, while 
Mrs. Tulley is a member of the United Brethren Church. Mr. T. owns twenty 
acres of land in Union Township, besides a large number of town lots in Colum- 
bia City, and one-fourth of the Central Building block in which his office 
is located. Himself and wife are the parents of two daughters — Abie and 
Rose. 

R. TUTTLE, one of the old settlers of Whitley County, was born in New 
York in 1816, and was the son of Wolcott and Polly (Sanford) Tuttle, also na- 
tives of that State. The mother died in New York, and in 1830 the father 
came West, locating on a farm in Sandusky County, Ohio. On this farm our 
subject was reared till 1837, when he came with his brother Horace to La 
Grange County, this State, and two years later removed to this county and 
erected a cabin on some wild land in this township, which they cleared up and 
worked for ten years. They then came to Columbia City and engaged in mer- 
cantile business and in running a hotel, which latter they continued till 1860, 
when they were burned out ; and the mercantile firm was continued till 1863, 
when Horace died. Since then our subject has been engaged in the boot and 
shoe trade — now in connection with a nephew, C. W. Tuttle. In 1881, our 
subject bought the Columbia City Flouring Mill, which he operates also in con- 
nection with C. W. Tuttle. Mr. R. Tuttle has served as Township Trustee, 
and also several terms in the City Council ; he has done much toward the ad- 



COLUMBIA CITY. 275 

vancement of the county and town, has always been identified with every move- 
ment looking toward public improvement, and is one of Columbia's most res- 
pected citizens. 

C. W. TUTTLB is a son of Horace and Letitia (Caldwell) Tuttle, of New 
York. The father was an early settler in Whitley County, coming here in 
1839 with his brother Ranson, and assisting in promoting the farming and 
mercantile interests of Columbia City and township. He died in 1863, and 
his wife in November, 1862. They were the parents of six children, five of 
whom are still living, viz.: Randolph, in the West ; our subject; Margaret E. 
Lavey, of Huntington ; Franklin P., in Colorado, and Laura M. The sixth, 
William S., died in Texas, aged twenty-seven years. Our subject is a native 
of Columbia Towuship, and has been engaged in mercantile pursuits all his life. 
He is now connected with his uncle, Ranson. in the boot and shoe trade, and 
in managing the Columbia City Flouring Mills. The mill has a capacity of 
five run of stone, and is well and favorably known throughout the country. Mr. 
Tuttle enlisted August, 1862, in Company K, Eighty-eighth Indiana Volunteer 
Infantry, and took part in the battle at Perry ville, Ky. He married Miss Allie 
B. Nesler in December, 1869, and is the father of two children — Ranson E. 
and Laura B. He is a Royal Arch Mason, and is looked upon as one of the 
most promising young business men of Whitley County. 

CHRISTIAN D. WAIDLICH was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, 
December 12, 1824, and is one of twelve children born to John D. and Mary 
Waidlich, who lived and died in Germany. The father was a very prominent 
and highly educated man, for many years in the employ of the German gov- 
ernment as professor in educational matters, respected and esteemed by all. 
He died in 1854 or 1855, and his widow died in 1862. Both were devoted 
members of the Lutheran Church. Christian D. is the third son of his par- 
ents ; was educated and learned the cabinet-maker's trade in his native coun- 
try. His eldest brother, a blacksmith, came to America in 1840, and wrote 
home such glowing descriptions of the country that Christian and his brother 
were induced to emigrate in the spring of 1842, being thirty-six days on the 
ocean. They landed in New York, and from there went to Franklin County, 
Penn., where Christian engaged in carpentering until 1845, when he decided to 
go West, and located in Columbia City, where he worked at his trade until 
1856, when he entered into a partnership in the dry goods and grocery busi- 
ness; he has since his arrival been actively identified with the business interests 
of the city, and from a penniless boy has raised himself to a position of influ- 
ence and wealth ; at present he is a stock-owner of the Eel River Woolen 
Mills, of which corporation he is Vice President. Since the war, Mr. Waid- 
lich has been a Republican, and has filled the office of Town Trustee at differ- 
ent times. He is a member of the I. 0. 0. F., also the 0. F. Encampment. 
He was married in 1847 to Ann Moore. In the summer of 1852, she passed 
away, leaving two children — William H. (deceased) and Mary E., now Mrs. 



276 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Harley. Mr. Waidlich was again married, in 1854, to Mrs. Elizabeth (Myers) 
Bixby, who is yet living. Both Mr. and Mrs. W. are members of the Luther- 
an Church. 

DR. WILLIAM WEBER, son of Michael and Anna (Falter) Weber, was 
born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, June 16, 1839. Together with his parents, 
he emigrated to America in 1810, and, after a voyage of sixty days, arrived in 
New York, and from there proceeded to Seneca County, Ohio, where Mrs. 
Weber's relatives lived, removing from there to Huntington County, Ind., where 
the parents engaged in farming, and where Mr. Weber yet lives. Mrs. Weber 
died of cholera in 1853. Mr. W. has since married Barbara Smith, a widow 
lady, who is yet living. Dr. William Weber is one of eleven children, seven of 
whom are living ; was reared on a farm, and received a good common school 
and seminary education, graduating from Bryant & Stratton's Mercantile Col- 
lege in November, 1865. He engaged in teaching until 1867, when he began 
the study of medicine under Dr. W. B. Lyons, of Huntington, where he remained 
three years. He attended a course of medical lectures at the Winona Medical 
College at Cincinnati in 1867-68. He graduated from the Detroit Medical 
College in 1869, and from Winona Medical College in 1871. He then located 
in Columbia City, where he has since been a successful practitioner in his pro- 
fession. In May, 1875, he was married to Mary E. Myers, who is the mother 
of four children — Flora E. (deceased), Edward A., Floyd W. and Levi R. The 
parents are members of the Lutheran faith, and the Doctor is Democratic in pol- 
itics, and a member of the Town Board of Trustees, and an eminently success- 
ful and highly respected citizen. 

J. C.^WIGENT was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., March 21, 1840. 
His father, Urial Wigent, a farmer, married Ruhannah Clark in New York, 
and moved to De Kalb County, Ind., in 1845, and from there to Union Town- 
ship, Whitley County, where he was killed by an accident in 1874. His widow 
is yet a resident of Union Township. They were parents of nine children, five 
of whom are still living, the subject of our sketch being the third child. He 
lived on the farm of his parents until twenty-one years of age. In October, 
1861, he enlisted in the Fifth Battery, Indiana Volunteers, commanded by 
Capt. Simonson. He was mustered into service some time after, and soon 
went to the front, participating in the battles of Champion Hill, Murfreesboro, 
Stone River, Chickamauga, and in all the engagements and skirmishes of the 
Atlanta campaign, including Resaca, Peach Tree Creek, Jonesboro, etc. Mr. 
Wigent was honorably discharged at the close of the war as a non-commissioned 
officer. He returned to Whitley County after the war, and engaged in farming 
for more than a year. He then spent a few months in the West ; returned to 
Indiana and engaged in the grocery business at Fort Wayne. In 1873, he 
moved to Coesse and, while there, was elected County Recorder of Whitley 
County, on the "People's Ticket," serving until 1878; then engaged in the 
abstract business. Mr. Wigent possesses the only set of abstract books in the 



COLUMBIA CITY. 277 

county, and, besides looking up titles to property, practices law when it con- 
nects with his business. He is a Republican, and a member of the A., F. 
& A. M. He was married, October 22, 1868, to Miss Ida M. Spore, at Nor- 
walk, Ohio. Of four children born to them, there are now living Roy W., 
Warren R. and Claud U. 

J. G. WILLIAMS, banker, is a native of Delaware County, Ohio, his 
birth occurring May 17, 1832. He is one of four children born to Elijah and 
Margery (Place) Williams, who were natives, respectively, of Virginia and New 
York, and of Irish and Welsh descent. Elijah Williams was a tanner by 
trade, but in connection with that followed farming. He died in 1857, pre- 
ceded by his wife in 1852. Both were honored and esteemed members of the 
Baptist Church. J. G. Williams was raised and educated in his native county, 
and for two years preceding his removal to Indiana was engaged in clerking 
for Adam Wolfe. In December, 1854, he came to Columbia City, and entered 
the employ of Wolfe & Foust, both of whom are his present partners. The 
greater part of the following fifteen years he was in the employ of Mr. Wolfe, 
in different parts of Ohio and Indiana, engaged in banking and merchandising. 
A part of this time, he, on his own responsibility, was a member of a banking 
firm in Muncie, Ind., and for six years was engaged in the produce trade at 
Bluffton, Wells Co. The fall of 1875, he removed to Columbia City, and 
became a partner in the Columbia City Bank, under the firm name of F. H. 
Foust & Co., and he has remained here engaged in banking ever since. While 
a partner in the bank of Muncie in 1867, Mr. Williams was called to Columbia 
City in the interests of his old employers, and during his absence, his partner, 
like many others before and since, engaged in grain speculation to such an 
extent as to compromise the honor of the bank and cause its failure. Mr. 
Williams could, in all honor to himself, have taken advantage of the bankrupt 
law then in force, and thus have saved a great many hundred dollars. Instead, 
however, he assumed his share of the debts, besides losing his capital, and, 
with honor to himself and fidelity to his creditors, has since been gradually 
paying off the obligations. By shrewd business management and hard labor, 
he has done this, besides securing a solid financial position in the bank of which 
he is now a member. Mr. Williams was married in December, 1854, in Eaton, 
Preble Co., Ohio, to Miss Josephine Bruce. He is a Republican in political 
principle, and a member of the I. 0. 0. F., also the 0. F. Encampment. 



278 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 



COLUMBIA TOWNSHIP. 

EDWARD B. BEESON was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, Octo- 
ber 28, 1837, and was the eldest of four children born to Henry B. and Cath- 
arine Beeson, natives, respectively, of Pennsylvania and Germany, and both 
died when our subject was but seven years of age, who was then bound out till 
he was fourteen. He came to Columbia City in 1856, and here learned the 
blacksmith trade under B. F. Beeson. After serving his apprenticeship, he 
read law for two years under Myers & Cotton, and afterward with James S. 
Collins. April 15, 1861, he enlisted in Company E, Seventeenth Indiana 
Volunteer Infantry, then called the Whitley County Volunteers. He was in 
the battles of Chickamauga, Shiloh, and many others, and was mustered out 
August 28, 1865. February 22, 1866, he married Miss Miranda Compton, 
of Muskingum County, Ohio, but a resident of Whitley. They are members 
of the Church of God, and also of the Patrons of Husbandry, of which latter 
Mr. Beeson is the Deputy for this county. 

HERMAN H. BEESON, son of William and Hannah (Hamby) Beeson, was 
born in Stark County, Ohio, September 25, 1831. In 1843, his parents came 
to Columbia City, then a town of but five houses, and here his father engaged 
in farming until 1845, when he was taken ill and died. Our subject was then 
apprenticed to the blacksmith trade, at which he served three years, and then 
he went into the employ of the New York & Erie Railway Company, and on 
this and other roads was engaged for twenty-eight years, and then retired to his 
farm in this township in 1877. He was married, February 20, 1855, to Lucinda 
Foight, and has had a family of eleven children, as follows: Samuel, Elizabeth 
E., Benjamin F., Eliza B., Frances M., Lucinda B., Satiah P., Henry H., 
John W., Heber A. and Lydia L., of whom six are still living. 

JOHN BRAND was born March 13, 1822, in the village of Steinbach, 
Bavaria, and is one of four children born to Peter and Jacobina (Roderstein) 
Brand. The father was a shepherd in Germany, and the mother of good fam- 
ily, many of her relatives holding high offices under the empire, and she was 
disinherited for marrying Mr. Brand. They came to America in 1831, lived 
five years at various points in Pennsylvania, and then settled in Ohio. In 
early life, our subject worked on a canal, and later on a farm for several years. 
He then turned to brick-making in summers and brewery work in winter, and 
so continued till 1851, when he married Mary A. Loudensleger. In October, 
1858, he came to Columbia City, and now owns the largest brick-kiln in the 
county, and in 1881 made 1,200,000 brick, all of which were disposed of in 
the county. He has a family of eight children, viz.: Catharine, John W., 
George F., Laura A., Clara L., Alma E., Charles C. and Maud Q. John and 
George are engaged in the drug business at Churubusco. Mr. Brand is a Free- 



COLUMBIA TOWNSHIP. 279 

mason and an Odd Fellow, and has held several offices in each fraternity, and 
Mrs. Brand is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

DAVID BROWN was born near Canton, Stark County, Ohio, March 27, 
1817, the son of David and Sarah (Brothers) Brown, natives of Pennsylvania. 
Our subject moved to Hancock County, Ohio, in 1839, where he resided three 
years, and then came to this township, and for a number of years worked at 
wood-chopping, rail-splitting and land-clearing, and thinks he has cleared at 
least 300 acres. Previous to moving in, he had bought forty acres, a part of 
what is now the Poor House Farm. About 1852, he disposed of this and 
bought the 100-acre farm he now occupies. His early neighbors were red men, 
of whom there were about 700 in the county. May 28, 1839, he was married 
to May Cook, of Stark County, Ohio, and to their union have been born nine 
children, viz.: Andrew J., John C, Joseph, William H., David, Catharine, 
Harriet, Melinda and Hannah. The second son, John C, enlisted in the 
Seventy-fourth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry; was in a number of 
engagements, and was killed at the battle of Mission Ridge, while trying to 
capture a confederate flag. 

DANIEL D. BROWN, born in Stark County, Ohio, February 12, 1824, 
is one of twenty-one children born to Daniel and Elizabeth (Houser) Brown, 
nine of whom are still living. At the age of nineteen, our subject began life 
for himself. He had lived in Hancock and Williams Counties, Ohio, prior to 
1853, when he came to this township and purchased a farm northwest of Co- 
lumbia City, which he improved to a considerable extent, disposed of and then 
bought 195 acres south of the town, where he is engaged in farming and in 
conducting a dairy. In 1848, he married Rebecca Brenner, who came from 
Germany at the age of three years, and resided in Hancock County, Ohio. 
They have a family of eight children, as follows : Levi, Harriet (married and 
living in Sumner County, Kan.), Alvin (married and living in Whitley 
County), Peter, Emma J., Ellen, John and Louis. 

JOSEPH COOK, son of Henry and Catharine Cook, was born in Canton, 
Stark Co., Ohio, April 18, 1819. Mr. Cook came to Whitley County in the 
spring of 1845, and arrived here with only $5 in cash, and that unpassable. He 
began as a day-laborer, working for his neighbors at clearing land, chopping wood 
and splitting rails. He thinks, " without a doubt," he has " cleared at least 
one hundred acres of land." His best day's wood-chopping was six cords, for 
which he received 75 cents; best day's rail-splitting, 730. Previous to his 
moving here permanently, he had entered forty acres Government land, and 
in 1850, purchased the farm on which he now lives, which he has all cleared 
and put under cultivation. In 1844, he married Harriet Bronson, and they 
have five children — Winfield S., Victor E., Eliza I., Anna and Clara. The 
eldest, "Winfield S., is also a farmer. 

C. H. CREAGER, one of the first settlers of Whitley County, was born 
in Montgomery County, Ohio, August 16, 1821. His parents came to the 



280 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

county in 1836, when the roads were mere Indian trails and almost impassable 
from mad. On their way to this point, the Creagers were obliged to abandon 
one wagon in the north part of Huntington County, and our subject, in seek- 
ing for help, lost his way in the woods and spent his first night in this county in 
the open air, without even a fire, and with two inches of snow on the ground. 
Mr. Creager first settled in Cleveland Township, and for fifteen years worked 
out, and then bought a farm for himself which he worked, and ran a saw-mill 
at the same time. In 1860, he was elected County Commissioner, and re- 
elected in 1863, being the only candidate elected on the Democratic ticket. In 
1840, he married Susanna Obenchain, who bore him seven children, and 
died in 1862. In 1863, he married Mrs. Elizabeth Melter, and to this union 
have been born four children, viz.: Joseph I., Oscar B., Angeline and 
Armenta. 

LEWIS C. DOWELL was born in Holmes County, Ohio, July 3, 1838, 
and is one of a family of ten children born to Lewis and Christina (Long) 
Dowell, eight of whom are still living. His father was born in Virginia, and 
his mother in Maryland. Our subject received a medium common school edu- 
cation, and remained with his parents till he reached his majority, when he 
turned his attention to the carpenter's trade, which he soon abandoned and 
went to farming. His parents came to this township December 25, 1850, and 
purchased a farm of 120 acres, of which his father cleared about 100 acres and 
then disposed of it, and, in 1861, he and his father purchased the farm on 
which he now resides. He was married August 4, 1863, to Miss Mary Brown, 
of Noble County, and to their union have been born six children, named as fol- 
lows — Phoebe J., Jacob L., Martha I., Elzadie, Charles A. and Warren E. 
Mr. Dowell is a member of the Church of God, northwest of Columbia City. 

W. H. DUNFEE was born in Adams County., Penn., April 10, 1822. 
He is a cabinet-maker, and came with his parents to Ohio in 1831, and with 
them lived till 1845, when he came to Fort Wayne, and worked at his trade 
till the spring of 1847, when he came to and settled in Columbia City. In 
1854, he was elected Sheriff of Whitley County as a Democrat, and re-elected 
in 1856. He had previously been chosen County Assessor, and afterward 
served two terms as Township Assessor, when he retired to private life. When 
Mr. Dunfee came to the county Columbia City was little else than a cross-road 
settlement, and the surrounding country a vast body of woods. March 5, 1848, 
he married Catherine Jones, of Columbia City, and to them have been born 
eight children, four of whom are living. They were respectively named as fol- 
lows : Laura V., Sophia E., Henrietta R., William J., Albert E., Harry H. 
and Flora C. 

GEORGE EBERARD, Sr., a Whitley County pioneer, was born in 
Huntingdon County, Penn., September 15, 1806. His father, a farmer, emi- 
grated to Stark County, Ohio, in 1820, and our subject worked on the home 
farm until twenty-four years old. April 14, 1829, he married Catharine Sny- 



COLUMBIA TOWNSHIP. 281 

der, of Stark, who died February 22, 1870, in the sixty-fourth year of her age, 
and of her marriage life the forty-second. July 23, 1872, he married Mary C. 
Killian, his present wife. After his first marriage he carried on a distillery for 
sixteen years. In 1852, he came to Whitley, and at that time and subse- 
quently purchased 2,300 acres of land, 1,500 of which he has divided among 
his children. He was always an industrious man, and accumulated his wealth 
by hard work, stock-raising and good management, and is now retired to enjoy 
the fruits of his labor. By his first wife he was the father of eight children, 
six still living and married, viz. : Annie, Harry, John, George, Elizabeth and 
Catharine. He is a member of the Reformed Church, and has, in his time, 
built two church edifices, one in Ohio and one in Whitley, contributing one- 
seventh of the money for the same, and has also donated the land for what is 
known as the Eberhard Graveyard. 

JOHN EBERHARD, son of George Eberhard, Sr., was born in Stark 
Gounty, Ohio, November 7, 1832. He has a farm of 440 acres, and is engaged 
also in rearing, buying and selling live stock. He is very fairly educated, 
though a considerable part of his schooling was obtained at the log schoolhouses 
of his early days. He came with his parents to Whitley County in 1852, and 
the greater part of his life has been spent in hard work, clearing land, etc. 
He was married September 22, 1857, to Catharine Markel, a native of Ger- 
many, who died January 26, 1867, leaving four children, named Josiah, Henry, 
John J. and Lavinia. He was married to his present wife, Elizabeth Brown, 
of Whitley County, August 16, 1838, and by this union has had born to him 
a family of three children, viz. : Minnie L., Sarah A. and Mandila. Mr. 
Eberhard, like the other members of his father's family, belongs to the Reformed 
Church. 

GEORGE EBERHARD, Jk., was born in Lake Township, Stark County, 
Ohio, September 7, 1834, and is a son of George Eberhard, Sr. ; is a farmer 
and stock-raiser, as was his father, and came to this township with his parents 
in 1852, where he now owns three farms, comprising 384 acres. He has also 
been engaged in steam threshing, and in 1863 had the misfortune to lose an 
arm while occupied at that business, but still keeps a machine and does his 
own threshing and that of some of his neighbors, yet does not make it a busi- 
ness. He was married, October 7, 1855, to Barbara Nible, and to this union 
have been born eleven children, viz. : Eli, Catharine, Franklin, George, 
Fanny, Daniel, Ellen, Mary A., Melissa A., Laura and Barbara. Of these, 
Eli and Catharine are married and reside in Whitley County. Our subject and 
wife are members of the Reformed Church. 

CHRISTIAN KOURT was born in Switzerland January 13, 1829. 
His parents, Christian and Susanna Kourt, came to America and settled in 
Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1833, where they died in 1855. Our subject's 
education was quite limited, his whole schooling consisting of twenty-one and 
a half days. He began working for himself at the age of twenty-four, and fol- 



282 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

lowed farming. In 1836, he came to Whitley County, and now has a farm of 
115 acres in this township. He was married to Mary A. Fridiger, of Licking 
County, Ohio, March 24, 1854, and has had a family of nine children, named 
as follows : Elizabeth, John, Christian, Mary and Sarah (twins), Caroline, 
Henry, Ida and Julia A. The eldest of these, Elizabeth, is married and resides 
in Whitley County. Our subject and wife are members of the German Re- 
formed Church. 

WILLIAM M. HUGHES, youngest child of Charles W. and Mary 
(Rivers) Hughe3, was born in Columbia City February 10, 1850. His 
parents were natives of Virginia and came to this county in 1842. His 
father was a farmer by occupation, but in 1844 was appointed Auditor of 
Whitley County, and served nine months in that office. A short time after, he 
was chosen Probate Judge, and held that office for three years. In 1847, he 
was elected Treasurer of Whitley County, and held the office for three years. 
After a short i*etirement he was again called to the office, and in 1856 was 
elected Recorder. After the expiration of his office, he withdrew from public 
life, and engaged for a short time in dealing in stock. He was competent to 
fill any office and always ready to assist the needy. He died January 26, 
1864, after a long and useful life. William M. Hughes, our subject, is a 
farmer and is owner of 248 acres of finely cultivated land. He was married, 
March 23, 1871, to Jennie C. Yountz, and has a family of three children, 
viz.: Charles W., Virginia and Mary. 

ELIAKIM MOSHER, one of the earliest settlers of Whitley County, 
was born in Oswego County, N. Y., August 29, 1830, and was one of a family 
of six children born to Benona and Cynthia (Pierce) Mosher, who came here 
in 1841, and settled on the farm where our subject now resides. The father 
hewed into the forest, erected a log house and moved in March 3, 1841, and 
began clearing the farm. The nearest neighbors were Indians, but they proved 
themselves friendly and were a great help to the family. Our subject well 
remembers the removal of the Indians from the county and many incidents 
connected with them prior to that time. His father died when he was fourteen 
years of age, and in consequence he did not receive a very good educa- 
tion, and yet, although a farmer, he can turn his hand to various employments. 
His farm comprises 160 acres, of which 100 are under cultivation. December 
25, 1852, he married Catharine Mowrey, who died January 19, 1870, leaving 
a family of eight children, viz., Adam B., Francis S., Charlie F., Michael H., 
Clara J., Abram H., Julia A. and Clarinda. November 21, 1871, our subject 
married his present wife, Mrs. Rhua Grimes. He is a member of the Method- 
ist Church of Columbia City. 

SANFORD T. MOSHER was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., Novem- 
ber 5, 1827, and was one of eight children born to Peter and Mary (Birch) 
Mosher, five of whom are still living. Our subject was fairly educated, and 
came with his parents to this county in October, 1840, and settled on forty 



COLUMBIA TOWNSHIP. 283 

acres in the northwest corner of this township, then one vast forest, and set to 
work to clear a farm. The father traded this land for the farm on which our 
subject now resides, taking possession in 1846, and they have succeeded in 
bringing it all under cultivation. In those days, our subject was a great 
hunter, and numberless deer have fallen before his rifle, and even now he is 
not averse to a hunt. In November, 1847, he married Lucy A. Helms, and by 
her had a family of ten children, nine of whom are yet living, and named as 
follows: Aurelia E., Mary A., Lyman C, Hiram L., Charles B., Alzada M. 
(deceased), William J., Eugene E., Rosanna D. and Phoebe L. Of these six 
are married, and all live in Columbia Township. 

WILLIAM PLUMMER was born in Rutherford County, N. C, April 
5, 1805, one of six children born to Joseph and Sarah Plummer. At the age 
of twenty-one, our subject came West and went to boating, running between 
Terre Haute and New Orleans. He came to Whitley County in 1832, entered 
eighty acres Government land, made Union Township his home from 1838 to 
1850, and then sold out and purchased his present farm in this township, now 
all under cultivation. In January, 1862, he enlisted in the Fifth Indiana 
Battery of Light Artillery, and took part in the battle of Perry ville, Ky., 
Stone River, Tenn., and many other engagements. In the Stone River fight, 
he was wounded; was transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps, sent to Wash- 
ington, and served there until his discharge, January 31, 1865. When Mr. 
Plummer came to Indiana, Columbia City was unthought of; there was not a 
white inhabitant in Jefferson Township, and the country was filled with Indians. 
October 15, 1835, he married Miss Sarah Crowel, of Preble County, Ohio, by 
whom he had seven children, five of whom are now living. They were named 
as follows: Michael C, Joseph E., Mary E., Jacob W., Sarah J., William C. 
and David L. Michael, Joseph and Jacob were soldiers in the late war. Jacob, 
with whom our subject now lives, served from 1862 to 1865, and was at Chick- 
amauga — where he was wounded — at Mission Ridge, and with Sherman on 
his march to the sea. He was also wounded while on a guerrilla expedition. 
After the war, he spent six years in the West and then returned to his home. 
September 26, 1879, he married Caroline Londt, and he has been a resident of 
the county for nearly forty years. 

GEORGE ROBERTS was born in Holmes County, Ohio, February 12, 
1823, and is the youngest of five children, four living, born to William and 
Ruth (Tribey) Roberts, natives of Virginia, who emigrated to Ohio at an early 
day. Our subject is a tanner and worked at that business until he came to 
Whitley County in 1854, when he located on what is now the Poor House 
Farm, in this township, and resided there two years and then spent the seven 
years following in Iowa, Missouri and Illinois, when he returned to Whitley 
and purchased the 160-acre farm he now resides upon. In 1845, he married 
Elizabeth Poulson, of Holmes County, Ohio, and they have now a family of 
four children, namely, Nathan, Mary E., Amanda and Sarah J. Mr. Roberts, 



284 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

by hard work and the exercise of sound judgment, has acquired a good farm 
and a fine brick house. He and wife have been members of the Methodist 
Church forty-two years, and their children are married, excepting the youngest, 
and all reside in Whitley County. 

WILLIAM ROUCH, son of Samuel and Louisa (Hamer) Rouch, was born 
in Wayne County, Ohio, January 25, 1840. His father is a native of Penn- 
sylvania, and his mother of Germany, and they came to this township in 1854, 
and settled on the farm the father still occupies. Our subject is also a farmer, 
and owns a fine farm on the banks of Eel River. March 5, 1863, he married 
Jerusha Page, and they had three children, as follows : William E., born April 
8, 1864 ; Howard G., born August 12, 1868 ; Louisa M., born December 12, 
1869. Mrs. Rouch died in 1872, and in 1880 he married Martha Churchill, 
and to this union has been born one child — Samuel Merritt. 

J. M. SHERWOOD was born in Wythe County, Va., May 29, 1829, the 
second child of Benjamin and Catharine (Williams) Sherwood, and was taken 
by his parents to Morrow County, Ohio, in 1831, where his father died in 1834. 
Our subject, James M. Sherwood, came to Columbia City in 1850, and worked 
for F. H. Foust for three years, and then went to farming and butchering till 
1859, when he moved to the farm he now occupies, on which there was only a 
small clearing west of his house for a garden patch, the balance being unbroken 
forest; but by industry, he has succeeded in clearing nearly all, and has now 
a splendid farm. He was married, April 21, 1853, to Mary E. Jones, of Colum- 
bia City, and they have a family of four children, viz., Jane V., Hugh M., 
Florence M. A. and Josephine M. 

JOHN B. STERLING was born in Holmes County, Ohio, April 23, 1828, 
and was one of seven children born to James and Mary (Battey) Sterling, four 
of whom are yet living. The father was a farmer, and also ran a saw-mill. 
Our subject had no advantages for an early education, his boyhood being occu- 
pied at work at home. In 1849, he began life for himself, and arrived at this 
point with but 65 cents in his pocket. He began work with a brother in a saw- 
mill on Eel River ; remained there over a year, and then, in 1852, moved to 
the place he now occupies, and has lived here ever since. In February, 1851, 
he married Sarah J. Wantz, of this county, who died in May, 1853, leaving two 
children — John and Mary J., both now dead. In 1857, he married Barbara 
Brenneman, who died September 22, 1862, leaving one son — Abraham F., 
now in California. He was married to his present wife (Eliza Stoner) in 1867, 
and by her has had two children — Ida E. and Cora B. Mr. Sterling is an Odd 
Fellow, and also a granger. 

WILLIAM TANNEHILL was born in Knox County, Ohio, Feb. 25, 
1825, the son of William and Eleanor (McMullen) Tannehill, natives respectively 
of Scotland and Ireland. They came to Knox County in 1820, and settled on 
a farm in Brown Township, remaining there till 1838. They had eleven chil- 
dren, five boys and six girls, of whom two girls and one boy have died. The 



COLUMBIA TOWNSHIP. 285 

mother also died in 1846, and the father February 16, 1878. The latter had 
been Constable for a number of years, was of a jovial disposition, and was well 
liked throughout his township. William, Jr., lived with his father till of age, 
1846, and then sought work about the county, on his own account, till about 
1848, when he came to Whitley County, Union Township, and remained here 
till 1852, then went to Fulton County, Ohio, for one year, thence to Williams 
County, where he remained till 1861, clearing and farming. In 1850, he 
there married Miss Mary Jane Smolley, who bore him eight children, but who 
died October 14, 1874. May 9, 1876, Mr. Tannehill married Miss Annie 
Sherick, whose parents were natives of Germany. May 10, 1876, he returned 
to Columbia Township, this county. He redeemed sixty- two acres of land 
from what was then a wilderness, and put it in good farming order. He was 
elected County Commissioner in 1878, and re-elected in 1880, and still fills the 
position to tho satisfaction of his constituents. By his present wife he is the 
father of three sons, all living. He is a thriving farmer, prominent in his 
township, and, in politics, is a Democrat. 

TOBIAS WAGNER, a pioneer of Whitley County, was born in Penn- 
sylvania April 28, 1816, and is one of a family of eight children born to Peter 
and Margaret (Betts) Wagner. His parents moved to Seneca County, Ohio, when 
he was about twelve years of age, and there he remained till October, 1841, 
when he came to Whitley. He received a good common-school education, 
which he has improved by his own efforts. He settled first in Richland Town- 
ship, and farmed four years ; then bought a farm east of Columbia City, where 
he resided, with the exception of a few months in Wisconsin, till 1879. He 
now lives in Columbia, and still does some farming, owning about 315 acres of 
land. He married during his residence in Ohio, Elizabeth Bosler, January 14, 
1838. She died in October, 1860, leaving six children — Mary A., Milton D., 
Laura, John P. (deceased), Julia and Elizabeth ; all married except the 
youngest. In September, 1861, he married Rachel Beeson, and to this union 
were born seven children, three of whom still survive — Jesse Tobias, Sadie B. 
and Heber B. 

JOHN WOLFE was born in Stark County, Ohio, May 1, 1834, and is 
one of a family of ten children born to Daniel and Catharine Wolfe, five of 
whom are still living. Mr. Wolfe has a good common-school education. He 
came to Whitley County in 1858, and settled in this township, where he is 
engaged in stock-raising as well as farming his tract of 308 acres. Previous to 
coming to this township, he had worked at his trade of carpenter. August 11, 
1858, he was married to Catharine Eberhart, also of Stark County, Ohio, but 
at the time of her marriage a resident of Whitley. To their union have been 
born a family of seven children, named as follows : Andrew J., Catharine A., 
Henry, John, Eli, Benjamin F. and Elizabeth. Mr. Wolfe and wife are con- 
sistent members of the Reformed Church. 

J. W. WYNKOOP was born in Clark County, Ohio, February 23, 1826, 



286 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

and was the second of a family of five children born to Garrett and Elizabeth 
(Ryerson) Wynkoop. His father by trade was a cabinet-maker, at which 
business our subject has worked also and has, besides, learned painting. He 
received a good common-school education, and worked at home with his father, 
at painting, till he was twenty-six years of age, when, in 1861, he was married 
to Nancy A. Prichard, of Stark County, Ohio, but at the time of her marriage 
a resident of Whitley County, Ind. He came to this township in 1852, and 
settled on his present farm. Here his wife died in 1862. His farm consists 
of eighty acres, which he still continues to work. He joined the Masonic 
order just after reaching his majority, and is still a member in good standing. 
He has an only son, named Cassius E. 



CLEVELAND TOWNSHIP. 

ARNOLD FAMILY.— This well known family is of English descent, 
and settled in North Carolina during the last century, but some time later 
moved to South Carolina and, early in the present century, to Ohio. The head 
of the family was Moses Arnold, who located in Warren County, Ohio. His 
family was large, one of the sons being William, who, in the course of his life, 
had a family of thirteen children, twelve of whom reached maturity. William, 
at the close of the war of 1812, and while yet a young, though married, man, 
settled near Greenville, Darke Co., Ohio. Here he followed farming and stock- 
raising, and by industry made himself a good home. George, John, William, 
Jesse, Henry H., Isaac N. and a sister, Maria (Arnold) Hopkins, were children 
of William. George came to this county in 1842, settling four miles east of 
South Whitley. Four years later, John came and settled near his brother 
George. Jesse came in 1852, and the other members of the family followed 
him. arriving at intervals. James lives in Blackford County, and is a prom- 
inent citizen there. John and William are dead. George lives at Bluffton, 
Ind., is a capitalist and is Postmaster of that town. Isaac and Henry H. live 
at Huntington, Ind., and are prominent citizens. Jesse lives in North Man- 
chester, Wabash Co., Ind., as does alsO his sister Maria, whose husband, S. V. 
Hopkins, is editor of the North Manchester Journal. 

John Arnold was born near Greenville, Ohio, in November, 1820, 
and was a school-teacher in early life, but soon after reaching his majority was 
given $500 in land in Cleveland Township by his father. He lived for some 
time on this farm, but then removed to South Whitley. His first wife, Ann- 
janette Folger, bore him three children — Augusta, John and Wilson. His 
second wife, Mrs. Elmira Thomson, to whom he was married in 1857, bore 
him four children — Eva, James, William and Ruskin. In 1851, a subscription 
was started to obtain means to induce some one to build a flouring-mill at South 
Whitley. The Arnold brothers took the matter in hand, built the saw-mill in 



CLEVELAND TOWNSHIP. 287 

1852 and the grist-mill in 1853 ; and, about the same time, John and several 
of his brothers began merchandising in South Whitley. Their various inter- 
ests there became so extensive that it was found necessary eventually to com- 
mence a banking business, which was done in 1871 by John and Jesse, who 
founded the bank at North Manchester, and in 1878 the one at South Whit- 
ley. John was thus engaged at the time of his death in 1880. But few men 
who ever lived in the county deserve greater merit for actual worth than John 
Arnold. He was uniformly kind-hearted and charitable, and his excellent busi- 
ness qualifications were impressed upon all his associates. Men who were in 
his employ think of him as their benefactor, and hundreds mourn his loss. He 
united with the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1840, and was, during the 
remainder of his life, a consistent member. Save the little given him by his 
father, all his property (quite a fortune) was accumulated by his own industry 
and management. At the time of the death of John Arnold, James, his son, 
who was attending college at Asbury University, came home to assist in 
settling his father's estate, since which time he has not returned to school. 
He is in business at South Whitley, and in all his associations with the world 
shows those sterling qualifications which have characterized the Arnold family. 
He is cashier of the bank, buys large quantities of grain for the grist-mill, 
and, with other members of the family, has general oversight of the extensive 
business interests left by his father. 

Jesse Arnold was born in Darke County, Ohio, October 24, 1831. 
His youth was spent on his father's farm, and, in early manhood, he received an 
academic education. After coming to Whitley County, in 1852, he joined his 
brothers in milling, merchandising, and, finally, in banking pursuits. The 
large grist-mill is yet owned by the Arnold family. Jesse engaged in banking 
at North Manchester in 1872, and thus continues at present. His wife, Sarah 
(Thomson) Arnold, to whom he was married in 1858, was born in Rutland 
County, Vt., and has borne her husband three children — Thomson, Fanny and 
Narcissa. She is a graduate of Fort Wayne College, delivered the valedictory 
of her class at the commencement exercises, and graduated at the head of her 
class. She is a lady of fine mind and culture. Her son, Thomson, graduated 
at Asbury University in 1882. He was one of the brightest students in the 
University, and in the school election in 1881, for speaker to represent the 
University in the State oratorical contest, he came within a fraction of one 
vote of securing the position. This is all the stronger from the fact that the 
successful candidate not only gained the prize at the State oratorical contest, 
but also at the Inter-State oratorical contest. Jesse Arnold was elected to the 
Lower House of the State Legislature in 1878, and was the author of several 
important bills, which are now the laws of the State. At the time of his elec- 
tion, unknown to him, his brother James, of Blackford County, was also elected 
to the same session in the same House. Each did not know of the other's 
election until a short time after the honor had been secured. All the Arnolds 



288 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

have been of unusual natural ability. This, combined with their unfaltering 
honor, freely-offered charity and excellent management, has made them invalu- 
able servants to the society in which they have moved. 

ABRAHAM COLLETT was born in Baltimore County, Md., October 
3, 1815, the son of Aaron and Elizabeth (Dorsey) Collett, natives of the same 
State. The mother died in 1833, and the father, for a second wife, married 
Chloe Miller. To the first marriage there were born eight children, and 
to the second there was one. In 1835, the father and family moved to 
Montgomery County, Ohio, and four years later to Wabash County, Ind., 
where the father died in 1873 and the mother in 1879. The father had 
served in the war of 1812, and he and family were highly respected. Our 
subject was reared on the home farm till twenty-two, when he went to work 
for himself, by the day, month or job, carefully saving his earnings. Septem- 
ber 17, 1840, he married Miss Catherine Ramsey, who was born in Washing- 
ton County, Md., February 10, 1819, and to this union were born three chil- 
dren — James, Aaron and Angeline. James, the only one now living, was born 
in Wabash County, Ind., November 12, 1841, and, December 25, 1865, mar- 
ried Miss Susan Moore, who was born in this county November 16, 1843, and 
to this couple five children have been born, viz. : Lizzie B., Ada C. and Lulu, 
living; and Charley and an infant, deceased. James Collett enlisted in the 
fall of 1861 in Company E, Forty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry ; served 
till the close of the war, and saw much active service ; he now resides on a 
farm in the township, an honored and respected citizen. In 1842, our subject 
settled on Section 18, this township, and engaged in farming and stock-raising 
till 1865, when he removed just over the county line into Jackson Township, 
Kosciusko County, where he still resides. At the time of his marriage he had 
saved enough of his earnings to purchase 160 acres unimproved land, which he 
has increased to 300 acres, and, besides this, has given his son a good farm. He 
is a self-made man, but has been ably assisted by his good wife, who is a woman 
of ability and good sense. He has always followed farming, with the exception 
of eight years passed in Collamer in mercantile pursuits. He is a Republican 
in politics, and he and wife are members of the Christian Church. 

REGINALD H. COLLINS was born February 28, 1853, in this county, 
the son of Judge James S. Collins, of Columbia City, a prominent lawyer and 
citizen. Our subject received his earlier education in the schools at Columbia 
City, then attended school at Ann Arbor, Mich., three years, and then began 
reading law with his father, tie was duly admitted to the bar, but his practice 
has been chiefly confined to office work, of which he has done a great deal. 
He at last formed a partnership with Clugston & McLallen in mercantile busi- 
ness at South Whitley, where he now resides and has charge of the business, and 
runs a complete line of dry goods, boots, shoes, hats, caps, groceries, carpets, 
and all goods sold in a general store. They have a large and steadily increas- 
ing trade, brought about chiefly by the shrewd and careful business talent of 



CLEVELAND TOWNSHIP. 289 

Mr. Collins. He married Miss Josephine H. Fleming, April 15, 1878. She 
was born near Wilmington, Del., September 6, 1853. To this union have 
been born three children, viz.: James W., Samuel and Helen. He is a 
stanch Republican, is a member of the Masonic order, and is recognized in the 
township as a business man of sound integrity. 

CYRUS S. COTTON was born in Holmes County, Ohio, August 10, 
1826, the son of James and Rachel (Gooden) Cotton, both natives of Beaver 
County, Penn., where they were married, and whence they moved in an early 
day to Holmes County, Ohio. The father was a soldier in the war of 1812, 
and died when our subject was six years of age. In 1841, the mother and 
family moved to this township ; they were poor, but the mother was a good 
manager and hard-working woman, and reared her family with credit, one of 
her sons, John S., being twice elected to the Legislature as well as holding 
other public positions of trust. Our subject helped in caring for the family 
up to the time of his marriage, in 1851, to Miss Sarah Wantz, who was born in 
Montgomery County, Ohio, May 13, 1836, and who has borne her husband 
twelve children, viz. : Clarinda, Franklin P., Frederick, Wellington, Barton, 
Augusta, John, Mary C, and four others that died in infancy. Mrs. Cotton 
died April 22, 1874, and September 3, 1874, our subject married Christina 
Schultz, a native of Huntington County, Ind., and born September 1, 1851. 
To this union there have been born three children, viz. : Charles, James 
and George. Mr. Cotton is self-made ; the eighty acres of well-improved land 
he now owns came from his own hard work and thrifty habits. In politics he 
is a Democrat, and is a useful citizen of the county. 

ELI L. EBERHARD, M. D., was born in Columbia Township, this county, 
June 23, 1857, and is the son of George and Barbara (Neible) Eberhard, 
respectively natives of Stark County, Ohio, and Wurtemberg, Germany. They 
were married in this county, to which they both came at an early day, and to 
them were born a family of five sons and seven daughters. They now reside 
in Columbia Township and rank among the county's best citizens. Our sub- 
ject was reared on a farm, but received a good academic education and began 
the study of medicine with Dr. Lawrence, of Columbia City, when about nine- 
teen, remaining with him and attending lectures till he graduated from the 
Medical College of Ohio, in the spring of 1880. He then located in South 
Whitley, and has built up a practice second to none. February 21, 1882, he 
married Miss Mollie C. Casner, of Wooster, Ohio. The Doctor is a well-in- 
formed gentleman, is well posted in his profession, and is a good citizen. He 
owns a very pretty home, and his prospects in life are indeed bright. 

MILTON B. EMERSON was born in Wayne County, Ohio, June 23, 
1830, the son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Merriman) Emerson, natives of Virginia 
and Pennsylvania respectively. They were married in Wayne County, Ohio, 
to which the parents of the mother had come in a early day, and the father 
when a young man. They were both leading members of the M. E. Church, 



290 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

and to them were born eight children. Our subject was reared on a farm and 
received a fair education. In the fall of 1851, he came to Whitley County, 
taught school that winter, returned to Ohio in the spring and harvested his 
wheat, and soon after came back to this county, and for some time worked at 
carpentering and shingle-making. February 27, 1854, he married Miss Eliza- 
beth Scott, who was born in Wayne County, Ohio, October 3, 1835. In 1855, he 
located on a farm in Washington Township, and engaged in saw-milling, stock- 
raising and farming till 1877, when he purchased his present farm in this town- 
ship. He held the office of County Commissioner six years, and during his 
incumbency the new jail was built and other county improvements were made. 
He also held the office of Justice of the Peace four years, to the satisfaction 
of all parties. He is a member of the M. E. Church, and in politics is liberal, 
voting for principles and not party. He is owner of 205 acres of well-improved 
land, and is the father of the following family : Robert J., Franklin P., Noah 
W., William E., Leander F., Celesta E. and Sarah E., to all of whom he has 
given good educations. 

GEORGE. H. FOSLER, was born in Wayne County, Ind., June 29, 
1842, the son of George and Catharine (Heagy) Fosler, natives of Cumberland 
County, and there married in 1835. In 1838, they moved to Dayton, Ohio, 
and three years later removed to Wayne County, and in 1863 came to this 
township. The father is a farmer and miller, and built and operated, in connec- 
tion with his sons, one of the first steam saw-mills in the township. Our sub- 
ject was reared on the farm and in the saw-mill, and at the age of twenty-three 
assumed charge of his father's farm, and later he and a brother ran the saw- 
mill about four years. December 25, 1868, he married Miss Sarah A. Dun- 
lap, who was born in Lancaster County, Penn., June 20, 1844, and died 
March 25, 1880, and to this union were born two children — Euda M. and Clemie 
D. February 5, 1882, he married Miss Emma Meyers, who was born in this 
township July 3, 1860. In connection with his father-in-law, W. P. Dunlap, 
he built the " Franklin House," the first hotel of any consequence in South 
Whitley, and also a large livery stable, which he still operates. He has always 
been a great lover of horses, and has done much to improve the quality of the 
stock in the county. He has usually twenty or twenty-five head on hand, and 
buys and ships a nnmber of car loads each season. He is a Republican in pol- 
itics, and has the reputation of being a thorough business man. 

JOHN GLASSLEY was born in Lancaster County, Penn., July 1, 1830, 
one of nine children born to John and Elizabeth (Motter) Glassley, natives of 
same place. He began life for himself at the age of eighteen, learning fancy 
weaving, such as coverlets, counterpanes, etc. ; worked at the trade some years, 
and then engaged in brick-making. In 1862, he came to South Whitley, and 
entered the store of Arnold Bros., as clerk, remained with them several years, 
then returned to his native State, where, for three years, he had charge of a 
woolen-mill. He then returned to South Whitley and erected a coverlet and 



CLEVELAND TOWNSHIP. 291 

counterpane factory, which he operated three years, then started a grocery, 
which he ran alone or in partnership till the spring of 1882, when he sold out. 
In 1880, he and Samuel Pritchard put up a two-story brick business building, 
half of which Mr. Glassley now owns, as well as fine home property in the 
village. September 14, 1856, he married Miss Sarah Winters, who was born 
in Lancaster County, Penn., March 26, 1838, and. there have been born to 
them five sons and one daughter, viz. : William W., Elias, David, Jesse A. 
and Harry. The daughter died in infancy. Mr. Glassley is a self-made man ; 
is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, an Odd Fellow, and in politics 
a Republican. 

ANDERSON GRIMES was born in Wayne County, Ind., June 18, 
1810, the son of James and Sarah (Scears) Grimes, natives of Kentucky. The 
father first came to Indiana in 1806 ; he was a soldier under Harrison in 1812, 
and of his two sons and one daughter, Anderson alone is living. September 4, 
1829, our subject married Miss Susanna Beeson, who was born in Wayne 
County, Ind., June 19, 1810. He followed farming in Wayne till 1853, when 
he came to this township and settled on the farm he now owns, which then con- 
sisted of 320 unimproved acres ; he has now 162 well-cultivated acres, having 
deeded the balance to his children. Mrs. Grimes died January 19, 1869, the 
mother of ten children, viz. : Mahlon, James, Sarah J., Pamelia, William, 
Jesse B., John, Isaac, Ford and Mary C. Of these, four sons enlisted in the 
late war, as follows : William, April 1861, in Company E, Seventeenth Indiana 
Volunteer Infantry, wounded at Hoover's Gap, and died at Stone River from 
effects of wound ; James, August, 1861, Company C, Thirty-fourth Indiana 
Volunteer Infantry, served till close of war; Jesse, August, 1862, Company 
K, Eighty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, served till the close ; Isaac 
February, 1864, Company D, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Indiana Volun- 
teer Infantry, served till close of the war. They all made good records. Most 
of our subject's children are living in Whitley, and are public-spirited citizens. 
Mr. Grimes has always followed farming and stock-raising, and in politics was 
first a Whig and then a Republican. 

JEREMIAH GRIMES was born in Wayne County, Ind., October 15, 
1820, the son of Alexander and Pamelia (McHenry) Grimes, both reared and 
married near Lexington, Ky. They moved to Wayne County about 1806, and 
there died. The father was a soldier in the war of 1812, and served his time 
out, and then that of another man. He was twice married, and was father of 
ten children, five by each wife. Our subject, issue of the first marriage, was 
reared on a farm, and was married in Wayne County, October 17, 1844, to 
Miss Mary A. Haines, born in Clark County, Ohio, August 18, 1823, and to 
this union there have been born six children, viz. : Charles A., William B., 
Walter, Clem R., Harry, and a daughter that died in infancy. He continued 
at farming in Wayne County till 1850, when he came to this township and 
located on unimproved land. He has now eighty acres of finely improved 



292 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

property, and has also disposed of considerable. He is a Democrat, liberal in 
his views, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

DANIEL HALDERMAN was born in Preble County, Ohio, May 17, 
1830, the son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Swihart) Halderman, natives respective- 
ly of Virginia and Pennsylvania, married in Preble County, Ohio, and parents 
of eight children. The mother died in this county July 6, 1861, while on a 
visit to our subject ; the father took for his second wife Elizabeth Demmick ; to 
this union were born three children. He followed farming till 1845, and then 
became a dealer in flaxseed and lumber, which trade he followed till his death, 
June 28, 1875. Our subject was reared on the home farm, and when twenty- 
two years of age came to this county, and purchased an interest in the Swihart 
grist-mill, of Columbia City, in which business he remained about four years, 
and then for seven years engaged in mercantile pursuits in Collamer and Liber- 
ty Mills. In 1865, he embarked in the mercantile and lumber business at 
Larwill, and in 1873 moved on his farm of 160 acres near Collamer. About 
this time, also, he purchased the Collamer grist-mill, which he has since suc- 
cessfully operated. September 9, 1860, he married Miss Nancy Moore, who 
was born in Wayne County, Ind., April 11, 1841. They became the parents 
of five children, viz.: Sarah E. and Albert E., living, and Mary E., Nellie and 
Kittie, deceased. Mr. Halderman is an energetic business man, a good citizen, 
a Republican, and a member of the Christian Church. 

MICHAEL B. HARE was born in Baltimore County, Md., September 
18, 1818, the son of Michael and Catharine (Baublits) Hare, who were also 
born, reared and married in the county and State named above, and were the 
parents of five children. Our subject, up to the age of eighteen, lived on his 
father's farm, and then went to work out on his own account, at which he con- 
tinued two years, at the rate of $7 per month. In 1839, he came West and 
stopped in Darke County, Ohio, for about two years, and worked for $10 per 
month. He then came to Wabash County, this State, and there worked by 
the month or job. In the latter county he married, December 31, 1846, Miss 
Susannah Eby, who was born in Baltimore County, Md., June 15, 1826, and 
to their union were born six children, viz., Sarah, Thomas, Mary J., John 
M., Martha E. and Susan A. In January, 1847, our subject and wife moved 
to this township and settled on the 120-acre farm they now own. They had no 
means to speak of, and the land was unimproved, but they worked hard, and 
have accumulated considerable property, now owning 475 acres in Cleveland 
Township, and 180 acres in Kosciusko County. They are members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, and in politics Mr. Hare is a Democrat, though 
liberal in his views. 

CHARLES W. HAYDEN was born in Richland Township, this county, 
August 12, 1837, the son of David and Alma (Cone) Hayden — full mention of 
whom will be found in the biographical sketches of Richland Township, this 
volume. Our subject was reared on a farm, and in his younger days received 



CLEVELAND TOWNSHIP. 293 

a good common school education, subsequently himself teaching school several 
terms. January 29, 1859, he married Miss Anne Hoover, who was born in 
Wayne County, Ind., January 1, 1838. After his marriage, our subject chiefly 
engaged in farming. In 1870, he moved to Jasper County, Mo., where he re- 
mained four years, and then went to Clay County, 111., where he passed two 
years, and then returned to this county, where he has since resided, engaged in 
farming till 1878, and since then in mercantile trade at Collamer. He is owner 
of thirty-five acres of highly-improved land, and is engaged in a lucrative busi- 
ness. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church ; in politics is a 
Republican, and is a progressive, intelligent citizen. 

THOMAS KELLER was born in Ohio County (now West) Virginia, 
August 20, 1810, the son of Martin and Margaret (McCreary) Keller, who 
moved to Licking County, Ohio, in 1817, and there ended their days, leaving a 
family of five children, two of whom are now dead. Our subject was brought 
up on his father's farm, receiving but a limited education. In 1837, he mar- 
ried Miss Matilda Judge, who was born in Ohio, May 10, 1816, and who died 
in Licking County, Ohio, May 18, 1843. July 26, 1848, our subject married 
Eliza A. Smith, who was born in Stark County, Ohio, January 8, 1826. By 
his first marriage, there were born to our subject two children — Lewis H. and 
Margaret E.; by his second marriage, five children — Harriet M., Cornelius, 
Martin S., Jasper L. and Hiram N. Our subject for a number of years after 
marriage had charge of his father's farm ; he purchased a small one adjoining, 
and worked them both together till 1854, when he came to this township, locat- 
ing on the Goshen road, where he lived till he purchased his present farm, in 
1864. This now comprises 160 acres, and is nicely improved, all gained by his 
industry as a farmer, and skill as a stock-raiser. He is a Democrat in politics, 
and is an intelligent and useful citizen. 

JONAS KINSEY was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, June 7, 1817, 
and was the son of John and Elizabeth (Mullendore) Kinsey, who were natives 
of Virginia, there married, and came to this State, previous to the war of 1812, 
and engaged in farming, the father dying when Jonas was but three years old. 
Our subject remained at home till twenty-one, assisting on the farm and attend- 
ing the rude schools of that early day. In 1842, he married Miss Isabel 
McQuisten, of Westmoreland County, Penn., and the following year moved to 
this township, purchasing the 240 acres of unimproved land where he still 
resides. His family consists of seven children, as follows : Susanna, Jane, 
David W., Jacob H., Sidney A., Francelia A. and Emro J. Mr. Kinsey has 
always followed farming and stock-raising, and his farm now comprises 265 
acres well-improved land, which he and wife have secured by hard work and 
good management. He is a Republican in politics and a useful citizen. 

THOMAS J. LA FOLLETTE, M. D., was born in Warren County, 
Ohio, January 13, 1836, and is the son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Patterson) 
La Follette, both natives of Rockingham County, Va., where they were reared 



294 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

and married. They moved from there to Kentucky, then to Ohio, and in 1840 
to Jay County, Ind. The father held a Colonel's commission in the Ohio mili- 
tia. He was a farmer by occupation, and was the father of fifteen children, 
eleven of whom are now living. He accumulated much property and died in 
1860, his wife following eight years later. Our subject was reared on a farm, 
received an academic education, and when quite youug began teaching school, 
which he followed for three years, then took up the study of medicine, and 
went through a course of lectures at the " Miami Medical College " of Cincin- 
nati. A short time after, he started the Democratic Revieiv, a weekly news- 
paper at Portland, Ind., which he ran three years. In 1873, he graduated at 
his medical college, and engaged in practice in Wells County, Ind., and in 
Huntington County. In 1876, he located at South Whitley. He was mar- 
ried to Miss Margaret J. Peterson, June 16, 1861. She was born in Jay 
County, Ind., January 19, 1841, and died August 4, 1878, and was the mother 
of three children, one of whom is yet living — Olive R. August 14, 1880, 
the Doctor married Miss Martha Orr, who was born in Washington County, 
Ohio, February, 17, 1844. The Doctor is a member of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church, is a Democrat, and has built up a good practice. 

DR. ELIJAH MERRIMAN, whose portrait appears in this work, was 
born in Wayne County, Ohio, April 5, 1827. He is the son of Elijah and 
Mary (McCoy) Merriman. both of whom were natives of Fayette County, Penn., 
where they were reared and married. In 1817, they moved to Ohio and set- 
tled in Wayne County, where the father died in 1834. In the family were 
nine children, all of whom are yet living, our subject being the youngest. After 
the father's death the family kept together, and by the skill and good judgment 
of the mother, were reared and educated in a very creditable manner, and to 
her help and good advice our subject owes much of his success in life. Our sub- 
ject lived at home and assisted on the farm till fifteen years of age ; then served 
an apprenticeship of two years at the carpenter's trade. In 1843, he came to 
Whitley County, and took a job of clearing land in Washington Township. 
After about a year he retured to Wayne County, Ohio, and soon began teach- 
ing and attending school. He attended the Edinburg Academy in his native 
county, and then the Muskingum College near Zanesville, Ohio. He was a 
close and diligent student, and became quite proficient. In the fall of 1850, 
he began the study of medicine with Dr. Alexander Adams, of Apple Creek, 
Wayne Co., Ohio. Then attended the Medical College of Ann Arbor, Mich., 
and on September 29, 1853, he came to South Whitley and began the practice 
of his profession. Here he has since resided. He was united in marriage with 
Miss Rebecca Parrett, March 20, 1856. This lady was born in Fayette County 
Ohio, February 7, 1836. She is the daughter of John D. and Nancy (Kern) 
Parrett, both natives of Fayette County, her father having been born March 9> 
1806, and his wife January 20, 1814. They were married December 31, 1829' 
and to them were born the following family of children — Mary, Catharine, 



CLEVELAND TOWNSHIP. 295 

Rebecca, Benjamin, Phillip, Cynthia A., Joshua, and three that died in infancy 
In the fall of 1836, John D. Parrett and his family, his father Joseph Parrett 
Jr., and family, came to Cleveland Township and purchased the land on which 
South Whitley is now located. They got land of three brothers named Goben 
about the 1st of May, 1837. Joseph Parrett, Jr., laid out the town of South 
Whitley. His son, John D., built the first house in the place, and the survey 
of the town was made by William Delvin. John D. Parrett died March 20 
1855. His wife survives him and resides with her daughter, Mrs. Dr. Merri- 
man. Few of the Parret family are now residing in Whitley County. From 
Dr. Merriman's marriage with Miss Parrett there are five children, viz. : Willa- 
mette, John E., Mary, Nelly and Lowell M. In his profession, Dr. Merriman 
has been eminently successful. Always a close and careful student of patholo- 
gy, as he found it in his practice, he became a leader in the use of new and 
rational remedies. His watchfulness over the interests and welfare of his pa- 
tients, his devotion to his profession, his sound sense and good judgment com- 
bined to complete his fitness for his calling. His adaptability for the position 
of family physician is excelled by none and equaled by few. He has held 
numerous positions of honor and trust, among which are those of Justice of the 
Peace and Township Trustee. He was elected to the latter office twice, when 
the township was heavily in debt, but, through his careful management, it was 
all paid off, and the financial condition of Cleveland Township to-day, through 
his exertions, stands at the head of any township in the county. He has done 
much to build up the schools and elevate the standard of teachers, among whom 
he is very popular. In politics Dr. Merriman is a decided Republican, is 
active in his party, and always acts from principle and not from aspiration for 
office. He is a kind-hearted Christian man, and one of the county's best and 
most worthy citizens. He liberally contributes to all laudable enterprises, 
owns a good home in South Whitley, and one-half interest in the brick business 
building and drug store of Merriman & Robbins, and also 160 acres of land in 
Cleveland Township. 

FREDERICK MORELL was born near the eastern borders of France, 
November 8, 1822, and was the son of Peter and Susan (Hermelet) Morell, 
parents of thirteen children, seven of whom reached maturity. In 1833, the 
parents came to the United States, and engaged in farming in Wayne County, 
Ohio. Our subject, in addition to his early tuition in his mother country, 
acquired a very fair English education, and from the age of sixteen to twenty- 
seven operated the home farm. When about nineteen, he came to Whitley 
County and entered 160 acres of land in Washington Township, with money 
furnished by his father, and came from time to time, in winter, to clear up his 
farm, returning in the spring to manage the home place. In 1849, he came 
to live on his land in Washington Township, and in the same year married 
Miss Catharine Druhot, a native of France, born in 1827. This lady died in 
1874, and in 1882 our subject married Mrs. Margaret Ashcraft. Although 



296 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

the father of no children, Mr. Morell has reared three of his brother's, to 
whom he has given liberally on their marrying or becoming of age. He farmed 
in Washington Township until 1871, when he came to Cleveland, where he 
owns 240 acres, together with 280 in Washington. He has one of the finest 
residences in the county, and has gained all his wealth by thrift and good man- 
agement. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in politics 
was a Democrat till the breaking-out of the recent war, since when he has 
voted with the Republicans. 

CHRISTIAN MYERS was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, January 
24, 1819. He is grandson of Christian Myers, who moved from Virginia to 
Montgomery County, Ohio, during the first settlement of that county. His 
son Henry, father of our subject, came with his parents to Ohio, and there mar- 
ried Mary Wirick, whose people moved from North Carolina to Preble County 
at a very early day. Henry Myers was teamster in the war of 1812, and also 
in the Indiana campaign against the Indians. In 1838, he brought his family 
to this township, bought ninety acres of land from James Chaplin and 120 
acres from William Parrett, near where the village of Collamer now stands, 
and also entered lands in Cass and Kosciusko Counties. He brought with him 
a four-horse wagon, a two-horse wagon, some cows and sheep, household furni- 
ture and considerable cash, but for all that he and family underwent many of 
the hardships of pioneer life. Of his nine children seven were living when he 
came to Indiana ; there are now alive only two sons and one daughter. The 
parents were very intelligent people, and were most favorably known among 
the earlier settlers. In 1849, the father took his farewell of earth, his widow 
surviving till November 23, 1873. Our subject was reared to hard work and 
became a thorough farmer. January 1, 1843, he married Miss Catharine 
Abbott, who was born in Preble County, Ohio, February 11, 1824. Her 
father, James Abbott, came to Kosciusko County in 1834, and located one 
mile west of where Mrs. Myers now lives. Two days after marriage, our sub- 
ject and wife moved into a log cabin within a few feet of their present resi- 
dence, and since then have never been absent from the farm for a longer period 
than ten days. They now own 250 acres of land, and have, besides, given to 
each of their married children a good farm. Their children number five, viz. : 
Nathan, Emeline J., William F., Nora A. and Annie M. Nathan enlisted in 
Company E, Forty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in the spring of 1862, 
and died while in the army of typhoid fever. Our subject and wife are mem- 
bers of the Christian Church, and in politics he is a Republican, and is looked 
upon as one of the county's best citizens. 

JOSEPH MYERS was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, May 10, 
1829, the son of Henry and Mary (Wirick) Myers, of whom full mention is 
made in the sketch of Christian Myers. Our subject was reared on his father's 
farm, receiving a common-school education, and still resides on the homestead, 
which, at his father's death in 1849, consisted of 147 acres, but which now 



CLEVELAND TOWNSHIP. 297 

comprises 227, having been thus increased by our subject, who has also highly 
improved the place, as well as caring for his mother, who made her home with 
him till her death. November 27, 1851, he married Malinda Banta, who was 
born in Cass County, Ind., January 7, 1831, and to their union have been 
born seven children, viz. : Frances E., Winifred S., Mary I., Eldora, Emma, 
Warren H. and Jennie. Our subject is a thoroughly practical farmer and a 
successful stock-raiser and business man ; he is a Republican in politics, a 
member of the Christian Church, and a liberal giver to all church, school and 
other laudable enterprises, and is one of the county's best citizens. 

JOSEPH and RILEY OBENCHAIN are two of a family of six chil- 
dren born to Samuel and Catharine (Flora) Obenchain, both of whom were 
born and reared in Virginia. They were married in their native State, and 
removed to Ohio in 1835, and in the fall of 1836, came with their family to 
Cleveland Township, this county, and entered 160 acres of land on Section 11. 
Their nearest neighbor was James Abbott, who lived five miles west, in what 
is now Kosciusko County. They brought no stock except the horses that drew 
the wagon, and they got a start by going to Elkhart County. They also had 
to go to that county to mill, the trip sometimes occupying ten days. They are 
said to be the first actual and permanent settlers of Cleveland Township, and, 
as they were in straitened circumstances, they went through many hardships 
and privations in making for themselves and family a comfortable home. They 
were intelligent and among the most respected and highly spoken of of the old 
settlers. Joseph Obenchain was born in Botetourt County, Va., October 8, 1828, 
reared upon his father's farm and to hard work, receiving but a limited educa- 
tion. He was united in marriage with Miss Catharine Long in 1849. She 
was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, near Dayton, in 1830. From this 
union ten children were born, viz. : Albert, Sarah E., William, Rueben I., 
Mary J., Samuel E., Ida A., Harley, Charles and Meda. Joseph has always 
resided upon the old homestead. He had but a small tract of unimproved land 
at the time of his marriage, but has always worked hard and carefully saved 
his earnings. He now owns 540 acres. He is a Democrat, a member of the 
Dunkard Church, and an enterprising and useful citizen. He is the present 
Township Trustee of Cleveland Township. Riley Obenchain was born in 
Botetourt County, Va., October 4, 1830. His youth and early manhood were 
spent at hard work upon his father's farm. He received such education as the 
schools of that early day afforded. Was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth 
Brenneman June 9, 1853. She was born in Lancaster County, Penn., 
August 24, 1833. From this union there were eight children, viz. : Franklin 
I., John W., Frances A., Barbara A., Abraham L., Idelia, Mary C. and 
Leonard R. Mrs. Obenchain departed this life May 19, 1881. She was a 
true wife, a faithful companion, and affectionate and loving mother, and an in- 
telligent Christian lady. Riley Obenchain began life as a poor man, and for 
the most part has made what he now possesses. He owns 155 acres of land 



298 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : 

and a nice comfortable home in South Whitley, where he resides. He was 
reared a Democrat, but on the breaking-out of the war he left that party's 
ranks and has since been a stanch and zealous Republican. He was an un- 
compromising union man during the late strife, and did much to help at home 
and encourage the boys in the field. The county would be much better off had 
it more such men as Riley Obenchain. He is a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and liberally contributes toward its support, and that of 
schools and all laudable enterprises. 

MARTIN, FREDERICK and HAMILTON PENCE are the children 
of John and Mary F. (Hoffman) Pence, natives of the " Old Dominion," 
where they were reared and married. They moved from Virginia to Champaign 
County, Ohio, in 1822. There were five children born to them, and some 
years after their removal to the Buckeye State the mother died. The father 
married for his second wife, Barbara Loudenback, and by this marriage there 
were nine children. The father had been a soldier of the war of 1812, and 
always followed farming and was a hard-working, industrious man, and 
respected and useful citizen. Martin Pence, son by the first wife, was born 
in Page County, Va., July 9, 1818. Frederick, his brother, in the same 
county and State, April 4, 1820 ; and Hamilton, in Champaign County, Ohio, 
January 26, 1822. These sons received but little or no education, and after 
the death of their mother fared very poorly at the hands of the step-mother. 
Long before they were able, they were compelled to perform the same and as 
much work as that of full-grown men. Martin left home when about seven- 
teen, and for some years worked by the day or month, and at anything he 
could turn an honest penny at. His wages were small, and it was only by the 
hardest work and strictest economy that he succeeded in saving a little money. 
He was married to Miss Barbara Loudenback August 6, 1813. She was born 
in Champaign County, Ohio, May 8, 1820. From this union were born six 
children, viz., Noah, John, David, Susanah, Melissa and Josephine. Noah 
served his country in the late war, in the Eighty-eighth Indiana Volunteer 
Infantry. He died at Nashville, Term., while in his country's service. Mar- 
tin lived in Champaign County, Ohio, following farming till 1850, when he 
came to this county and located on the farm he now owns. The place was all 
woods and had no improvements. He now owns 160 acres. He is a Demo- 
crat and a member of the Baptist Church. Frederick Pence also went through 
many hardships and privations in youth and for years after he came to this 
county, which was in 1850. He was fifteen when he left his parental roof and 
began the battle of life. Having no education, there was no opening but 
hard, physical labor. He went to work with a will and labored at whatever he 
could find to do. He married Miss Susan Jenkins April 26, 1810. She was 
born in Champaign County, Ohio, September 12, 1819. From this union ten 
children were born, viz., Philander R., Rose A., Mary F., Nancy J., Amanda, 
John W., Bell, Sabra, Tamson and Martha. Five of these children are 



CLEVELAND TOWNSHIP. 299 

deceased. In 1847, Frederick and his brother Hamilton came to this county 
and purchased some land, paying $3.50 per acre for it. They then went back 
to Ohio, and in 1850 both came to this county and located on their land. At 
the time of marriage, Frederick had no property. He has always worked 
hard and has accumulated considerable wealth. He now owns 120 acres of 
land and a nice and comfortable home in South Whitley. He has given 
liberally to his children. He is a Republican in politics, and a member of the 
U. B. Church. Hamilton Pence left home when thirteen years of age, and up 
to the time of marriage had little or no means ahead. He worked by day, 
month and job. He and brother Frederick would chop cord wood at 25 cents 
per cord and make rails at 25 cents per hundred, taking in pay wheat, corn 
whisky or anything they could convert into money. In 1850, Hamilton came 
to this county and located on what is now the Goble farm, in Cleveland Town- 
ship. He was married in Champaign County, Ohio, July 24, 1844, to Miss 
Sarah Harbour. She was born in Champaign County, Ohio, August 8, 1819. 
From this union there were six children, two of whom are now living, viz., 
Allen and Joseph. Those deceased were, Lovina, Tamson, Richard and Jason. 
Allen served his country in the One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Indiana 
Volunteer Infantry during the late war. Hamilton Pence, after his marriage, 
lived with his father-in-law some time, then moved on a small place belonging 
to him, where he remained until 1845, when he moved to Jefferson County, 
Iowa, but after living there about a year, and in Illinois, near Springfield, 
some months, returned to Ohio, where he remained till he came to this county 
in 1850. After living some years in Cleveland Township and clearing ninety 
acres of land, he sold it and went to Champaign County, Ohio, and purchased 
his father-in-law's farm, but after a year sold that, and again came to this 
county, where he has since resided. He owned 320 acres of land, but has 
given 160 of it to his sons. He is a Republican, and a member of the U. B. 
Church. In taking a retrospective view of the life, success and acquirements 
of the Pence brothers, it can be truly said of them that they were self-made 
men. They began life as very poor boys, but by hard work and economy, 
coupled with strict honesty and straight dealings, have made for themselves 
and families comfortable homes and secured an enviable reputation among the 
people with whom they have lived, and in the county which they have helped 
to improve. They were stanch Union men during the late war, contributing 
over $1,500 for sanitary and other purposes. They are ever ready to help the 
weak and oppressed, and have liberally contributed to all religious, educational 
and other worthy enterprises. 

SAMUEL "PRITC HARD was born in Stark County, Ohio, June 12, 
1840, one of a family of seven sons and six daughters born to Noah and Mar- 
garet (Rhinehart) Pritchard, natives respectively of Virginia and Maryland. 
They were married in Stark County, and moved from there to this township 
in 1848. The father died January 7, 1881, and the mother now resides in Rich- 



300 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

land Township. Of the seven sons, three served in the Union army during 
the late war. When about twenty years old, our subject entered a grist-mill at 
Collamer, and two years later engaged in Arnold Bros.' mill, at South Whit- 
ley. In 1863, he enlisted in Company E, Forty-fourth Indiana Volunteer 
Infantry, and served through the war. For two years after his return, he 
worked in a mill, and then went to Arnold Bros.' again, and remained with 
them about ten years. Then he started in the grocery trade at South Whitley, 
and in 1880 he and John Glassley built a two-story brick store, one-half of 
which he now occupies, and also owns a comfortable home in the village. De- 
cember 29, 1869, he married Miss Mary Ramsey, born in Bluffton, Ind., Sep- 
tember 18, 1848, and to them have been born three children, viz.: Orphia L., 
Myrtle B. and Lodie M. Mr. Pritchard is a member of the M. E. Church ; is 
a useful and enterprising citizen, and is a Republican. 

FRANCIS S. REMINGTON was born in Hartford County, Conn., 
August 31, 1836, the son of Jonathan and Elethia fSikes) Remington, natives 
of said State, who moved to Ohio in 1842, and settled in Akron, Summit 
County, where they have ever since resided. The father was a farmer, as well 
as wagon and carriage maker, and was the parent of eight children, three of 
whom are yet living. Our subject was reared in the city of Akron, where he 
received a good common-school education, and learned to be a printer in the 
Beacon office, beginning when about fifteen years old, and following the busi- 
ness until 1868. He came to Wayne County, Ind., in 1861, and for some 
time conducted a newspaper there, but has not done much in the newspaper 
line since 1865, competent and practical though he was. He was engaged in 
the insurance business for some time, and in the fall of 1871 came to South 
Whitley and entered into the hardware trade, which he still continues. In 
November, 1864, he married Miss Clara A. Snow, who was born in Franklin 
County, Ind., in 1845. and to their union have been born five children — Ella, 
Mary D., Cora S., Nora S. and James E. Mr. Remington is a member of the 
M. E. Church, is an Odd Fellow, and in politics a Republican. He is a good 
scholar and an enterprising business man, and is liberal in his contributions in 
aid of schools, churches and other laudable undertakings. 

RICHARD RITTER was born in Champaign County, Ohio, February 
2, 1819, the son of Henry and Elizabeth (Harbour) Ritter. The father was 
born in Kentucky, but moved, when a boy, with his parents to Ross County, 
Ohio, and was here reared ; but, while still a young man, went to Champaign 
County, and there enlisted and served in the war of 1812. He married in Cham- 
paign County, held there numerous official positions, was Captain in the State 
Militia and a leading and influential citizen, and father of nine children. At 
an early day, he came to Whitley County and entered 320 acres of land in this 
township and 160 in Washington Township. In 1840, he gave 160 acres of 
the Cleveland Township land to our subject, who that year came out to see the 
property and get the deed recorded, and make some improvements. Our sub- 



CLEVELAND TOWNSHIP. 301 

ject then returned to Ohio, and, until 1844, alternated between the two States 
till he was fully prepared to move here permanently. September 15, 1842, he 
married Sarah Kiser, who was born in Clark County, Ohio, in 1821. In 1844, 
he came to live on the land alluded to above, which he has since made his home, 
and has well improved. In 1862, Mrs. Ritter died, the mother of nine chil- 
dren, four of whom are yet living — James, Elijah, Catherine and Emeline ; 
those deceased were Perry, Jane, Landora, Eldora and John. Of the sons, 
James served during the late war in the Eighty-eighth Indiana Volunteer In- 
fantry, and Elijah in the One 'Hundred and Twenty-ninth, and were both good 
soldiers. Mr. Ritter has always followed farming and stock-raising ; is a Dem- 
ocrat ; has held several township offices, and is a good and useful citizen. 

SAMUEL ROBBINS was born in St. Joseph County, Ind., April 30, 
1841, the son of John and Precious (Jenkins) Robbins, natives of Miami 
County, where they were married, and whence they moved in an early day to 
St. Joseph County, where the father entered a tract of land, on which he still 
resides. He was twice married, his second wife being Rachel Jackson, and 
there were born to him twelve children, six by each wife. He is a man of 
more than ordinary intelligence, and has held several positions of honor and 
trust. Our subject was reared a farmer and received an academic education. 
In the spring of 1861, he went to Kankakee County, 111., and in the following 
August enlisted in Company D, Forty-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and 
was almost immediately sent to the front. He was at Farmington and Stone 
River. At the latter fight he was captured, and was held prisoner twenty- 
eight days, fifteen of these being spent in Libby Prison ; he was then paroled, 
subsequently exchanged, and then he returned to his regiment, at that time at 
Murfreesboro. He took part in the battles of Chickamauga, in and around 
Atlanta, and at Mission Ridge, at the last receiving a wound from a minie 
ball, which struck him just above the heart, shattering several ribs and the left 
shoulder joint. This disqualified him for further service, and, after thirteen 
months' treatment in the hospital, he returned to his father's in St. Joseph 
County, where he remained a year ; then served as clerk in a drug store in 
South Bend a year, then came to South Whitley for awhile, thence he went to 
Elwood, Will County, 111., where he remained for two years in the drug trade, 
and then returned to South Whitley ; acted as station agent for the Eel River 
Railroad County two years, and then entered the drug business again. In 
1879, he erected a two-story brick business building in South Whitley, and a 
year later sold one-half interest to Dr. E. Merriman, and together they now 
conduct a drug trade. In 1872, Mr. Robbins was appointed Postmaster at 
South Whitley, and he still fills the position. April 16, 1874, he married 
Miss Ellen M. Hower, born in this county August 8, 1855, and to their union 
have been born two children — Maud E. and Charles W. Mr. Robbins is a 
reading man, a Republican, and one of the county's useful citizens. 

JAMES M. RUNKLE was born in Mad River Township, Champaign 



302 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

County, Ohio, January 22, 1837, the son of David and Margaret (Frisinger) 
Runkle, natives respectively of Virginia and Kentucky, and married in Cham- 
paign County, Ohio, of which portion of the State Peter Runkle, our subject's 
grandfather, was one of the earliest settlers. David Runkle, our subject's 
father, was born in 1800 ; died January 22, 1878, having served as a Baptist 
minister over fifty-six years. His mother, Margaret Runkle, was born in 1810, 
and is still living in Ohio. They were the parents of five children, of whom 
our subject is the youngest. Reared a farmer, our subject while yet a young 
man took charge of his father's farm, which he operated till 1861, when he 
came to this township and purchased the farm he now occupies. January 12, 
1860, he married Miss Mahala Pence, who was born in Champaign County* 
Ohio, September 1, 1842, and to their union have been born six children — 
Laura C, Charles F., Wiley A., Viletia M., Avilla B. and one that died in in- 
fancy. About five years after coming to this county, Mr. Runkle engaged in 
the saw-mill and lumber business, which he successfully carried on, and has 
been more or less engaged in ever since ; he has also handled real estate and 
live stock, and has been fortunate in all his transactions, although, being a man 
of generous impulses, he has lost heavily by going security for others, but still 
owns a nicely improved farm and other property. He is a member of the Ma- 
sonic fraternity ; is a Democrat, and has held a number of township offices, and 
is altogether a valuable citizen. 

ANDREW SHORB was born in York County, Penn., September 20, 
1809, the son of Adam and Mary (Miller) Shorb, both born, reared and mar- 
ried in the county named, and the parents of twelve children, ten of whom lived 
to reach their majority. Our subject lived on his father's farm till twenty-two 
years old, and August 7, 1831, married Miss Mary Phillips, who was also born 
in York County February 11, 1813. In 1832, they moved to Stark County, 
Ohio, and engaged in farming some ten years. In 1842, they came to this 
county ; spent the winter with Henry Myers in this township, and then settled 
in the southeastern part of Richland. On coming to this county, they brought 
with them a two-horse team, some household goods, and 150 head of sheep. 
The last Mr. Shorb disposed of, and two years later (1844), he went to Wayne 
County, Ind., and purchased 300 head, which he also disposed of in this coun- 
ty. These were probably the first large flocks of sheep brought to the county. 
In 1869, being tired of farming, Mr. Shorb moved to Larwill, where he lived 
in quiet about six years ; he then moved to his present home near Collamer. 
Beginning life with nothing, he has, by untiring industry and sagacious man- 
agement, secured a competency. He has given his children over five hundred 
acres of land, and still owns 215 acres, and has, in addition, had his children 
well educated. He and wife are members of the Lutheran Church, and are 
among the most respected citizens of the community. Their children are named 
as follows : Lavinia, Henry J., Nathaniel G., Matilda, Justus A., Melinda, 
Andrew J., Jeremiah, Thomas J., Eliza A., Miranda M., Sarah J. and Mary E. 



CLEVELAND TOWNSHIP. 303 

CHARLES SHUH was born in Clark County, Ohio, March 11, 1841. 
His father, John Shuh, was born in Bavaria, came to this country in 1838, 
was married in Ohio to Miss Margaret Shaffner, also a native of Germany, 
and came to this county in 1856, settling in Troy (now a part of Richland) 
Township. Our subject was reared on a farm, and soon after reaching his 
majority visited Illinois, where he was at the breaking-out of the late war. 
He enlisted in Company C, Seventy-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and with 
his regiment was in the battles at Perryville, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, 
Mission Ridge, Atlanta, Franklin, Nashville, and in all the battles in which the 
Seventy-fifth, of which he was color-bearer, was engaged, except Stone River. 
After the war, he came to this county and for some time operated a saw-mill 
for his father, and subsequently bought it, ran it in Richland Township till 
1871, moved it to South Whitley and added planing-mill, and now deals in all 
kinds of hard and soft lumber. January 1, 1867, he married Miss Martha 
Huston, who was born in this county, January BO, 1841, and to their union 
have been born four children, viz. : Charles L., Margaret F., Albert R. and 
Wallace M. Until 1872, Mr. Shuh was Democratic in his political faith, but 
since that year has voted with the Republicans. He is a member of the Bap- 
tist Church and a good citizen. 

ANDREW W. SICKAFOOSE was born in Stark County, Ohio, Feb- 
ruary 13, 1821, the son of George and Margaret (Wagner) Sickafoose, natives 
of Pennsylvania, and married in that State, whence they emigrated to Stark 
County in about 1817, and settled in Pike Township. The father, who had 
served in the war of 1812, died July 7, 1840, and his wife followed in 1850. 
Our subject was reared on the farm, but on reaching his majority learned the 
blacksmith's trade, and assisted in caring for the family after his mother's 
death. January 24, 1847, in Stark County, he married Miss Mary McDonald, 
born in Canton, Ohio, August 13, 1825, and to their union were born four 
children, viz. : Marion, Ellie, Laura and Electa. In 1851, he brought his 
family to this county, and a year later began working at his trade in South 
Whitley, where he has since remained, and now owns a pretty home in the 
village and 160 acres of good land in the township. In politics, he formerly 
affiliated with the Whig party, but joined the standard of the Republicans at 
an early day. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. 

SAMUEL H. SICKAFOOSE was born in Stark County, Ohio, April 
19, 1836, one of twelve children born to John and Margaret (Swartwood) 
Sickafoose, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and New England, and mar- 
ried in Pennsylvania, whence they removed to Stark County in 1817, and in 
1838 to this township, where the father entered 320 acres of land on Section 
35, coming in a three-horse wagon and bringing his wife and ten children, of 
whom our subject was the youngest. They were among the first to settle in 
that part of the county, and were compelled to endure all the privations and 



304 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

hardships of pioneer life. The father had been Justice of the Peace in Ohio, 
and also filled the same office in this township a number of years. He and 
wife were industrious people and members of the church, and reared to sobriety 
and virtue their large family, many of whom still reside in this county and 
are recognized as among its best citizens. The father died in 1875, and was 
followed by the mother two years later. Our subject, who was reared on the 
farm, married Miss Catharine A. Holm, November 12, 1858. She was born 
in Stark County, Ohio, June 30, 1837. To this union have been born four 
children, viz. : Mary M., David H., Harriet H. and an infant son. Subject 
followed carpentering for ten years, lumbering and saw-milling six years, man- 
ufactured wagons and carriages at South Whitley for some time, and has also 
been engaged in mercantile business and hotel keeping in South Whitley, 
where he now owns a good business house and a nice home, and other valuable 
property. He served in Company I, One Hundred and Fifty-third Indiana 
Volunteer Infantry, from the spring of 1865 till the close of the late war ; he 
is a stanch Republican, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church. 

LEWIS M. STEWARD was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, September 
20, 1816, the son of Zadok and Mary (Miller) Steward, natives respectively of 
Wales and Germany. They were married in Virginia, and moved to Cincin- 
nati in early times, and there the father conducted a mill and distillery. He 
was a soldier of the war of 1812, and served under Harrison at Tippecanoe and 
in other fights, and died at his home about 1824, when our subject was eight 
years old. The orphaned boy, by working at odd jobs, saving his money, 
attending school at times and studying hard, acquired a good education, and 
began teaching school while still young. In 1848, he came to this county, 
bought eighty acres of land, where he now lives, and moved upon it in 1849. 
In 1838, he married Miss Hannah Harbour, born in Virginia in 1820, and they 
became the parents of seven children, viz., Robert J., Theodore, Catharine, 
Joseph, Oliver P. and two that died in infancy. Mrs. Steward died in 1854, 
and in 1856 our subject married Mrs. Hannah Parrett, who was born in Lick- 
ing County, Ohio, in 1822, the daughter of Abraham Grable, one of the pio- 
neers of Whitley County, and its first Treasurer. To this marriage were born 
six children, viz., Roseltha M., Franklin D., Ettie, Clara, Claud Maud and 
Jennie B. During the late war, Robert J. and Theodore were both in the LTnion 
army. Our subject now owns over two hundred acres of well-improved land 
adjoining South Whitley, and has held the office of Justice of the Peace for six- 
teen years. He is a Democrat, and a member of the M. E. Church. 

OLIVER P. STEWART was born in Champaign County, Ohio, October 
13, 1848, the son of Lewis M. and Hannah (Harbour) Stewart, natives of Ohio. 
They came to this county in 1849, and settled on their present farm adjoining 
the village of South Whitley. Our subject, Oliver P., was reared on a farm, 
but at the age of seventeen began teaching school. In 1871, he entered the 



CLEVELAND TOWNSHIP. 305 

" Ohio Wesleyan University of Delaware," Ohio, was sufficiently advanced to 
enter the Sophomore class, and graduated in 1874. Soon after, he took up the 
study of law, and in a few years was admitted to the bar, since when he has 
practiced in all the courts of the county ; is well posted in his profession, and is 
located at South Whitley. September 29, 1881, he married Miss Bell Bechtol, 
who was born in this county May 7, 1856. He is a Democrat, and, in the 
spring of 1882, was nominated for the office of County Treasurer. He is a 
Notary Public, and is regarded as a young man of ability and progressive ideas. 

JEREMIAH STIVER was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, August 
8, 1832, the son of William and Harriet (Sterling) Stiver, who were born, 
reared and married near Harrisburg, Penn., and who, in 1830, moved to 
Montgomery County, Ohio, and thence, in 1848, to this township, where they 
located on the farm now owned by Stephen Gleason, and where they ended 
their days, the parents of five sons and three daughters. The father was a 
carpenter, which trade he followed the greater part of his time, although he 
owned a farm. He built many of the dwellings and barns in this and adjoin- 
ing townships, which stand to-day monuments of his skill and industry. In 
I860, he died, his wife having preceded him ten years. Our subject was reared 
on his father's farm, receiving his education in the log schoolhouses of that 
day, and he and his brothers cultivating the land while the father was away 
working at his trade. March 18, 1856, he married Miss Catharine Obenchain, 
who was born in this township March 31, 1836, and by this union became the 
father of seven children — George W., Samantha J., Charles S., Mary, Flora 
C, Emro J. C. and Joseph R. Mrs. Stiver died January 24, 1869, and Mr. 
Stiver, July 4, 1869, married Miss Sarah E. Young, who was born in Summit 
County, Ohio, October 6, 1846. To this union were born nine children — 
Minerva, Dora E., William H., Chloe M., Jessie B., Sarah A., Franklin I. and 
Harry I. (twin brothers) and a daughter that died in infancy. Mr. Stiver has 
always followed farming, and owns 105 acres of well-improved land. He is a 
member of the Masonic order, and of the A. 0. U. W., and, in politics, is a 
Democrat. 

JOHN N. STULTS was born in Stark County, Ohio, November 7, 1838, 
and is one of five children born to Samuel and Margaret (Failor) Stults, 
natives of Pennsylvania. They were married in Stark County, where the 
father followed farming till his death in 1849, and where the mother still 
resides a widow. Our subject helped care for the family till of age, in the 
meantime attending school at Canton, Ohio, and also Mount Union College. 
In 1862, he enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Seventh Ohio Volun- 
teer Infantry, and served two years in the late war, being present at Chancel- 
lorsville, Gettysburg, Fort Wagner and several lesser engagements, and the last 
year serving as Regimental Quartermaster. In 1865, he came to this town- 
ship and engaged in lumbering and milling. In 1879, he engaged in mercan- 
tile business in South Whitley, and now carries $10,000 worth of general 



306 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

store goods. He has a large two-story brick business house, and other valuable 
property. August 24, 1866, he married Miss Nancy J. Pence, who was born 
in Champaign County, Ohio, February 3, 1849, and to their union have been 
born four children — Stella, Minnie M., Winifred and Nellie. Mr. Stults is a 
Republican and a Mason, and is, in the- usual sense of the word, a self-made 
man, an enterprising and public-spirited citizen, and has built up his still 
increasing trade by fair dealing and strict attention to business. 

BENJAMIN W. TODD was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, the son 
of Samuel and Sarah Todd. His father came from Maryland and his mother 
from Germany, and they were married in the county of our subject's birth, and 
died in Van Wert, leaving twelve children. Benjamin W. worked on his father's 
farm till his majority was reached, and then began life on his own account. 
In 1843, he married Miss Rachel Goodin, a native of Pennsylvania, born in 
1817, and to their union were born nine children — Samuel G., Sarah, Josiah 
B., Orpedill, Matilda A., Truman B., Stilman C, Mary A. and Frances. He 
farmed in Ohio till 1845, when he came to this township with his family and 
located on the farm he now owns, and experienced all the cares, toil and suffer- 
ings of pioneer life, he and wife at one time being ill two days and nights and 
receiving only the attention their little ones could give. Fortunately they were 
discovered by a hunter, who procured a doctor and other assistance. His farm 
now comprises 120 acres good land, well improved. Mrs. Todd died May 29, 
1874, regretted by all who knew her. Our subject is a Democrat, is a member 
of the M. E. Church, and is one of the county's oldest and most respected 
citizens. 

PETER TRESSLER was born in Bavaria, Germany, February 25, 1824, 
the son of Michael and Louisa (Foreman) Tressler, who came to the United 
States in 1827 and located in Sandy Township, Stark County, Ohio, where 
the father died a year later, leaving his wife and ten children in somewhat des- 
titute circumstances. The mother, however, succeeded in rearing her large 
family in a creditable manner, and then departed this life in 1848. Our sub- 
ject remained with and lent his aid to the support of the family and his mother 
till her death. November 12, 1848, he married Miss Eliza Reed, who was 
born in Berks County, Penn., February 27, 1825, and to their union have been 
born five children — Lavina, Emma, Adaline, Simon and Abraham. Mr. 
Tressler remained on a farm in Ohio till 1853, when he brought his family to 
this county, located three miles southwest of South Whitley, farmed there till 
1865, and then purchased the present well-improved farm of eighty acres near 
the village. Mr. and Mrs. Tressler began married life with no means, but 
through their united industry and economy have secured a comfortable home. 
Mr. Tressler is a man of broad views, is a liberal subscriber to periodical litera- 
ture, is a well-informed and useful citizen and a stanch Republican. 

MICHAEL WAUTZ, deceased, was born in Adams County, Penn., De- 
cember 1, 1809, and when a boy came with his parents to Preble County, 



RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 307 

Ohio, and was there reared to manhood, receiving only a limited education. In 
December, 1832, he married Miss Mary Smyres, who was born April 13, 1814, 
in Adams County, Penn. In 1836, Mr. Wautz came to this county and 
entered 240 acres of land on Section 31, in what is now Cleveland Township, 
and then returned to Ohio, and that fall he sent out his brother-in-law, David 
Smyres, to make some improvements, deaden trees, etc. In 1837, Mr. Wautz 
received his land patent, signed by President Van Buren, and in 1838 came 
with his family to his possessions in this county. There were three children 
in his family at that time, and seven were born to him in this State — ten in 
all — viz. : Sarah, Abraham, Ann R., Amanda, William J., Nelson, Martin, 
Albert P., Peter E. and Callista E. He brought with him a blind horse and 
a yoke of oxen — no money — and he saw many hardships and privations, and 
there are few of the old settlers who were better or more favorably known than 
Mr. Wautz. He was a Democrat and a member of the Lutheran Church. 
He accumulated much property and was liberal in his donations to religious, 
educational and other worthy objects. He died April 22, 1881, his wife hav- 
ing departed some years before. Frederick Wautz, brother of the above gen- 
tleman, came to Cleveland Township with his wife, who was Catharine Wysung, 
and family, in 1845. They were industrious and well-to-do people, and had a 
family of seven children. Frederick died September 19, 1879, and was a good 
man and useful citizen. Albert P. Wautz, son of Michael, was born in Cleve- 
land Township, February 20, 1853. He was reared on his father's farm, 
receiving a good common-school education. He married Miss Sarah A. Ward, 
October 14, 1878. She was born in this township September 12, 1861. 
Albert P. owns 180 acres of the old homestead, and is well posted on farming, 
stock raising and the affairs of the day, and is a young man of prominence and 
ability. 



RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 

JOHN R. ANDERSON was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, October 
7, 1816, the son of Samuel and Rebecca (Rose) Anderson, natives of Ireland 
and New Jersey, respectively, and of Scotch and German extraction. Our 
subject was left an orphan at an early age, and went to school and worked 
on a farm in his native county till twenty years old, when he came West, arriv- 
ing in this county, with Andrew Compton and family, in 1837. He soon after 
entered the land, where he now lives, and engaged to work one year for $90, 
with which he made another entry. The winter of 1838 he returned to Mus- 
kingum County, Ohio, and attended school, and the winter of 1839 attended 
school in Kosciusko County, and the spring following built a cabin on his farm. 
October 21, 1841, he married Lucinda Witt, daughter of David and Deborah 
Witt, and by this union had ten children, six of whom are living. Our sub- 



308 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

ject was present at the organization of Richland Township, and there cast his 
first vote ; and has been called since to fill all the offices in the early history 
of the township. Subject's son, Joseph E., served as Sergeant in Company 
E, Forty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was wounded at the battle 
of Pittsburg Landing ; was honorably discharged and re-enlisted as a recruit 
for the 100-day call. Our subject and Mr. William Rice are the only two 
living of those who voted at the first election in the township. 

W. N. ANDREWS, druggist, was born in Portage County, Ohio, 
October 13, 1828, the son of Samuel L. and Harriet (Shurtlefi) Andrews, 
natives of Connecticut and Massachusetts, respectively, and of Welsh and 
Scotch descent. They were early settlers in the State where our subject was 
born. In May, 1839, they moved to La Grange County, this State, where 
they purchased a farm ; but, being all attacked with the ague, except the 
father, they sold out and came to this township the October following. For 
the second time a farm was entered in the forest, a cabin erected, and six chil- 
dren reared, and the farm is now a pleasant home. Our subject assisted in 
the building of the first schoolhouse in this township, and was one of its stu- 
dents under the tuition of Miss Zella Adams. When nearly twenty, he began 
to learn the carpenter's trade, and worked thereat for seven or eight years ; 
then taught school, at intervals, for four years. In 1862, he entered the 
drug store of Mason & Greg, at Columbia ; in 1864, started and conducted a 
store at Auburn for Mr. Greg; and a year later, engaged with Meyer Brothers, 
Fort Wayne, with whom he remained till 1877, when he and W. J. Tyree 
opened the store he is now conducting. Our subject has been twice married — 
in 1850 to Rebecca Hoover, and in 1852 to Rebecca A. Richey, daughter of 
George Richey, a native of Ireland. By his last union he has had born to 
him six daughters, five of whom are living. Mr. Andrews is an active business 
man and is Postmaster of Larwill. 

HENRY BAILEY is a native of the " Buckeye " State, his birth occur- 
ring in Coshocton County in 1836. His parents, James and Elizabeth Bailey, 
were natives of Delaware and Pennsylvania respectively, and of English and 
Dutch descent. Henry Bailey remained on the home farm, working and at- 
tending school until he was twenty-one years of age, when he began for himself, 
and in 1861 removed to Van Wert County, Ohio, and purchased a half-interest in 
a saw-mill, to which he gave his attention for three years, removing in 1865 to 
Coshocton County, where he purchased a farm, but in 1868 he sold out and 
came to Richland Township, locating on a fine farm of 160 acres, where he still 
remains. Mr. Bailey was married in June, 1863, to Miss Ruth A. Richey, 
daughter of M. F. and Sarah Richey, both natives of Ohio, and of English and 
Irish descent. They have but one child — Homer Bailey. Mr. and Mrs. Bai- 
ley are of the Baptist faith, Mr. Bailey contributing largely toward the support 
of that denomination in Larwill. Mr. Bailey is one of the most energetic and 
enterprising of men, being influential in the establishment of the first tile-mill in 



RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 309 

the county, shipping the first tile and laying the first tile ditch in the township. 
He does not aspire to political eminence, but devotes his time to stock-raising 
and home improvements, and all objects devoted to the public good, we find 
in him an able coadjutor. 

HARLOW BARBER (deceased) was born in Goshen, Litchfield Town- 
ship, Conn., May 8, 1798, and was the son of Jared and Eunice (Holcomb) 
Barber, natives of New England. He was a mason by trade, and his wife aided 
him in the support of his family by weaving. In his childhood, he had been 
removed by his parents to a farm in Genesee County, N. Y., which he assisted 
in clearing up, and near by which was a mound, known as Barber Hill. When 
grown, he went to Georgia for a year and assisted an uncle, an extensive cattle 
dealer. Returning home, he married, October 14, 1824, Elsie Case, daughter 
of Truman Case, and born in Berkshire County, Mass., October 22, 1803. 
He then located on the south side of Barber Hill and farmed until 1838, when 
he came to Troy Township, this county, and located on Section 14, where 
he built a round-log cabin, which is still standing as one of the pioneer land- 
marks, and has been occupied as a residence the better part of the time since. 
He cleared up this land, and in 1852 sold out and bought the farm now owned 
by his son, F. B., and this he, a few years later, sold, and located near Larwill, 
where he farmed a number of years, and as age crept on, he moved into town 
and spent the remainder of his days in retirement. His wife, Elsie, died in 
1832, from consumption, the mother of five sons, four now living. He took his 
second wife about 1834, his first wife's sister and his uncle's widow, who bore 
him two children. After establishing for himself a good record, he died July 
11, 1881, from dyspepsia, at the age of eighty-three. His wife survives him 
at the age of ninety-six, and is living, hale and hearty, with her step-son, W. 
E. Barber. 

E. L. BARBER was born in Genesee County, N. Y., August 28, 1831, 
and came with his parents to this county at the age of eight. Being not over- 
strong, his early days were spent in catching small game and keeping depreda- 
tory birds and animals away from the crops on his father's farm. After a visit 
to a step-sister for a couple of years, he went to Miami County, Ohio, to live 
with Dr. E. H. Sutton, as a student of medicine, and worked for his board, and 
did odd jobs to supply himself with clothing. Here he stopped three years, and 
the last winter taught school. In the spring, he passed some time in the dis- 
secting-room, and then attended a private school at Fort Wayne the rest of the 
summer. On his return home, he taught geography from outline maps ; then 
made a trip to New York, taught geography again on his return, and then took 
a third interest in a dry goods store in Larwill. In 1852, he organized a com- 
pany and started overland for California, and there remained seven years, en- 
gaged in mining most of the time. In 1859, he returned home to take care of 
a brother very low with consumption. The following spring, he began selling 
goods from a wagon, and in 1861 started as a general dealer in the town then 

Q 



310 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

known as Huntsville. He did business for some time in Etna, and then sold his 
store-building and removed his stock to present place, where he is continuing the 
same trade. During his residence in Larwill, he served as Postmaster seven 
years. He was married, in 1868, to Rachel Jameson, and became the father of 
five children — one daughter and three sons of whom are now living. 

JAMES BAYMAN was born in Miami County, Ohio, in 1811, and was 
the son of John and Mary Bayman, both natives of Virginia, and of French de- 
scent. When the subject was three years old his mother died, and a few years 
later his mother was married to David Whitman, of Darke County, Ohio, in 
which county our subject spent his boyhood in working on a farm. In the fall 
of 1836, he married Hannah Hole, daughter of William and Elizabeth Hole, 
natives of Virginia. The same year, he entered eighty acres in Wells County, 
and the following year moved upon it, brought it out of the woods transformed 
to a perfect farm, and in 1852 sold and removed to this township ; located on 
wild land, which he thoroughly improved, increased to 320 acres, gave a por- 
tion of it to his sons, and now has a comfortable home of 117 acres. He is the 
father of eleven children, of whom six sons and three daughters are now living. 
His son Alexander was with Gen. Sherman in his famous march to the sea, 
having enlisted, in the fall of 1862, in Company K, Eighty-eighth Indiana Vol- 
unteer Infantry. His second son enlisted February 11, 1865, and was out till 
the close of the war. 

S. BENTON was born in Pasquotank County, N. C, in 1822, and at the 
age of eight years was brought by his parents to Wayne County, this State. 
He was married in August, 1843, to Anna Guard, and the October following 
moved to Etna Township, this county now, but then a part of Noble County. 
His forest farm consisted of eighty acres, and he had $50 in cash with which to 
start life in a new country without roads or home markets. He stopped with 
Mr. James Long until he had time to erect a cabin, into which he moved the 
thirteenth day after his arrival. It had a paper window, but no door nor fire- 
place. Nevertheless, by industry, he has created for himself a comfortable home, 
and therein has reared his family. He has vivid recollections of the Indians of 
that day, and of the plenitude of deer, turkeys and other game. His nearest 
market was Fort Wayne, and to that point he carried his produce and bought 
his groceries, and the trip took from three to four days. By trapping and wild 
animals, he was enabled to pay his taxes through the sale of their pelts. His 
energy was rewarded subsequently by his fellow citizens calling upon bira to 
fill several minor offices of the township, including that of Viewer of Roads. 
He has been twice married, and is the father of eight children, six of whom are 
still living. His first wife died in 1873, at the age of fifty-two. August 20, 
1875, he married Mrs. Elizabeth Smith, widow of Henry Smith, and they are 
the parents of six children. Mr. Benton is a Freemason, and an honored citi- 
zen of Larwill, at which place he now resides. 



RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 311 

D J. BOWMAN, hardware merchant, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, 
in 1833, and is the son of David and Margaret Bowman, natives of Pennsylva- 
nia, and of German descent. He was reared on a farm, and came with his 
parents to Washington Township, Noble Co., Ind., in 1846. He assisted his 
parents in clearing from the forest a farm, and at the age of twenty started for 
himself, making a purchase for $200, on one year's time, of some wild land, 
which, through hard work and saving habits, he succeeded in paying for. In 
1858, he married Miss Helen E. Jones, daughter of Eli Jones, and then sold 
his farm and bought eighty acres in Section 32, Etna Township, this county, 
which he redeemed from the forest and converted into a pleasant home. He 
worked for a number of years at the carpenter's trade, and in August, 1862, 
enlisted in Company K, Eighty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was 
honorably discharged in June, 1865, having been under Gen. Sherman's com- 
mand nearly the whole time. He is quite active as a politician, and has filled 
the position of Township Assessor one term. He and his wife have one child, 
and are members of the Baptist Church, he also being a member of Masonic 
Lodge, No. 377. Subject moved to Piercetonin 1871 or 1872, served a few years 
as clerk in a hardware store, then eighteen months in a dry goods store, and in 
1881 came to Larwill, and started his present large hardware establishment. 

ALEXANDER BUNTAIN, deceased, when but an infant child accom- 
panied his parents from Virginia — his native State — to Highland County, 
Ohio. He was born in 1813, and resided in Ohio until about the year 1841, 
when he came to this township and began improving land, owned by his father. 
He married, in September, 1841, Miss Mary T. Buck, and shortly afterward 
settled on the farm he had cleared, and for many years lived happily. At his 
death, which occurred in September, 1870, the community mourned the loss of 
an old and valued citizen. Mr. Buntain served in the capacity of Township 
Trustee two terms, and was the father of six children, all of whom are living 
but one. Mrs. Buntain is the daughter of John and Catharine Buck, who 
came from Madison County, Ohio, to this township, and located in 1839, on the 
farm now owned by Henry Bailey. Mrs. Buntain is yet living on the home- 
stead farm. 

JOHN BUNTAIN, deceased, was born in Highland County, Ohio, in 
1817, and was a son of John and Elizabeth Buntain, natives of Virginia, of 
Irish descent. The subject was reared on a farm, and in 1842 came to this 
township, and began improving some land previously purchased by his father. 
He built h cabin, and in 1843 married Lydia A. Trimble, daughter of Abner 
ami Mary Trimble, natives of Madison County, Ohio. Here they experienced 
the vicissitudes of pioneer life, and reared their family, four children having re- 
sulted from their union, three boys and one girl. Mr. Buntain was a highly 
respected and industrious man, owning a well-improved farm of 160 acres at 
the time of his death, which occurred in October, 1878. Mrs. Buntain came to 
this county with her mother three years prior to her marriage with Mr. Bun- 



312 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

tain. Their eldest son John R. enlisted in 1864 in Company G, One Hundred 
and Twenty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was in the battles of Resaca 
and Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta, Franklin, Tenn., Nashville, and Gum Swamp, 
N. C. He was honorably discharged in September, 1865. 

JOHN BURNS was born in Utica, N. Y., January 18, 1814, the son of 
Abraham and Hannah Burns, natives of New York and Vermont. He was 
taken while yet a child by his parents to Monroe County, N. Y., then to Oak- 
land County, Mich., where, from fourteen years upward, was reared to the use 
of the ax, maul and wedge. When twenty-one, he started out for himself, 
working by the job, and in the winter of 1835 erected for himself a cabin on a 
small forest farm. August 28, 1836, he married Mary B. Letson, born in 
Orleans County, N. Y., September 29, 1820, and removed with her parents, 
William and Lovina (Howe) Letson, to Oakland County, Mich., in 1835. The 
spring following his marriage, he sold his farm, and came to this township and 
entered land on Section 29. In 1837, he moved in, having but 25 cents in his 
pocket, which soon went for postage on a letter from home. He went through 
all the privations of pioneer life, but has cleared his land and reared a family of 
■eleven children, nine of whom are still living. He assisted in laying out the 
main roads in the township, and was on the first jury impaneled in the county. 
His wife became a member of the M. E. Church in 1844, and died in that 
faith in September, 1875, aged fifty-five years. Our subject also joined the 
same church with wife, and at the same time. 

S. B. CLEVENGER was born in Warren County, Ohio, December 18, 
1818 and was one of ten children born to Samuel and Sarah (Bunnel) Cleven- 
ger who were natives of New York and of English and French extraction. 
They moved to Butler County, Ohio, when our subject was but a child, and 
thence to Crawfordsville, Ind., in 1833, and three years later our subject went 
to Cincinnati to learn stone-cutting ; after three years, he went to Eaton, Ohio, 
where he worked twenty-two years ; thence to Wabash County, Ind., where he 
en^a^ed in farming till 1868, when he came to Larwill and began in the hard- 
ware trade, which he continued till two years ago, when he retired from busi- 
ness. He was married, in 1844, to Susan A. Halderman, daughter of Jacob 
and Elizabeth Halderman, natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania, and of Ger- 
man descent, and to this union were born four sons and two daughters. His 
eldest son, John H., at the age of eighteen, enlisted, in the fall of 1862, at 
Wabash, in Company D, Indiana Volunteer Infantry. At the age of four, our 
subject gave his parents a pledge that he would never touch a drop of liquor or 
taste an onion, and this vow has never been violated. His recollections of the 
privations suffered by the pioneers of the State are very vivid, and his reminis- 
cences of its early history copious and entertaining. He has been a prosperous 
business man and a conscientious one, and he and wife are members of the 
Universalist Church. 



RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 313 

D. B. CLUGSTON, merchant, was born in New York in 1832, and is the 
son of Asher and Catharine (Rittenhouse) Clugston, natives of New Jersey, and 
of Scotch and German descent. They came to Larwill, this township, in 1865, 
and about six months later Mr. Clugston died of consumption, aged sixty-three. 
Mrs. C. is yet enjoying good health at the age of seventy-one, and is residing 
with her son, our subject, in Larwill. D. B. Clugston went to school till he was- 
thirteen years old, and then entered a dry goods store, where he remained three 
years, and then returned to his father's farm in Delaware County, Ohio, on 
which his parents had located about 1845, and were then living, and there- 
remained until twenty-four years of age. He then took a trip to the West r 
seeking a future home, but returned eastwardly and settled in Larwill in 1857, 
and entered upon mercantile pursuits — for the first five years in company with 
E. L. McLallen, now of Columbia City. At present, he is at the head of three 
mercantile establishments — at South Whitley, Columbia City and at Larwill — 
and carries a stock valued at $50,000 or over, although he began with quite 
limited means. In 1858, he married Miss Margaret McLallen, daughter of 
Henry McLallen, and to this union were born three sons and three daughters. 
He is an advanced Mason, being a Knight Templar, and never fails to assist in 
the advancement of laudable enterprises for the advancement of home industries. 

S. J. COMPTON was born in Coshocton County, Ohio, July 5, 1835, 
the son of Andrew and Mary A. Compton, natives of New Jersey and Ohio 
respectively, and of English descent. They came to this township in the fall 
of 1837, entered 320 acres, and reared a family of ten children, five sons and 
five daughters. The father died in October, 1852, but the mother is still living 
on the homestead farm, in good health, at seventy-five years of age. At the 
age of seventeen our subject began life on his own account as farmer. Octo- 
ber, 1861, he enlisted in Company E, Forty-fourth Regiment Indiana Volun- 
teer Infantry, was mustered in as Sergeant, and was honorably discharged 
January, 1864, as Second Lieutenant. He participated in the battles of Fort 
Donelson, Shiloh, Stone River, Chickamauga and others. In 1858, he mar- 
ried Rachael Bishop, daughter of Robert and Phoebe Bishop, natives of 
Indiana and Ohio respectively, and of English extraction, and to this union 
were born four children, of whom two daughters are living. Through industry 
and energy he has built himself a fine home. He is a Freemason, and in 
politics a Republican. 

A. L. COMPTON was born in this township June 16, 1843, the son of 
Andrew and Mary A. Compton, natives of New Jersey and Massachusetts. 
They came to this township in the fall of 1837, and located in the forest on* 
Section 21, which they have converted into a delightful home of 332 acres. 
The father died in 1852, aged forty-four years, and the mother is still living 
on the old homestead at the advanced age of seventy-five years. Their children 
were ten in number. Our subject was but nine years old at his father's death, 
and until a grown man he remained with his mother, going to school in winter 



314 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

and working on the farm in summer. In 1872, he married Ellen Griffith, the 
daughter of John and Margaret Griffith, and to their union have been born 
one son and two daughters. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and 
by industry and economy has secured for himself a tidy and productive farm 
of 129 acres. 

JOSEPH W. COMPTON was born in Coshocton County, Ohio, in May, 
1843, the son of C. H. and Jemima Compton, natives of New York and Vir- 
ginia and of English descent. In the sixth year of his age our subject was 
brought by his parents to this township, where from the woods they have 
cleared up a pleasant home of eighty acres. In his eighteenth year our sub- 
ject enlisted in Company E, Forty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, going 
out as a private ; early in 1863, he was promoted to Sergeant, and the year 
following to Fourth Sergeant. He took part in the battles of Fort Donelson, 
Shiloh, Stone River, etc. At Shiloh he was slightly wounded, and in going 
from Chattanooga to Athens, Tenn., had his arm broken by the cars running 
off the track. He was honorably discharged September 14, 1865, as a veteran. 
In 1871, he purchased his present home of eighty acres, which he has brought 
to a fine state of cultivation. He was married, March 29, 1867, to Elvena 
Croy, daughter of Daniel and Ann Croy, and to him have been born one son 
and three daughters. He is a Republican in politics and is a member of the 
Masonic order. 

JESSEE CORDILL was born in Monroe County, Tenn., July 13, 1822, 
son of John and Esther (Beck) Cordill, natives respectively of Virginia and 
North Carolina. At the age of six, he was taken by his parents to Alabama, 
thence to Wayne County, Ind., and then to Cleveland Township, this county, 
in 1838, where they settled in the forest. Our subject remained with his par- 
ents until 1849, when he started in life with $350. April, 1850, he married 
Sarah Norris, born in Muskingum County, Ohio, September, 1829, daughter of 
William Norris, who came to this township in September, 1843. To their union 
five children were born, of whom two sons and one daughter are still living. 
Soon after the marriage he purchased 120 acres of land in Richland, on which 
he has ever since resided. He now owns 160 acres, with good improvements. 
Their first log cabin was replaced by a good frame house in 1856, and in May, 
1877, it and contents were destroyed by fire, and on its site now stands a sub- 
stantial brick mansion, erected at a cost of $2,000. Our subject's first vote 
was cast for James K. Polk, but he now votes for principles and not for party. 
He passed through all the vicissitudes of pioneer life, and what he now has was 
gained through honest industry and commendable prudence. 

DANIEL CROY was born in Coshocton County, Ohio, December, 1822, 
the son of Jacob and Catherine Croy, and there lived until of age. He started 
in life empty-handed, and worked at jobs and by the month for nine years, and 
then began farming. He entered eighty acres of his present farm in this town- 
ship in 1845, and in 1850, with his family, moved in. He built a round-log 



RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 315 

cabin, which was his first habitation in the township, but by industry has suc- 
ceeded in bringing out of the wilderness a pleasant home of 160 acres, with good 
improvements and excellent cultivation. He was married, in 1837, to Ann 
Warburton, and began housekeeping with home-made furniture, such as stools 
for chairs and a packing-box for a table, but these things have been replaced by 
the furniture of the present day. He became the father of eleven children, of 
whom only one son and four daughters are now living. His two eldest sons 
enlisted in the winter of 1861 and 1862 in the Forty-fourth and Eighty-eighth 
Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and after being out about a year, both died of fever 
contracted in the army, and are now at rest in the home cemetery. 

JOSEPH ESSIG was born in Medina County, Ohio, September 23, 1836, 
son of George and Catharine Essig, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German 
descent, and came to this county with his parents when but seven years old, 
and with them settled on a farm, which he assisted in clearing. In 1856, he 
married Sarah A. Stamm, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1838, and by this 
union became the father of eleven children, of whom three sons and six dauch- 
ters are still living. He followed farming until the spring of 1867, and then 
began lumbering in this township ; eight years later, he sold out and purchased 
a flouring mill, which he is still operating. In politics, he is a Democrat, and 
has served as Trustee, and filled several minor offices in the township, and is a 
member of the I. 0. 0. F. He came here without capital, but his industry and 
enterprise have realized for him a comfortable fortune. His father, after build- 
ing up a substantial home from the forest, and rearing a family of twelve chil- 
dren, died in 1866, aged seventy-three years, his wife following him in 1872, aged 
seventy-four. 

J. B. FIRESTONE, M. D., was born March 30, 1828, in Wayne County, 
Ohio, son of John and Rachael Firestone, natives of Maryland and Pennsylva- 
nia, and of German descent. He was reared on a farm, but had an opportuni- 
ty of attending school, and, at the age of nineteen, began reading medicine at 
Congress with Prof. L. Firestone, now of Wooster University; he then attended 
lectures at Cleveland Medical College, concluded his course at the Wooster (Ohio) 
University, graduating in 1874. He began practice in 1850 at Cannonsburg, 
Ohio, and, in 1855, moved to Columbia City, this county ; thence he came to 
Larwill in about 1859, and has secured a practice extending through a circuit 
of ten miles. Dr. Firestone has been an active Democrat, and, in 1858, was 
called to the State Legislature, in which he served two sessions fco the entire sat- 
isfaction of his constituents. In 1876, he was nominated for State Senator, 
jointly for Whitley and Kosciusko, and in this Republican district was defeated 
by only twenty-six votes. The Doctor stands very high in the Masonic frater- 
nity, having attained the 32d degree — next to the highest conferred by the rites. 
In 1848, he was married to Sarah A. Orr, and four children were the result of 
the union. Mrs. Firestone died in 1855, and in 1856 the Doctor took his sec- 
ond partner, Rebecca McHenry, of Van Wert, Ohio, by whom he has had one 
child. 



316 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

PRICE GOODRICH was born in Hartford, Conn., December 17, 1799, 
the son of Bela and Sally (Church) Goodrich, both natives of Connecticut, He 
was brought at eight years of age to Franklin County, Ohio, by his parents, 
with whom he remained, assisting on their farm, till nineteen years old, when he 
went as an apprentice at brick-laying and plastering, which trade he followed a 
number of years North and South ; then returned home, and, February 2, 1831, 
married Julia A. Black, daughter of Isaac and Mehitable (Brown) Black, who 
bore him seven children, six of whom are yet living. In 1838, he quit his trade 
and settled on the farm he now occupies, which he has converted from a wilder- 
ness to one of the pleasant homes in the township. In 1842, he resumed his 
trade and went to work in Fort Wayne for a season, and after that, employed 
himself in his own neighborhood at the same business till age warned him to 
cease in 1875, since when he has been living in retirement on his farm. He 
was Inspector at the first election held in Troy Township, at which there were 
but thirteen votes polled, and has always been a leader in movements for home 
progress. He has served as Probate Judge, County Commissioner and Town- 
ship Trustee. He was licensed as an exhorter in the M. E. Church in 1841, 
and officiated nine years, and then as local preacher for twenty-five years, and 
was then ordained as minister of the Gospel in the Free Methodist Church. 
He and wife have been active members in this society since 1828 and 1819 
respectively. 

JAMES GRANT was born in Seneca County, N. Y., May 10, 1806, 
the son of Abraham and Sarah Grant, natives of New Jersey. The parents 
moved to Canada in 1809, but returned to New York, Genesee County, shortly 
after, where three of the sons went into the war of 1812, two returning and 
one, Thomas, being killed in the battle of Black Rock. In 1818, they removed 
to Ontario County, N. Y., and thence to Dearborn County, Ind., where our 
subject resided till twenty-two years old, when he began roaming and working 
for six years. In 1833, he married Eliza Beard, a native of Maryland, but a 
resident of Seneca County, Ohio, and continued working as carpenter and ship- 
builder till the fall of 1839, when he brought his family to this (then Troy) 
township, locating on land he had entered in 1837. In 1851, he erected the 
first steam saw-mill the county ever had, and ran it successfully for sixteen 
years. He became the father of eleven children, nine of whom are yet living. 
Three times he has been elected Justice of the Peace in his township, served as 
Trustee under the old law, and filled various minor offices. His first vote was 
cast for Gen. Jackson for President, and he has ever since adhered to the 
Democratic party. He has retained a garden spot of 40 acres of his farm, and 
now lives in retirement, enjoying the harvest of his early enterprise and 
industry. 

DAVID HAYDEN (deceased) was born in Fayette County, Penn., 
January 5, 1807. He was the son of John and Hannah Hayden, who in 
1815 moved with their family to Hamilton County, Ohio, and thence to 



RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 317 

Franklin. In 1830, he married Alma Cole, who was born in Lewis County, 
N. Y., August 5, 1810, and was the daughter of Daniel and Ruth Cole, na- 
tives of Connecticut and of English and Welsh extraction. After farming 
awhile in Franklin County, he moved to this State March 9, 1836, and located 
on Section 6, this township, his neighbors at that time being ten miles distant. 
At the organization of the township, our subject was present, and it was 
through his recommendation that it received its name. From out the then 
wilderness, he succeeded in bringing to a high state of cultivation a farm of 
320 acres. He was an active worker in politics and an energetic promoter of 
home industries up to the day of his death, which occurred October 22, 1878, 
through which event his venerable partner and six children (five sons and one 
daughter) lost a kind and loving husband and father. In 1881, the widow and 
daughter removed to Larwill, where they now reside. The privations suffered 
by subject and wife during their early days in the forest were too numerous to 
be detailed here, but before the second summer the demand for game was larger 
than the supply, and it was only by refusing to divide with the Indians what 
little meal could be procured that, on one occasion, the family were saved 
from starvation. 

JOHN JONES was born in Cumberland County, Penn., in 1810, and 
is the oldest of seven children born to Joseph and Barbara Jones, natives of 
Pennsylvania, and of Scotch-Welsh and German extraction. His educational 
advantages were very limited, and the death of his father threw the responsibility 
of providing for the wants of the family upon him, which he cheerfully assumed. 
The mother and children removed to Muskingum County, Ohio, in 1828, 
where he made a home for them, and where his mother died in 1867. He came 
to Richland Township in 1852, located on a farm of 160 acres, built a cabin, 
and set to work to redeem a home from the wilderness, which in time, by energy 
and application, was accomplished. Mr. Jones was married in 1832, to Sarah 
L. Barber, a native of New York, and of their eight children, five are yet living. 
Mrs. Jones passed away in 1868 ; since that time Mr. Jones has found a home 
with his children. Mr. Jones is a strong Republican and has always felt a 
warm interests in political events, and is a public spirited enterprising citizen; 
he has acted in an official capacity in the M. E. Church for over thirty-five 
years, and it was through his influence the first church and Sunday school was 
established in this vicinity, and despite his years is still and active worker, and 
in the enjoyment of health. Our subject's eldest son, John B. Jones, enlisted 
in Company G, One Hundred and Forty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and 
was mustered into service at Camp Carrington, near Indianapolis, November 3, 
1864, and rated Corporal. While on duty near Nashville, Corporal Jones sick- 
ened and died March 9, 1865; his remains were brought home, and now rest 
in Richland Cemetery. 

DAVID KERR, was born in Beaver County, Penn., in 1814, son of 
David and Rachael Kerr, natives of the same State, and of Scotch descent. 



318 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Our subject came with his parents to Richland County, Ohio, in 1822, and 
there went to school, subsequently "teaching himself to become a teacher," 
which pursuit he engaged in for two winters. He started in life at the age of 
sixteen, working at jobs and learning the carpenter's trade. During Jackson's 
term as President, he entered forty acres of land in Richland County, paying 
for it by cutting wood at 20 cents per cord, and splitting rails at 40 cents 
per hundred. This land he cleared and increased by adding eighty acres 
adjoining. In the spring of 1858, he came to this township, purchased land 
and moved on it the October following, and now has an excellently improved 
farm of 120 acres. His first vote was cast for Harrison, for President, but as 
a rule has kept aloof from politics. He was first married March 7, 1838, to 
Rosanna Bremer, of Ohio, who became the mother of ten children, five of whom 
are now living. The second marriage was in 1867, August 27, to Mrs. R. T. 
Speelman, of Crestline, Ohio, daughter of Allen and Mary R. Talbott, and 
mother, by her first husband, of five children, three now living. Subject's 
eldest son, James M., served during the late war in Company I, Indiana Volun- 
teer Cavalry, attached to Gen. Thomas' command, and received two flesh 
wounds, not, however, of a serious character. Our subject is a member of the 
Society of Friends, and he now lives retired upon the accumulations of his in- 
dustry and perseverance. 

A. H. KING was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., in January, 1815, 
the son of Luther and Lucinda King, both natives of Massachusetts. When 
seven years of age, subject removed with his parents to Medina County, Ohio, 
where he went to school, worked on the home farm and remained until 1842, 
when he was united in marriage to Mary A. Dimick, and began farming on his 
own account. In 1851, he removed with his family to this township, and 
located the farm of 14fl acres where he now lives. It was then in a state of 
nature, but his industry has redeemed it. Mrs. King died in 1855, the mother 
of four children. January, 1857, our subject married Sarah Taylor, daughter 
of Edward Taylor, who has borne him one child. His son Homer,- in 1861, 
enlisted in Company E, Seventeenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, for three 
years, but returned after being out eighteen months and re-enlisted in the 
regular service for three years. His son, Alonzo, enlisted in the fall of 1861, 
in Company E, Forty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and after being out a 
short time was discharged on account of disability ; but, on recovering, re-en- 
listed, serving four or more years, and in 18tJ7, enlisted in the regular army 
for three years and came through without a scratch. Our subject cast his first 
vote with the Whig party in 1836, but, when the Republican party was formed, 
followed its standard. 

DANIEL KIRKPATRICK, M. D., was born in Wayne County, Ohio, 
in 1836, son of Daniel and Mary (Johnson) Kirkpatrick, natives of Pennsyl- 
vania and Ohio. He moved with the family to Wells County, Ind., in 1853. 
He was reared on a farm, going to school at intervals till he began the study of 



RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 319 

medicine, in 1856, at Ossian, with Dr. Metts ; he also followed teaching. He 
attended medical courses, first, at Columbus ; secondly, at Rush Medical Col- 
lege, Chicago ; thirdly, at Cincinnati, and graduated at Rush College, Chicago, 
in 1860. He soon after located at Larwill, where he has won for himself a 
lucrative practice and secured a comfortable home, though for the first few 
years his limited means for paying his way made times rather anything than 
pleasant. He has always stood aloof from politics, preferring to devote his 
time to the study and practice of his profession and the promotion of social 
interests. He was married, in 1858, to Miss S. A. Allen, daughter of Stephen 
Allen, and to their union were born four children — Lida, Charles, Loroeffie 
and Lizzie. Both he and wife are active church members. 

WILLIAM H. LANCASTER was born in Wayne County, Ind., Sep- 
tember 22, 1824, and was left an orphan at the age of nine years. His boy- 
hood days were passed on an uncle's farm and in going to school. When he 
reached his majority, he turned his attention to carpentering and followed that 
trade a few years, and then chose the occupation of farming and stock-raising. 
March 2, 1848, he married Mary A. Scarce, daughter of David and Rebecca 
(Edwards) Scarce, both natives of this State, and in 1849 moved to this town- 
ship and located on his present farm, which was then in a state of nature ; 
and the log cabin he then erected has been replaced by a modern structure 
and the wooded land turned into cultivated fields. Beginning with $300, he 
has increased his possessions to 810 acres in this vicinity and one-quarter sec- 
tion in Kansas. He was never an active politician, yet has served two terms 
as Township Trustee. His first political proclivities led him to join the old 
Whig party, but after the formation of the Republican organization he became 
one of its strongest supporters. The subject's parents were Rex and Phariba 
(Henby) Lancaster, both natives of North Carolina and of English extraction. 
His own children number six — five sons and one daughter. 

MARCUS NORRIS was born in Coshocton County, Ohio, in 1820, and 
was there reared on a farm, receiving a common-school education. When 
twenty-one years old, he visited De Kalb and a number of other coun- 
ties, then returned home, and, in 1843, came to this township, stopped one year 
on his father's farm, and the following spring located on the farm he still occu- 
pies, which he redeemed from the wilderness, and has now a well-improved 
farm of 160 acres. He found his wheat market at Fort Wayne, making a 
three days' trip, selling at 46 cents per bushel, and bringing back a supply of 
salt, boots, clothing, etc. He has been thrice married — first, in 1843, to El- 
mira Oder; second, in 1847, to Martha Webb; third, in 1849, to his present 
wife, Maria Webb, daughter of George Hower. He is the father of eight chil- 
dren, five of whom are living. Our subject is the son of William and Marga- 
ret Norris, natives respectively of Virginia and England and of Dutch and 
Irish extraction, and who came to this township in 1843. He has been an 
active member of the Baptist Church for thirty years. 



320 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

HENRY NORMS was born in Coshocton County, Ohio, in February, 
1837, son of William and Margaret Norris, who came to this township in 1843 
and located in Section 22, on the farm our subject at present occupies, now 
consisting of 225 acres, and on which they reared eleven children, nine of 
whom are still living. They respectively departed this life in 1872 and 1879, in 
their seventy-fifth year- In this new country, school privileges were rare, and our 
subject suffered somewhat in consequence. January 29, 1857, he was married 
to Derinda Wolford, born in Coshocton County, Ohio, in 1830, and daughter 
of Matthias and Lucinda Wolford, natives of Ohio and of German extraction, 
and to their union seven children were born, of whom four daughters and two 
sons are living. Our subject and his brother William purchased the home- 
stead farm in 1862, and, in 1868, subject bought his brother's interest, and has 
now a fine farm of 285 acres. February 11, 1865, he enlisted in Company I, 
One Hundred and Fifty-seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was out seven 
months. He is a large shipper of live stock to Eastern markets, and has fol- 
lowed that business for six years. In politics, he is a Republican, and is a firm 
member of the Baptist Church. 

GEORGE W. NORRIS was born in this township September 1, 1852, 
the son of Alexander and Susan Norris, natives of Ohio and of German 
descent. They came to this township in 1843, and located on Section 16. 
Here our subject and an elder brother, George W., were born. The father 
was killed in March, 1855, by a falling tree while out chopping, our subject 
then being but three years of age, and about six years later the mother mar- 
ried John Hower. October 4, 1871, our subject married Caroline Shirtliff, 
daughter of John and Hancy Shirtliff, natives of Massachusetts. To this 
union one son and one daughter were born. Mr. Norris started in the world 
with $75 in cash and sixty acres of land, but by hard work and economy has 
secured 132 acres, which are under a good state of cultivation, and well 
improved. He votes with the Republican party, and he and wife are members 
of the Baptist Church. 

REV. A. D. PARRETT was born in Fayette County, Ohio, August 1, 
1816. His parents, Joseph and Mary Parrett, were natives of Virginia, of Ger- 
man descent. They removed to Ohio in 1803, and thence to this county, with 
family, in the fall of 1836, locating on the present site of South Whitley. 
Here they passed their lives and reared a family of nine children, three of whom 
are now living. Joseph Parrett helped organize this county and Cleveland 
Township, and also assisted in laying out the first roads. He died in 1850, at 
the age of sixty-seven years. Mrs. Parrett passed away in 1847, aged sixty- 
five. The subject received poor school advantages and assisted his father until 
he became of age, when he began working for himself, and with his brother, 
Abington, rented his father's farm, until in July, 1840, when he was married 
by Judge Swihart to Mrs. Susan Perkins, daughter of Joseph McCoy. Twelve 
children were born to this union, five of whom are living. Mr. Parrett soon 



RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 321 

after his marriage removed to this township. He joined the church in 1835, 
and began preaching soon after, first as an exhorter, and afterward was licensed 
as a local minister. During his ministerial labors, he has performed 196 mar- 
riage ceremonies, and officiated at a large number of funerals. Mr. Parrett has 
held several township offices, and four of his sons served in the late war, two 
enlisting in the fall of 1861, in Company C, Thirty-fourth Indiana Volunteer 
Infantry, one in Company E, Forty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry and his 
fourth son as a cavalryman during the latter part of the war. Wesley never 
returned, and now lies buried at Memphis. Nelson, after he died, was brought 
home and buried at South Whitley. Joseph A. served three years, then re- 
enlisted, and served in the Western Division, under Gen. Hovey, for a period 
of four years and twenty-six days. 

ABNER PRUGH was born in Preble County, Ohio, in November, 1816, 
and is the son of Peter and Elizabeth Prugh, natives of Maryland and Ohio, 
and of German descent. He began life by doing job work and farming, saved 
his earnings, came to Wells County, this State, in 1837, and bought some land. 
This, in 1849, he traded for a part of his farm in this township, but did not en- 
ter upon it until 1853, in the meanwhile living upon rented land, in Kosciusko 
County, but giving attention to the clearing of his 160 acres of forest home here, 
which he has since developed into one of the finest farms in the neighborhood. 
October 15, 1840, Mr. Prugh was married to Nancy Matthews, daughter of 
Benjamin D. and Eliza Matthews, natives of Maryland, and the union resulted 
in the birth of fourteen children, nine sons and three daughters of whom are 
still living. Two of the sons, William A. and George W., enlisted in the 
Union army during the late war ; William, October, 1861, and George, Aug- 
ust, 1862, and were out three and two years respectively. William was honor- 
ably discharged in January, 1864, on account of failure of eyesight, caused by 
exposure at Shiloh and Stone River. George W. accompanied Sherman on his 
march to the sea. Mr. Prugh has always been considered one of Richland's 
leading citizens, and, although not a very active politician, has been elected to 
serve as Township Treasurer several terms, and also to fill a number of minor 
offices. Himself and wife have been members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church for the last forty-two years. 

G. W. PRUGH, son of Abner and Nancy Prugh, was born in Preble Coun- 
ty, Ohio, in 1843. When quite young, his parents removed to this township, 
where he lived until the age of eighteen. At that time, he enlisted in Company 
K, Eighty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, August 11, 1862, and was hon- 
orably discharged in June, 1865. He participated in the battle of Chickamauga, 
and for three days after that subsisted on one cracker while marching at the rate 
of eleven miles per day, and, under Gens. Carlan and Sherman, marched to 
Atlanta. After returning from the war, Mr. Prugh engaged in farming, rent- 
ing land, until he located on his present farm. He was married to Nancy Sou- 
der in 1867. Her father, Conrad Souder, came to this county in 1846. 



322 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Mr. and Mrs. Prugh have had born to them five children, one son and four 
daughters. Mr. Prugh is a member of the Republican party, and cast his iirst 
vote for Gen. Grant. He has worked diligently, and always helped in the ad- 
vancement of his people. His mother-in-law, who is past the age of sixty, is 
making her home with them. 

WILLIAM RICE, a retired farmer, was born in Washington County, N. 
Y., December 30, 1812. In September, 1836, he started for this State to 
secure a home ; first located in Kosciusko County, but in March, 1837, came 
to this township and entered the land on which he still resides, which he has 
converted from a wilderness to a desirable homestead of eighty acres. July 4, 
1839, he married Harriet M. Jones, daughter of John and Myra Jones. This 
lady died September 19, 1841, leaving one son, who died in the spring of 1881. 
May 16, 1844, our subject married Miss Lydia Mitchell, daughter of William 
and Mary Mitchell. Mr. Rice was the tenth person to settle in this township, 
and is now the last survivor of that early ten. He was present at the organi- 
zation of the township, acting as Inspector, and carrying the returns to Hunt- 
ington (of which this county was then a part), giving three days' time to the 
township in making the trip. He has filled the office of Township Trustee and 
minor offices, which were thrust upon him rather than sought by him. He re- 
tains a vivid recollection of the game which filled the surrounding woods when 
he first located here, and has counted as many as eleven deer in one day wan- 
dering near his clearing. The first two acres of corn he planted went as prov- 
ender to the squirrels and raccoons, whose depredations were altogether beyond 
control. Our subject's only son, John J., enlisted in Company E, Seventeenth 
Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served through thebetter part of the recent war. 

S. F. ROBINSON is a native of Massachusetts, born in that State in 
1826, removing with his parents, when two years of age, to Wayne County, N. 
Y., and from there to Medina County, Ohio, in 1835, where his earlier years 
were spent in acquiring an education and working on his father's farm. In 
1852, he located in Pulaski, Ohio, in the manufacture and sale of boots and 
shoes, which business he continued for fifteen years — the last two years adding 
to his stock Eastern-made goods, and groceries. During this time, he was Post- 
master for seven years. He came to Larwill in 1869, with his family, where 
they have since resided. His first purchase was a saw-mill, which he exchanged 
for a farm, and that in turn for the mill he now owns. Mr. Robinson was 
united in marriage in November, 1850, to Miss Mary L. Wells, a daughter of 
Jared and Louisa Wells, both natives of Connecticut, and of English and Scotch 
descent. Their family consists of two daughters. Mr. Robinson is a son of 
Seth and Mehitable (Randall) Robinson, both natives of Massachusetts, and of 
English and Irish extraction. Mr. and Mrs. Robinson are members of the 
Wesleyan Methodist Church. Mr. Robinson is, in every sense of the word, a 
self-made man, and, through industry and good business ability, has acquired 
a competence for himself and family. He has never aspired to political emi- 



RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 323 

nence, but always lends a helping hand to all laudable enterprises for the ad- 
vancement of home interests, but is not a member of any secret societies. 

BENJAMIN B. SALMON was born in 1823 in Washington County, 
Ohio, and reared in Delaware County, same State, on a farm. He came West 
with two companions, arriving in this county in September, 1843. He was 
variously employed for some time, and for clearing land received forty acres of 
his present home, in 1844; here he began clearing and built a cabin. The 
following spring he was married to Betsey R. Havens, daughter of Thomas C. 
and Roxanna Havens, natives of Connecticut and of English descent. To them 
were born four sons and live daughters. Mr. Salmon when he came here had 
but 25 cents and eight head of sheep, and for many years endured hardships 
and poverty. Soon after marrying, he returned to Franklin County, Ohio, and 
until fall worked out by the month. After returning in the fall, he moved 
into his log house, which at that time had no floor. He went twenty-one 
miles to mill, and hauled his produce to Fort Wayne. Mr. Salmon now owns 
a farm of eighty acres, besides property in Larwill. He is a Republican, and 
first voted for Henry Clay. In 1861, Mrs. Betsey Salmon died, aged thirty- 
seven years, and he was subsequently married to Susanna Sickafoose, a native 
of Ohio. They had two sons and one daughter, and the mother died in 1878. 
That same year, Mr. Salmon was married to his third and present wife, Mary 
Metz, daughter of John Ray. They are both members members of the U. B. 
Church. 

C. SOUDER, M. D., son of Conrad and Mary Souder, natives respec- 
tively of Germany and Pennsylvania, was born in Richland County, Ohio, in 
1842. In the fall of 1846, Conrad Souder, with his family, located in this 
township on Section 9. Here he cleared a farm of 160 acres, and provided a 
home for his family, which consisted of two sons and two daughters. In 1852, 
he died, beloved and respected by all. His widow is yet living and is sixtv- 
two years old. The subject's youth was passed at home, and in the fall of 1861 
he enlisted in Company E, Forty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, serving 
in the war until he was honorably discharged in November, 1864. He received 
wounds in the battle of Chickamauga, and was in the battles of Fort Donelson 
and Pittsburg Landing. Upon his return, he became a scholar in the schools 
at Columbia City, and afterward at Roanoke, Ind., thence to Mendota Col- 
lege, Illinois, teaching at intervals. In 1867, he began his medical studies 
with Dr. Firestone; attended lectures at Cleveland and Cincinnati in 1870, 
graduating from the latter in the same year, since which time he has been en- 
gaged actively in the practice of his profession at Larwill, with the exception 
of eighteen months at South Whitley. He was married, in 1870, to Sabina 
Trembley, daughter of John S. Trembley; is a member of the Masonic order, 
and has two children living, one having died. 

HENRY SOUDER is a native of Richland County, Ind., born in 1840,. 
and son of Conrad and Mary Souder. He was six years old when his parents 



324 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

came to this township and located, and when eighteen years of age assumed 
the management of the home farm. March 4, 1861, he was united in marriage 
to Miss Sarah E. Easly. Her parents, Joseph and Mary Easly, the former a 
native of Germany and the latter of Ohio, were early settlers of Indiana. Mr. 
Souder, in the fall of 1862, enlisted in Company K, Eighty-eighth Indiana 
Volunteer Infantry. He was wounded at Perryville ; was in the battles of 
Stone River, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge and Lookout Mountain, and was 
honorably discharged in June, 1865. The following four years he was engaged 
in lumbering in this county ; then continued in the same business at Nobles- 
ville, Noble County, for a period of two years, locating permanently on his 
present farm of 160 acres in the spring of 1874, since which time he has given 
his attention to farming. Mr. and Mrs. Souder have a family of six — four 
sons and two daughters. He is a Republican and member of the Masonic fra- 
ternity. 

WILLIAM STERLING was born in Lebanon County, Penn., in Decem- 
ber, 1818, the son of John and Elizabeth Sterling, natives of Pennsylvania 
and New Jersey, who moved to Berks County when our subject was but a 
small boy. There he went to school, and at eighteen went to the carpenter's 
trade, which he followed a few years. June 4, 1839, he married Margaret 
Ulrich, of Lebanon County, and daughter of Adam and Ann Ulrich. In 1840, 
he came to this county and located on Eel River, near South Whitley, where 
he lived fourteen years, redeeming from the wilderness a farm. This he sold 
in 1854, and bought one of 240 acres near Coesse. In 1859, he removed to 
this township, where he now owns a well-cultivated homestead of 173 acres. 
He became the father of nine children, of whom four sons and four daughters 
are now living. He has never been ambitious, politically, but has held minor 
offices in his township. In August, 1862, he answered his country's call for 
troops, and enlisted in Company F, One Hundredth Indiana Volunteer Infan- 
try, and served out his year, taking part in the battle of Mission Ridge, 
and skirmishing the rest of the time. His reminiscences of early days in the 
wilderness, with Indians, wolves, wild cats, etc., are of an interesting character. 
All he possesses has come from his own industry and determination to achieve 
independence. 

THOMAS STRADLEY, merchant, was born in Delaware, October 27, 
1837, the son of Stephen S. and Mary (Bolton) Stradley, who were natives of 
the same State. His early days were passed on a farm and in attending 
school, and in 1858, at his father's death, he began farming on his own respon- 
sibility, and continued thereat until 1865, when he came with his family to 
Larwill, and entered a store as clerk, which business he followed for eleven 
years, when he united in partnership with D. B. Clugston, and is still in busi- 
ness with him. Beginning here with but $3, he has by economy and industry 
secured for himself a fine trade and a good home for his family, and also an 
interest in a large dry goods establishment at Columbia City. He was mar- 



RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 325 

ried, in 1860, to Miss Gertrude Clugston, also a native of Delaware, and the 
fruit of their union has been four daughters. Subject is an active politician, 
and votes with the Democratic party. He has served four years as Township 
Trustee to the entire satisfaction of the people ; he is a Knight Templar, as 
well as member of an I. 0. 0. F. lodge, and always lends a hand toward the 
advancement of home enterprises and the improvement of the home social 
circle. 

B. THOMSON was born in Washington County, N. Y., in 1825, and 
was the son of Ezra and Sarah (McNorton) Thomson, natives of New York 
and Vermont, and of English and Scotch descent, respectively. The family 
came to this township, and located on Section 9, in 1836, and succeeded in 
bringing out of the forest a well-cultivated farm, and in rearing a family of 
ten children. They were among the earliest pioneers, and departed this life in 
1857 and 1855, aged seventy-two and fifty years. Our subject lent his parents his 
assistance on the farm till he was twenty-two years old, and then, in 1847, 
started out on his own account, to clear a farm he had located in the forest. By 
hard work and economy, he has acquired 730 acres of land in this township, and 
150 in Cleveland Township, all well improved. He had his experience of 
pioneer life in his early days, and remembers the time of the removal of the In- 
dians to the West. At that time, he was compelled to travel to Fort Wayne for 
a market, a distance of twenty-five or thirty miles. He has always proved a 
worthy citizen and was elected County Commissioner in 1876, and re-elected in 
1880. In January, 1852, he was married to Matilda Rodebaugh, daughter 
of John and Phoebe Rodebaugh, of German and English descent, and 
through this union became the father of three sons and one daughter. 

E. THOMSON was born in this township in 1849, the son of John and 
Emily Thomson, natives of New York, and of English extraction. Mr. J. 
Thomson came to this township with his parents in 1836, and, being of age, 
soon opened up a farm for himself, on land entered by his father the year of 
his arrival, redeemed from the wilderness a tract of 282 acres, and reared five 
children, four now living. He died in 1876, his wife following in 1878, aged, 
respectively, sixty-one and fifty-eight years. Our subject remained on his 
father's farm till twenty-one. In 1871, he married Mary E. Prugh, daughter 
of Abner Prugh, and to this union were born three children, of whom only one 
is living. In 1878, his wife died, and, some time after, he married Florence 
Prugh, also a daughter of Abner Prugh, and to this union has been born one 
son — Albert. He has a well-improved farm of eighty acres, and a pleasant 
home. As a rule, he takes but little interest in politics, but is firm in his faith 
in Democratic principles. 

JOHN S. TREMBLEY was born in Somerset County, N. J., October 
20, 1813, the son of Isaac S. and Aryann (Vossler) Trembley, both natives of 
New Jersey, and of French and German descent. He came with his parents 
to Muskingum County, Ohio, in 1816, and went to school and worked on the 



326 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : 

farm till twenty-one, when he became a carpenter, and worked at that trade 
thirty years, or more, at intervals. In 1842, he married Ellen D. Witt, 
daughter of David and Deborah Witt, and in 1845, came to this township, and 
located on his present farm, then a wilderness, and for twelve years lived in 
a cabin which has since been replaced by a good frame dwelling ; he now 
owns a well cultivated farm of 224 acres. His wife died in April, 1870, 
and was the mother of seven children, four of whom are living. In September, 
1871, he married Mrs. Mary A. Compton, daughter of Samuel Frazier, and to 
this union three children have been born. Mr. Trembley is a Republican in 
politics, and he and wife are members of the Lutheran Church, and highly 
respected by their neighbors. 

WILLIAM WATSON is a native of Wayne County, Ind., born Decem- 
ber 25, 1824, and son of William and Nancy Watson. His parents, both na- 
tives of Kentucky, removed to Wayne County, Ind., in 1805 ; they had thir- 
teen children, and died in the years of 1859 and 1849 respectively. William 
Watson, our subject, was married in 1851, to Elizabeth J. Wolf, daughter of 
William and Mary Wolf, natives of Virginia, and descendants of the Irish and 
German. Mr. Watson was brought up on a farm, and followed that occupation 
six years after his marriage. He then took a trip to Kansas with the intention 
to locate, but abandoned this project and returned home, removing with his fam- 
ily, in the fall of 1859, to this township and locating on eighty acres of his pres- 
ent farm, which is now double that size. Mr. Watson is a Republican, and has 
served two years as Road Supervisor. Mr. and Mrs. Watson are parents of 
seven children, four sons and three daughters. The maternal grandfather of 
Mr. Watson, while serving in the Revolutionary war in February, 1777, was 
captured by the Indians, but succeeded in making his escape after three and a 
half years. 

DAVID L. WHITELEATHER, druggist, in Larwill, was born in Colum- 
biana County, Ohio, in 1827, the son of George and Elizabeth Whiteleather, 
natives of Maryland, and of German descent. He remained on his parents' 
farm till eighteen years of age, when he began working at carpentering for $5 
per month the first year, and this trade he followed for eight years, and then 
worked at job work on the P., Ft. W. & C. R. R., in this county, where he 
remained till the fall of 1855, when he married Frances Mack, daughter of 
Harper and Alice Mack, of New York. He then returned to Columbiana County, 
Ohio, engaged in farming till 1859; came to this township in the spring, and 
farmed till 1862, when he enlisted in Company F, One Hundredth Indiana Vol- 
unteer Infantry; participated in the battles of Pittsburg Landing, Jackson, 
Mission Ridge and Atlanta; followed Sherman to the sea, during the last 
eighteen months acting as color-bearer, having been color-guard for some time 
previously, and was honorably discharged in June, 1865. During the skirmish at 
New Hope Church, the flagstaff was shot away and twenty-one holes put through 
the flag, but he escaped unhurt. The spring following his departure for the war, 



RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 327 

his wife died, leaving three small children. On his return, in the fall of 1865, he 
entered the drug trade in company with Dr. Kirkpatrick, and in May, 1881, 
he assumed whole charge of the business. In the spring of 1866, he married 
his present wife, Julia Temple, daughter of David Patterson. He is a Free- 
mason, and in politics a Republican, and he and wife are members of the M. E. 
Church. He came here empty-handed, but, by attention to business and honest 
dealing, has provided himself with a good home, and established a lucrative trade. 

REV. T. WHITMAN was born in Darke County, Ohio, October 4, 1822, 
son of David and Sarah Whitman, natives of Virginia. The parents emigrated 
with our subject to Wells County, Ind., in February, 1835, and entered land 
before the county was organized. Our subject attended the log schoolhouses in 
his youth, and, at the age of nineteen, began life on his own account, farming 
at intervals ; and in 1840 commenced studying for the ministry. In 1844, he 
entered upon active work, locating in Cass County, Ind., and rode a circuit 
through Cass, Miami, White and Pulaski Counties for three years, each trip 
taking two weeks. He preached each day and night, preparing his sermons 
while riding from point to point, receiving the first year $65. He moved to 
Pulaski in 1849 ; thence to this township in 1852, locating on his present farm. 
In 1840, he married Eliza J. Craig, born in Darke County, Ohio, in August, 
1822, the daughter of Rev. Seymore and Sarah Craig. To this union three 
children were born, one son now living. After the death of this lady, he mar- 
ried Elizabeth Atchison, by whom he had one daughter, now the wife of Dr. 
D. E. Webster. He was married to his present wife, Charlotte Circle, August 
5, 1855 ; she is a native of Kosciusko County, Ind., and to this union three 
children were born, all now living. Through his efforts six large charges have 
been built up, and he has assisted in organizing a number of home societies. 

S. C. WHITMAN was born in Wells County, Ind., in June, 1842, the 
son of Rev. T. Whitman. He moved with his parents to Cass County, thence 
to Pulaski, and thence to this township in 1852, where he assisted his father in 
clearing up a forest farm. In his twentieth year, in August, 1862, he enlisted 
in Company K, Eighty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was out until 
the close of the war, receiving his discharge in June, 1865. He participated 
in the battles of Perryville and Stone River, when he was stricken with small- 
pox and measles. Recovering, he joined his company at Atlanta, going 
through to Washington, and in the battle of Bentonville was slightly wounded. 
On his return home he went to farming, and in the fall of 1867 married Nancy 
Louis, daughter of David and Isabel Louis, natives of Pennsylvania. To this 
union there were born three children. He has brought out of the forest, by 
industry and economy, a delightful home, and is now in quite comfortable 
circumstances. In politics, he is a Republican. 

H. B. WHITTENBERGER, merchant, was born in Ohio, in 1835, and 
is the son of William and Joanna Whittenberger, who are natives of Penn- 
sylvania. At the age of one year, he was brought by his parents to this State, 



328 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

where they settled on a piece of forest land in Fulton County, where he was 
reared to manhood. In December, 1862, he enlisted in Company K, Forty- 
sixth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in the three-year call, under Col. Fitch, of 
Logansport, and went with his regiment as far as Memphis, where he was 
taken sick and left at the hospital, where he was subsequently detailed for duty 
as nurse, which position he filled until honorably discharged in December, 
1864. He then returned to his home, and was shortly after married to Sevilla 
H. Southerland, of Logansport. She is the daughter of Zera Southerland, 
native of New York. To this union there were six children born, 
of whom three have died. Our subject here employed himself in farm- 
ing till 1865, when he removed to Larwill and joined his brother, A. J., in 
mercantile business, which was carried on for three years as a copartnership, 
and was thenceforward conducted solely by our subject. His purse at starting 
contained $60 only, but by energy and close attention to business he 
has established for himself a good trade and a comfortable home. He served 
as Postmaster of his town for ten years, and has won for himself the general 
good-will of his townsmen. 

JEREMIAH WILLIAMS was born in Ross County, Ohio, in April, 
1812. His parents, Benjamin and Jane Williams, were of English descent 
and natives of North Carolina. The subject obtained his education in a log 
schoolhouse with puncheon floor and greased paper for windows. Soon after 
commencing life for himself, he bought a yoke of oxen and rented land which 
he farmed until 1852, when he removed with family to this township, locating 
where he is yet living. He owns a farm of eighty acres, that he himself 
cleared and has otherwise improved. Mr. Williams first marriage occurred 
February 15, 1835, to Mary Zornes. They had ten children, five now living. 
She died, and he afterward married Margaret Siberts, who lived only two 
years. He was united to his present wife November, 1879. She was Mrs. 
Maria Parker, daughter of William and Sarah Thomson, and by her first hus- 
band had seven children, two now living. Mrs. Williams is a native of Dutchess 
County, N. Y., where she was born in 1810. Mr. Williams is a Democrat and 
an enterprising citizen. 



SMITH TOWNSHIP. 

ALFRED W. BRIGGS was born in this township, January 28, 1852, 
one of eleven children born to Jesse and Rebecca Briggs, natives respectively 
of Ohio and Virginia. Jesse Briggs came to what is now Smith Township, in 
1837, and entered 320 acres (on which our subject now resides), built a cabin 
and commenced clearing. He afterward increased his land to 600 acres, and 
died in November, 1862, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His 
widow, also a member of the Methodist Church, still resides on the old home- 



SMITH TOWNSHIP. 329 

stead. Alfred Briggs, our subject, received a fair common-school education in 
his youth, and has spent his life on the home farm, and is still unmarried. He 
is a member of Churubusco Lodge, No. 515, A., F. & A. M. In politics is a 
Republican, and is one of the rising young farmers of the township. 

ASA H. CARTER was born in Hampshire County (now West) 
Virginia, December 6, 1823, and is one of seven children born to Asahel 
and Catharine (Horn) Carter, natives of said State. Asahel Carter moved 
with his family to Franklin County, Ohio. About 1836, he removed 
to Logan County, and thence, in 1843, he came to this township, pur- 
chased eighty acres of unimproved land, cleared up a farm, and here 
died in September, 1851 ; his wife following him in November, 1877. Mr. 
Carter was Justice of the Peace for Smith Township under the old constitution. 
Mrs. Carter died a consistent member of the Baptist Church. Asa H. 
Carter received a very fair common-school education in his younger days, and 
remained on the home farm until twenty-three years of age, when he bought 
fifty acres of land from his father, which he improved in the summer, 
teaching school in the winter. His salary for the first term, in the latter voca- 
tion, was $8.33^ per month. June 16, 1853, he married Ellen Smith, a na- 
tive of Fayette County, Ohio, and born July 31, 1829. Mr. and Mrs. Carter's 
living children are seven in number, viz.: Sylvania L., now Mrs. J. W. Pence ; 
Austin W.; Alice A., now Mrs. R. C. Hemmick ; Mary E.; Ida E.; Lillie J.; 
and Minnie A. Mr. Carter now owns 190 acres of farm land. In politics, he 
is a Republican, and has held the offices of Justice of the Peace, Township 
Clerk, Trustee and Assessor. 

THE CHURUBUSCO FLOURING MILLS were erected in 1870 by 
John Deck and Jacob Hose, at a cost of $7,000. The structure was a two- 
story frame, with two run of buhrs — one for wheat and one for corn. In April, 
1871, Joseph Kichler purchased Mr. Deck's half-interest, and, being a practi- 
cal miller, took charge. The other half-interest was sold in turn to Jackson 
& Rich, David Shilling, William Watterson, Joseph Kichler, and finally to 
Michael Kichler, the whole being now owned by Joseph and Michael, and oper- 
ated under the firm name of J. Kichler & Bro. This firm have made a number 
of improvements ; have placed in some of the latest improved machinery, and 
are turning out a quality of flour not excelled by any in the county. They 
have four buhrs (three wheat and one corn and chop-feed), which are driven by 
a thirty-six horse-power engine. The senior partner, Joseph Kichler, was born 
in Rhine-Bayere, Germany, February 10, 1841. He is one of ten children, 
born to Michael and Johanna (BishofF) Kichler — the former deceased. Joseph 
learned his trade in his native country, and came to the United States in Feb- 
ruary, 1861, and worked as a miller at various points before he came to Churu- 
busco. In 1870, he married Catharine BishofF, who died February 10, 1881, 
leaving three children — Joseph, Nettie and Anna. Michael Kichler, junior 
member of the firm, was born March 14, 1849 (at the same place where his 



330 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

brother was born), and came to the United States in May, 1870, worked at stone 
masonry at various points, and then joined his brother in 1874. In May, 
1874, he married Mary Rupert , and to them has been born one child — Rosa. 
Both brothers are members of the K. of H., and both are Democrats. 

NICODEMUS COLEMAN was born March 16, 1837, in Ashland 
County, Ohio, one of the twelve children of John and Nancy Coleman, natives 
of Maryland and Pennsylvania respectively. John Coleman was a millwright? 
and when young went to Pennsylvania, was married there and worked at his 
trade till about 1835, when he moved to Ohio and bought a farm, but still con- 
tinued working at his trade, leaving the management of the farm to his chil- 
dren. In 1865, he moved to Thorn Creek Township, this county, and bought 
a farm, on which he resided till his death, December 24, 1869, his wife follow- 
ing in November, 1873, a member of the Church of God. Nicodemus Cole" 
man received a fair education, and was taught the millwright's trade by his 
father, subsequently serving a three years' apprenticeship to a carriage and 
wagon maker. He worked at his trade in Ashland and Wayne Counties, Ohio, 
until the spring of 1858, when he came to Troy Township, this county, and 
worked at Larwill and Steam Corners for two years. He afterward engaged 
in the saw-mill and lumbering business and has been so employed ever since at 
various times in Whitley and Noble Counties. For the last four years, he has 
owned and operated a saw-mill in Collins. January 21, 1861, he married 
Sarah A. Grant, a daughter of James and Eliza (Beard) Grant, and born in 
Troy Township, April 23, 1844. Mr. and Mrs. Coleman are the parents of 
seven children — Artemisia, Lyman M., James E., Emma I., Iona, Grace G* 
and Eliza B. Mr. and Mrs. Coleman and two of their children are members 
of the United Brethren Church, and in politics he is a Democrat. 

WILLIAM COULTER (deceased) was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, 
in 1809, and was one of eight children born to John and Margaret Coulter, 
natives of Ireland. Mr. Coulter, when but a child, was removed by his par- 
ents to Clinton County, Ohio, where he was reared on a farm, and received an 
ordinary common-school education. He remained on the home farm till 1847, 
when he came to this county. In 1844, he married Elizabeth Jenkins, born 
in Belmont County, Ohio, in 1826, and the daughter of Evan and Catharine 
Jenkins, natives of Virginia and Maryland. Mr. Coulter arrived here in the 
early part of October, and moved into a cabin already prepared for him, by 
Mr. John Egolf, on land entered by his father some years previously, and suc- 
ceeded in wresting from the forest a well-improved farm, which he increased 
to 660 acres, 560 of which are in one body. He was a man of great enter- 
prise, and of unswerving purpose. He avoided politics and was a consistent 
member of the Christian Church. He was the father of eleven children, of 
whom five sons and two daughters are now living. After a useful and success- 
ful life, he died in 1876, aged sixty-seven years. His widow still survives and 
resides on the home farm. 



SMITH TOWNSHIP. 331 

GEORGE W. COULTER was born in Clinton County, Ohio, March 11, 
1846, one of eleven children (five sons and two daughters of whom are living) 
born to William and Elizabeth (Jenkins) Coulter, natives respectively of Ham- 
ilton and Belmont Counties, Ohio. William Coulter was born November 2, 
1810, the son of John and Margaret (Gibson) Coulter, natives of Ireland. He 
married in Clinton County, December 26, 1844, engaged there in farming till 
1848, when he moved to this township, where his father had previously entered 
land. He was a hard-working man and did more to build up the live-stock 
interests of the county than any one other person ; here he died in 1876. He 
was a Democrat ; also a member of the Christian Church, to which his widow, 
now living on the old homestead at the age of fifty-six, also belongs. George 
W. Coulter was reared a farmer, educated in the common schools, and this 
township has always been his home. February 14, 1869, he married Miss 
Caroline E. Werick, and to their union have been born two daughters — Elnora 
and Cora. Mr. Coulter takes great pride in his live stock, in which he deals 
extensively, besides farming his 152 acres of land. He is a Democrat and an 
Odd Fellow, and he and wife are members of the Christian Church. 

JACOB COVERSTONE was born in Shenandoah County, Va., in 1815, 
and was one of the ten children of Jacob and Elizabeth (Clem) Coverstone, na- 
tives of Virginia, and of German extraction. He removed with his parents to 
Licking County, Ohio, in 1825, and thence to Champaign County, where they 
cleared up a new farm, at which our subject assisted, attending school at inter- 
vals. At his majority, he began to work for himself — the first two years for his 
father, and then at jobbing generally. In 1840, he married Margaret Windsor, 
who died in 1849, leaving four small children; and, March 28, 1850, Mr. 
Coverstone married Jane Halderman, daughter of George and Elizabeth Hal- 
derman, natives of Virginia, and of German ancestry. To this union were born 
ten children, nine of whom are yet living. Our subject moved to this township 
in the spring of 1852, and the year following purchased his present farm, then 
in the wilderness. He put up a double log cabin, and with the usual hard work 
and frugality has succeeded in replacing the log with comfortable frame build- 
ings, and, instead of the forest groves, broad acres of cultivated soil to the 
number of 160. He is a man of enterprise, and in politics is a Democrat. His 
eldest son, Lewis J., enlisted in 1862, while visiting friends in Ohio, and, after 
being out one year, died of typhoid fever, and now sleeps in a soldier's grave in 
Tennessee. 

HARRISON F. CRABILL was born in Shenandoah County, Va., Octo- 
ber 9, 1822, one of fourteen children of William and Catharine (Funk) Crabill, 
natives of Virginia. The father was a blacksmith, who followed his trade in 
his native State till 1837, when he moved with his family to Champaign County, 
Ohio, where he farmed on shares till the spring of 1841, when he removed to 
this township and settled upon 160 acres he had entered in 1838, and here he 
resided until his death in August, 1845, aged fifty years. Ho had served as 



332 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Trustee of Smith Township one term, and was a member of the U. B. Church. 
Mrs. Crabill died in 1859, and was also a member of the U. B. Church. Our 
subject received a very fair common-school education, and from the time he was 
twenty-one till the year 1852, he taught school, worked out and on his father's 
farm. In the spring of the year named, he took a trip to California, arriving 
at the Sacramento River in the fall ; engaged in mining and farming ; and, in 
1854, returned home via Panama and New York, and taught school the follow- 
ing winter. In the spring of 1855, he engaged in mercantile trade at Fuller's 
Corners, and also filled the office of Postmaster at that point for two and one 
half years. He then resumed farming, at which he has been employed ever 
since, with the exception of three years passed in saw-milling and merchandis- 
ing at Collins. He married, in March, 1868, Catharine Fair, a native of Stark 
County, Ohio. To their union have been born five children, viz., Harrison, 
Cassius M., Alpha D., Lester D. L. and Lemuel D. In politics, Mr. Crabill is 
a Democrat ; has been Township Trustee two terms, and has held the appoint- 
ment of Postmaster at Collins for five years. 

ALEXANDER CRAIG was born in Madison County, N. Y., October 22, 
1836, and is one of the five children born to David and Mary (Wolcott) Craig r 
natives respectively' of Scotland and New York State. David Craig came to 
this country when a boy, and made farming his occupation. He was married 
in New York, and, in 1845, came to this township, where he then had a brother 
living ; bought forty acres of partly improved land on Section 24; underwent all 
the hardships of pioneer life, and died in the Baptist faith September 20, 1854, 
followed by his wife in May, 1856. Our subject, Alexander Craig, was reared 
on the farm, and received the ordinary education of his boyhood days. Septem- 
ber 22, 1861, he enlisted as a private in the Fifth Indiana Battery, commanded 
by Capt. Simonson, and participated in the engagements at Perryville, Chicka- 
mauga, Stone River, Buzzard's Roost, Resaca, the Atlanta campaign, etc. 
He received his discharge as Sergeant November 26, 1864, since when he has 
been actively engaged in farming, dealing in stock, etc. In July, 1881, he 
bought out the interest of John Crider in the firm of Crider & Richey, hard- 
ware, in Churubusco, and the firm now stands as Richey & Craig. They carry 
a stock, valued at $3,500, of all kinds of hardware, stoves, agricultural imple- 
ments, doors, sash, etc. April 14, 1867, Mr. Craig married Miss Emeline 
Gandy, a native of Smith Township, and to them have been born four children 
— Charles S. and Frances M. (living), and David A. and Otho W. (deceased). 
Mr. and Mrs. Craig are members of the Church of God, and, in politics, he is 
a Republican. 

JOHN F. CRISWELL, M. D., son of William and Barbara (Bittin- 
ger) Criswell, was born August 23, 1845, in Ashland County, Ohio, one of 
ten children, seven of whom are still living. The father was a wagon- maker 
and blacksmith, but of late years has engaged himself in farming. In 1850, 
he came to Cedar Creek Township, Allen County, this State, where he and 



SMITH TOWNSHIP. 333 

wife still reside. Dr. Criswell was reared principally in Allen County, attend- 
ing school ; attended the Methodist College at Fort Wayne one year, and at 
twenty-two began the study of medicine under Dr. W. H. Myers, of that city. 
The winter of 1869-70, he attended lectures at Jefferson Medical College, 
Philadelphia, and the winter of 1870—71, graduated from the medical depart- 
ment of the University of Wooster, Cleveland, Ohio. He then commenced 
practice in Churubusco. The winter of 1878-79, he returned to, and gradu- 
ated from, Jefferson College. The Doctor is a man of decided ability, and has 
a large and lucrative practice. In politics, he is Republican, and he and wife 
are members of the United Brethren Church. January 16, 1873, he married 
Miss Ellen G. Potter, of Swan Township, Noble County, Ind., and to their 
union have been born two children — Lilah E. and Annie. 

JOHN DECK, Sr., is a native of Parks County, Penn., and was born 
September 18, 1829, the son of Samuel and Mary E. (Butler) Deck. Samuel 
Deck was a shoemaker, and moved to Stark County, Ohio, in 1830, and thence 
to Whitley County in the fall of 1864, our subject having come the previous 
spring. He and his wife died respectively in December, 1871, and November, 
1873, members of the Lutheran Church. John Deck, Sr., was reared on a farm 
in Stark County, Ohio, and May 15, 1851, there married Lucy A. Smith, and 
farmed there till 1864, when he purchased 124 acres of land, near Churu- 
busco, and resumed farming, but in the fall of 1865 moved to the village, 
where he has since remained, taking an active part in public affairs. He has 
been engaged in the grain trade, has dealt in real estate, and built the Churu- 
busco Flouring Mills, which he sold at completion. He began with nothing, 
but by hard work, economy and judicicious investments, has secured a com- 
fortable fortune. He is now engaged in buying grain and in running his farm. 
He is independent in politics, voting for principles and not for party. He and 
wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and to their union have 
been born seven children, viz. : Mary E. (now Mrs Thomas Fisher), John F., 
Sarah F. (now Mrs. Gr. W. Maxwell), Benjamin F., Alice, Charles and 
Clement (the last deceased). 

LEMUEL DEVAULT was born in Ross County, Ohio, April 15, 1828, 
and is one of eleven children born to Nicholas and Frances (Brown) Devault, 
the former a native of Pennsylvania, but of French descent, and the latter of 
Ohio and of English extraction. Nicholas Devault emigrated to Ross County, 
Ohio, when a young man, and when that country was an unbroken wilderness. 
Here he married and bought a farm, resided on it till 1858, sold out. bought 
another farm, near Whitehall, 111., moved upon it, and there passed his remain- 
ing days. Mr. Devault served as soldier in the war of 1812, and died a mem- 
ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Lemuel Devault, our subject, received 
a very fair common-school education in his youth, and worked on his father's 
farm till about twenty years of age ; then worked by the job two years ; then 
farmed for his father and others on shares. In the fall of 1851, he came to 



334 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

this township, bought forty acres wild land, and was obliged to borrow money 
to make the first payment thereon, but by industry, economy and integrity 
has acquired 634 acres of well-improved land, beside valuable property in 
Columbia City and Churubusco. He was married in Columbia City, in Novem- 
ber, 1851, to Frances Tulley, of Ross County, Ohio, daughter of Francis and 
Elizabeth (Wayland) Tulley. Mrs. Devaultdied Sebtember 28, 1855, a mem- 
ber of the United Brethren Church, and Mr. Devault, November 30, 1856, 
married Nancy Wells, daughter of Rev. Hugh Wells ; but there have no chil- 
dren been born to him. For fifteen years, Mr. Devault has filled the office of 
Justice of the Peace, and has just been re-elected, which will make his term 
twenty years, and he has also served as Trustee of the township. He is a 
member of Columbia City Lodge, No. 189, A., F. & A. M., is a Democrat, and 
he and wife are members of the Lutheran Church, and rank among the lead- 
ing citizens of the township. 

ADAM FLECK was born in Crawford County, Ohio, in December, 1824, 
one of twelve children of George and Elizabeth (House) Fleck, both natives of 
Pennsylvania and of German descent. Our subject went to the pioneer schools 
of his boyhood, but his time was chiefly occupied in assisting his father to 
retrieve his farm from the forests of Ohio, till about his eleventh year, when 
his father died, and his mother removed to Seneca County, same State. Here 
our subject remained till he reached manhood, when he went to work on a rail- 
road, hewing timber, etc., and in three years had saved $350, all of which he 
lost by the contractor's decamping. He then worked at job work for several 
years, and in 1848, in company with three brothers, moved to La Grange 
County, this State, and the year following married Mary Ritter, the daughter 
of Samuel and Nancy (Wingard) Ritter, of Pennsylvania. He farmed on 
rented land for two years thereafter, then moved to Noble Township, Noble 
County, and cleared up a farm ; this he sold in 1873, and purchased his pres- 
ent pleasant home of sixty acres in this township. He and wife are members 
of the Christian Church and are the parents of five sons and three daughters. 

ALPHEUS B. GAFF was born in Stark County, Ohio, October 9, 1829, 
the son of Robert and Mary Gaff, natives of Pennsylvania and of Scotch and 
German descent. In 1839, the parents removed to this township and located 
on Section 6, then an unbroken forest ; two years later, they moved one mile 
north into Green Township, Noble County, bought eighty acres, which they 
redeemed from the wilderness, and on which they resided till their deaths in 
1861 and 1864, aged respectively sixty-nine and sixty-three years, having 
reared a family of nine sons and one daughter. Our subject was reared to 
endure all the hard work incident to pioneer life, and his schooling was limited 
to forty-two days. He was, however, gifted with mechanical talent, and at 
manhood began work as a carpenter, which trade he followed a number of 
years, and by industry and attention to business earned a sum with which he 
and his brother, George, purchased eighty acres of land, on which Alpheus 



SMITH TOWNSHIP. 335 

has since lived. They erected a water-power saw-mill in the fall of 1854, 
which they ran at intervals for ten years. Our subject now owns 128 acres 
of well-improved land, and is quite comfortably situated. He has been an 
active home politician in the Republican ranks, was elected Justice of the 
Peace in 1857, and re-elected each successive term, till the present, the seventh, 
which he is now serving. In 1858, he married Rebecca Mohn, daughter of 
Daniel Mohn, and to this union have been born five sons and three daughters. 

OTIS J. GANDY was born in Preston County, now West Virginia, Sep- 
tember 18, 1831, one of eight children of Otho and Mary (Weaver) Gandy, 
natives of the same place and born respectively September 27, 1793, and 
December 26, 1802, and married November 2, 1820. The father, in 1834, 
started West with his family and stopped one year in Miami County, Ohio, and 
then came to Decatur County, this State. The same fall, he entered eighty 
acres of land in this township and moved upon it the following spring, 1836, 
and there ended his days, May 21, 1879. He had received an excellent edu- 
cation for the time in which he lived, and in West Virginia taught school sev- 
eral terms. His wife's death had occurred at the same place, January 12, 
1870. Mr. Gandy was elected one of the Commissioners of Whitley County 
in 1838, was also a Township Trustee under the old constitution, and for a 
number of years was Justice of the Peace. Otis J. Gandy, our subject, 
received a common-school education in his youth, and worked on his father's 
farm till of age. He then worked with his brother as a carpenter in summer 
and taught school in winter till 1856, then visited Minnesota, Missouri and 
Mississippi, working at his trade, till 1861, when he returned to this county 
and enlisted in Company E, Seventeenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, which 
regiment was afterward mounted and known as the Seventeenth Indiana 
Mounted Infantry. He was mustered out at Macon, Ga., August 8, 1865, 
having participated in all the marches and engagements of his regiment, not 
having lost a single day. On his return, he worked at his trade in Plymouth, 
Ind., till 1872, then came to Churubusco, worked there until his father's 
death, and since has resided on the home farm. At Plymouth he was married, 
September 2, 1868, to Sarah Madison, of Marshall County, Ind. To their 
union was born one child — Lillie A. Mrs. Gandy died in Plymouth, Septem- 
ber 1, 1870. Mr. Gandy is a member of Churubusco Lodge, No. 462, I. 0. 
O. F., and in politics is a Republican. 

OSCAR GANDY was born September 12, 1847, and is the son of Owen 
Gandy, a native of what is now Preston County, West Virginia. Owen 
learned to be a carpenter and millwright when a young man, and married Miss 
Drusilla Jeffries at his majority. He then began the study of medicine, at- 
tending the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, from which he graduated. 
Shortly after this, he came to Indiana and settled at Heller's Corners, Eel 
River Township, Allen County, where he began practicing, and acquired an 
extensive patronage. Subsequently he removed to about three-quarters of a 



336 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

mile east of the present site of Churubusco, then made a trip to Missouri, re- 
turned to Indiana, located near Noblesville, and there practiced till within a 
short time of his death. He was the father of seven children, four of whom are 
still living. Our subject, Oscar Gandy, was reared on a farm, received a good 
education, and April 1, 1874, married Miss Emma Cleveland, and to them 
have been born three children — William 0., Elmer E. and Orpha. In 1870, 
he came to Churubusco, and engaged in dealing in stock, grain and lumber. 
In 1876, he formed a partnership in the lumber business with A. D. Nickey, 
which still continues. The firm buy, sell and manufacture hard wood lumber, 
and their annual average business amounts to about $200,000. Mr. Gandy is 
a self-made man, is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows' fraternities, 
and is a Democrat. 

W. A. GEIGER was born in this township October 25, 1842, one of 
nine children, eight yet living, of Daniel and Julia (Darnel) Geiger, natives of 
Pennsylvania. The father, a farmer, moved to Licking County, Ohio, with his 
parents, and there married. In 1834, he emigrated with his family to Allen 
County, Ind., locating in Eel River Township, farmed for two years, and moved 
thence to this township, in 1836, where he bought eighty acres of land on Sec- 
tion 29 (now owned by H. F. Crabill). It was a wild country, filled with 
deer, wolves, lynxes, wild cats and Indians, and malaria charged the air. Here 
Mr. Geiger died in 1869, his widow yet surviving him, and residing in Churu- 
busco. Our subject, W. A. Geiger, was reared on the farm till sixteen, when 
he began to work out at clearing, farming, etc., and so continued till January 
4, 1864, when he enlisted in Company F, Seventeenth Indiana Mounted In- 
fantry, from which he was honorably discharged August 27, 1865. He was at 
the battles of Rome, Ga.; Noon Day Creek, Big Shanty, Atlanta, Montgomery, 
Columbus, Atlanta and Selma. On his return, he worked by the month two 
years, and then engaged in saw-milling for eighteen months ; he then went to 
Noblesville and engaged in the grocery trade seven years ; in 1875, he sold out 
and went into the drug trade; in 1876, into the livery business; in 1877, into 
the hardware trade, at which he is still employed. He has had generally good 
success, and now carries a stock valued at $5,000. July 11, 1867, he mar- 
ried Miss Catharine Brumbaugh, who has borne him two children — Virgil and 
Nettie A. Mr. Geiger is a Republican in politics, and a member of the I. 
O. O. F. 

MOSES T. GRADELESS was born September 4, 1820, in Fayette 
County, Ohio, and was one of seven children born to Nathaniel and Elizabeth 
(Waugh) Gradeless, the former a native of Maryland, and the latter of Ohio. 
Nathaniel Gradeless moved to Fayette County, Ohio, when a young man, was 
there married and there remained until the fall of 1836, when he sold his farm 
of 160 acres and came with his family to Thorn Creek Township, this county, 
entered 160 acres, and ended his days thereon May 28. 1862, his wife having 
died but nine da vs before. Mr. Gradeless was a soldier in the war of 1812, 



SMITH TOWNSHIP. 337 

and was under Gen. Hull at the time of that officer's surrender, but he, with 
five others, refused to yield, and concealed himself for two days in the swamps. 
He afterward served under Gens. St. Clair and Wayne ; was stationed at Fort 
Wayne, was in the battle of Spy Run, in Allen County, and took part in an 
expedition which destroyed Little Turtle's village in Union Township, this 
county, and was in several other Indian fights. Our subject, Moses T. Grade- 
less, worked on the home farm till nineteen years of age, and then for five 
years hired out by the month. In 1841, he married Mary Smith, who was 
born in Fayette County, Ohio, August 16, 1818, the daughter of Samuel and 
Rebecca (Jones) Smith, and to their union have been born five children, viz.: 
Josiah, who was a member of Company B, Seventy-fourth Indiana Volunteer 
Infantry, and died in hospital at Gallatin, Tenn., December 23, 1862 ; Mrs. 
Mary E. Vanderment; Clarissa, now Mrs. J. W. Smith ; Martha E., now Mrs. 
William Coverstone ; and Rebecca J., now Mrs. Benjamin Fisher. Mrs. 
Gradeless died January 27, 1875, and September 9, 1877, our subject married 
Mrs. Mary E. (Morse) Foster, who was born in Orleans County, N. Y., Sep- 
tember 5, 1817, the daughter of Jotham and Dorcas (Ferris) Morse, and mother 
of three children by her first husband. In 1841, Mr. Gradeless bought eighty- 
four acres of land in this township, where he' now lives. He is a member of 
the Masonic order, and in politics is a Republican, and his wife is a member of 
the Christian Church. 

FREDERICK G. GRISIER, M. D, was born in Williams County, 
Ohio, June 28, 1853, one of eleven children born to Frederick and Susan (Ver- 
nier) Grisier, natives of France, but now located on their farm in Williams 
County, to which they immigrated about 1844. Our subject in youth was 
fairly educated, and at seventeen commenced the study of medicine at Stryker, 
Ohio, with Drs. Stubbs and Aldrich, with whom he remained one year ; was 
then employed at the Cleveland City Hospital one year ; attended one course 
of lectures at the Cleveland Medical College ; returned to his former precep- 
tors for two years, but attended lectures at the college in the winter, and grad- 
uated with the class of 1874-75. He then commenced practice in Noble 
County, this State, remaining till the fall of 1876, when he moved to Collins, 
this township. In December, 1880, he bought a half-interest in the general 
mercantile business of R. C. Hemmick, since when the firm has been Hemmick 
& Grisier. March 24, 1880, he married Mary E. Hemmick, a native of Col- 
umbia Township, this county, and daughter of George W. and Jane (Winget) 
Hemmick, of Greene County, Ohio, and to their union one child has been born 
— Orpha E. Dr. Grisier is a member of Churubusco Lodge, No. 515, A., F. 
& A. M., of Churubusco Lodge No. 462, I. 0. 0. F., and of Churubusco 
Lodge, No. 2109, K. of H. In politics, he is a Republican, and as a profes- 
sional man has established a fine reputation and secured a large and lucrative 
practice. 



338 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

WILLIAM HEDGES was born in Belmont County, Ohio, in 1812, the 
son of James and Nancy Hedges, natives of Virginia, and of English origin. 
At the age of seven, our subject was taken by his parents to Richland County, 
Ohio, where he lived till 1836, when he came West to inspect some land his 
father had bought in this township, at a land sale at Fort Wayne ; but being 
seized with the ague, returned home, came back in the spring of 1837 on 
horseback, and began to clear up the forest and make some improvement on his 
farm of 160 acres, which he has succeeded in literally redeeming from the wil- 
derness. In 1859, he married the widow of Evan Davis, and daughter of Cal- 
vin and Mary Nott, and by her became the father of nine children, of whom 
four sons and three daughters are still living. Mrs. Hedges is also the mother 
of four children by her first husband, two of whom are deceased. Mr. Hedges 
underwent all the privations and hardships of pioneer life, and was one of the 
first settlers of the township, being present at its organization, and has ever 
been forward in all enterprises tending toward its advancement. His wife and 
himself are members of the Church of God. 

ROBERT C. HEMMICK was born in Greene County, Ohio, November 
27, 1849, the eldest of seven children born to George W. and Jane (Winget) 
Hemmick, both natives of Greene. George W. Hemmick is a plasterer, and 
followed that trade in Ohio till the fall of 1851, when he moved with his family 
to Columbia City, this county. Mrs. Jane Hemmick died at Columbia June 
22, 1863. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, as is George 
W. Hemmick, who is also an Odd Fellow. Robert C. Hemmick, our subject, 
received the ordinary common-school education, and commenced learning the 
plasterer's trade with his father when eighteen years old, following the same 
and teaching school till June, 1875, when he came to Collins, this township, 
where he has since been engaged as a merchant. The same year he was ap- 
pointed Deputy Postmaster, and in January, 1876, was appointed agent of the 
W., St. L. & P. R. R., both of which positions he still retains. November 6, 
1871, he married Catharine Crabill, a native of Montgomery County, Ohio, 
and daughter of Daniel and Anna H. (Hyre) Crabill. This lady died at Col- 
lins in July, 1875, a member of the German Baptist Church. April 6, 1879, 
our subject married Alice A. Carter, born in this township October 8, 1857, 
the daughter of Asa H. and Ellen (Smith) Carter, natives of Ohio and Virginia, 
and to this union was born one child, Heber C. Mr. Hemmick is an Odd 
Fellow, in politics a Republican, and is one of the enterprising business men 
of the township. 

AMOS HORNER was born October 2, 1816, in Union County, Penn., 
the eldest of eight children of Nicholas and Cathorine (Kutz) Horner, natives 
of the same State. Nicholas Horner was a shot-maker, but engaged chiefly in 
farming, and died in his native State. After his death, his widow married 
William Strup, and now lives in Columbiana County, Ohio. Our subject re- 
ceived an ordinary education in his youth, and at the age of eighteen was ap- 



SMITH TOWNSHIP. 339 

prenticed to a saddle and harness maker, an uncle named John M. Burges, at 
Beaver Dam, Penn., but who moved to Columbiana County, Ohio. Mr. Hor- 
ner worked as a journeyman some six years in Pennsylvania and Ohio, after 
his time had expired, and then started a shop at North Georgetown, Ohio. In 
1855, he bought and moved to a farm in Ripley County, Ind.; in the fall of 
1859, removed to Jennings County ; in the following spring, returned to Colum- 
biana County, Ohio, and started a woolen factory ; in 1863, sold out and 
bought a farm in Thorn Creek, this county, and in the spring of 1878 came to 
Collins, bought a farm of fifty-five acres, on which he now lives, still owning 
the farm in Thorn Creek, proprietor of 190 acres in all. Mr. Horner, in Feb- 
ruary, 1840, married Mary A. McKown, who was born in New Jersey, May 
26, 1823, a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Gibbs) McKown, and to their 
union were born three children, none of whom are living. Mr. Horner is an 
Odd Fellow, and in politics is a Republican. 

WILLIAM G. HUGHES was born in Greene Co., Penn., November 10, 
1829, son of Nathan and Isabel (Grimes) Hughes, also natives of said State. 
Nathan Hughes was a stone-mason, and moved to Knox Co., Ohio, in 1832, 
and there died in 1837. His widow married James Simpson, in 1854, moved 
to Iowa, where he died, when she came to Whitley County, and made her home 
with our subject until her death, in 1870. William G. Hughes was left fatherless 
at the age of eight, went to live with an uncle two years, and since the age of 
ten has supported himself. At nineteen, he began to learn blacksmithing, and 
in 1849 started out to seek a permanent home- He hired as a blacksmith to 
a cousin in the northern part of this township, worked one year, then was em- 
ployed in Allen County and in Columbia City for a time. He married Miss 
Margery A. Gregory, of Noble County, and in 1852 commenced working for 
himself in Grreen Township, Noble County; in 1870, he engaged in the manu- 
facture of lumber east of Columbia City ; in 1875, he removed the Churu- 
busco, and with his partners, Thomas N. Hughes and Harrison Spear, 
purchased their present stave factory, saw-mill, etc. It was originally built in 
1871, at a cost of $20,000, and since has been greatly improved and contains 
the most approved machinery. The past year, the firm turned felloes for 5,000 
wagons, 50,000 neckyokes and singletrees, and have sawn upward of 1,500.000 
feet of lumber. They also own another saw-mill, near South Whitley. Mr. 
Hughes is a Republican and a Mascm. His children numbered thirteen, as 
follows: Mary I., Millard F., Marshall T., William H., Elnora, Clara M., 
George E., living, and Nathan, Emma, Sherman, Bertha, Charles and Jennie, 
deceased. 

MORTIMER JEFFRIES was born in Greenville Counfy, Va., August 
22, 1820, and was the son of Herbert and Ridley Jeffries. In 1842 or 1843, 
Herbert Jeffries moved to Greene County, Ohio, and the following year 
came to this township, where he bought 160 acres of wild land and cleared 
up a farm, cutting the lumber for his cabin with a cross-cut handsaw. Our 



340 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

subject was altogether deprived of school privileges, but acquired a fair 
education by his own exertions at study. December 6, 1850, he married 
Elizabeth Keen, who was born in Hertford Co., N. C, February 25, 1835? 
being the daughter of Miles H. and Mary (Holmes) Keen, natives of the said 
State. To their union have been born the following-named children : Levi ; 
Priscilla, now Mrs. Crone; Herbert, Lizzie and Mary. After his marriage, 
Mr. Jeffries settled on forty acres of land in this township, which he had 
bought and partially cleared some years before. In 1864, he sold out, and 
bought 320 acres in the same township, which he occupied till his death, Sep- 
tember 17, 1879. Levi Jeffries was born in this township, June 10, 1855, and 
lives on the home farm. He married, June 9, 1881, Adella S. Vaughn, who 
was born in Cass Co., Mich., July 23, 1873, the daughter of Henry and May 
Vaughn. In politics he is a Republican; and is looked upon as an enterprising 
farmer. 

MARCUS L. JEFFRIES was born in Greenville Co., Va., May 15, 1825, 
one of the seven children born to Herbert and Ridley (Pruit) Jeffries, natives 
of Greenville Co., Va., and Halifax Co., N. C. Herbert Jeffries was married 
in North Carolina, but owned a farm and lived in Greenville Co., Va., until 
about 1832, when he moved with his family to Greene Co., Ohio, remained the 
spring of 1843, removed to this township, bought a farm of 160 acres, and 
resided thereon until his death, November 16, 1849, Mrs. Ridley Jones following 
him April 10, 1855, and dying in the Methodist faith. Marcus L. Jeffries, 
our subject, assisted on his father's farm till he reached thirty years of age, 
going to school three days only during that period. He was married February 
14, 1855, to Martha A. Keen, a native of Hertford County, N. C. This lady, 
a member of the M. E. Church, died at her home in Smith Township, October 
2, 1878. Mr. Jeffries bought his land at different times, and now owns a well- 
cultivated farm of 160 acres, and is an enterprising farmer. In politics, he is 
a Republican. 

AUGUSTUS W. JEFFRIES was born in this township October 20, 
1843, and is one of the four living children born to Wyatt and Eliza J. (Jones) 
Jeffries, natives of Greenville County, Va. While still young, Wyatt Jeffries 
went to Greene Co., Ohio, was married there, and until 1835 farmed on shares, 
and then moved with his family to this township, where he entered eighty acres 
of land, to which he added until he became the owner of 340 acres of well-im- 
proved land. Here he died February 14, 1869, his widow following Octo- 
ber 20, of the same year. They were both members of the M. E. Church, 
and among the earlier settlers of the township, they and Benjamin Jones 
having located on adjoining farms before the township was organized, with their 
nearest neighbor three miles away. Augustus W. Jeffries, our subject, received 
the ordinary common-school education of his day, and worked on the home 
farm till twenty-one years old. November 19, 1862, he married Mary J. 
Akers, who was born in Wilson County, Tenn., October 29, 1842, the daugh- 



SMITH TOWNSHIP. 341 

ter of Richard and Ann E. (Scott) Akers. Mr. and Mrs. Jeffries are the 
parents of six children, viz.: Milton J., Walker W., Albert A., Georgia L., 
Fredie R. and Anna M. Mr. Jeffries now owns 300 acres first-class land, 
including the old homestead, on which he has lived all his life, two years 
excepted, and for the past twelve years has been extensively engaged in the 
live stock trade. He and his wife are members of the M. B. Church, and in 
politics he is a Republican. \\ 

BRINTON JONES was born in Greenville County, Va., December 27, 
1813, one of nine children of Benjamin and Winifred (Shehorn) Jones, natives 
of said county. Benjamin Jones moved with his family to Greene County, 
Ohio, in 1825, where he farmed on shares till February, 1835, when he 
removed to this township, then unorganized, where he entered eighty acres of 
land, cleared a farm, and resided until his death, February 17, 1854, his 
widow surviving till December 16, 1873. They were both members of the 
M. E. Church, and wera among the first pioneers of the county. Our subject, 
Brinton Jones, received a very fair education, and remained on the home farm 
till thirty years of age, and for a time taught a subscription school. April 20, 
1843, he married Susan Thomas, born in Mecklenburg County, Va., in Sep- 
tember, 1825, the daughter of Stephen and Lucy (King) Thompson. To their 
union were born Harriet M., now Mrs. William Pampy; Ceney A., now Mrs. 
John Smith; Johanna, now Mrs. Fielding Pampy, and Sarah A. D., now Mrs. 
Marshall Winburn. Mr. Jones still owns and lives on the land he entered 
when a young man — forty acres in 1837 and forty in 1840. He and his wife 
are both members of the M. E. Church, and in politics he is a Republican. 
The grandfather of Mr. Jones, Brinton Jones, Sr., was a soldier in the Revo- 
lutionary war. 

JEREMIAH KRIDER was born in Franklin County, Penn., November 
1, 1812, the son of George and Fanny Krider. George Krider was a 
farmer, and moved to Stark County, Ohio, in 1820. His wife died there in 
about 1872, and he followed in 1874. Jeremiah Krider moved with his 
parents to Stark County, when but eight years old, and was there reared to 
manhood. September 12, 1833, he married Miss S. Zent, and for the 
following five years did job work for their support. He then moved to Rich- 
land County, Ohio, and farmed nine vears. In 1847, he came to Smith 
Township, bought 160 acres wooded land, and went through ail the hardships 
of a frontier life. He resided on this land until 1874, when he placed it in 
charge of his children, and moved to Churubusco, where he and his wife are 
living a quiet and retired life. He began a poor boy, but by industry acquired 
a farm of 252 acres, and some valuable property in the city. His children 
were twelve in number: John, Samuel, Sarah, William, Fanny, George W., 
Eliza, Melinda, Mary, Huldah, Benjamin and Jeremiah, of whom Samuel, 
Sarah and Huldah are dead. The living all reside in Whitley County, ex- 
cepting a married daughter in Missouri and one in Denver, Colo. The 

s 



342 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

mother was born in Franklin County, Penn., March 9, 1815, and is a member 
of the U. B. Church. Mr. Krider is Republican in politics, and an old and 
esteemed citizen of the county. 

A. H. KRIDER was born in Stark County, Ohio, in 1823, one of seven 
children born to George and Fanny Krider, both natives of Pennsylvania, 
and of German descent. Our subject was reared a farmer, and passed 
his winters principally in threshing grain, so that his opportunities for school- 
ing were but scant. In October, 1846, he married Eleanor Monroe, who 
was born in Stark County, in 1829, and was the daughter of Moses 
and Sarah Monroe, of Scotland and New York respectively. In the fall of 
1847, our subject started empty-handed, with his family, in search of a home. 
He first located in Defiance County, Ohio, then an unbroken wilderness, re- 
mained five years, then came to Thorn Creek Township, this county ; located on 
the shore of Round Lake ; sold out at the expiration of two years, on account 
of ill health, and purchased his present home in this township in 1856. The 
improvements then consisted of a cabin and a clearing of two acres, but he has, 
by his perseverance, brought out of it 115 acres of well-cultivated land, with 
substantial improvements. Our subject has held aloof from politics, but has 
lent his aid to other public pursuits. He organized the first Sunday school iu 
Churubusco, beginning with ten scholars and closing with thirty, and has been 
an active worker in that field for forty-one years, ably assisted by his wife. 
He and wife are strict members of the United Brethren Church, and are the 
parents of seven children, of whom four sons and two daughtars are now 
living. 

GEORGE W. KRIDER was born in Stark County, Ohio, July 2, 1842,* 
one of twelve children, nine yet living, of Jeremiah and Mrs. S. Krider, natives 
of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. Our subject came with his parents 
to this county when but two years old, and when old enough, assisted his fath- 
er in carving from the forest a comfortable home. At the age of nineteen he 
enlisted in Company E, Forty-seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in which he 
served nine months, and was then honorably discharged, on account of disabili- 
ty. After recruiting his health at home a year, he re-enlisted, this time in 
Company D, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Regiment Indiana Volunteer 
Infantry, in November, 1863, and was honorably discharged in August, 1865, 
but, unable to get transportation home, joined Sherman at Goldsboro, and was 
with him as far as Atlanta ; afterward joined Gen. Thomas, and went with him 
down the Tennessee River to its mouth. He was in eight hard-fought battles, 
but escaped uninjured, but with a number of holes through his clothing. On 
his return home, he resumed farming, and March 22, 1866, married Susanna 
Bear, daughter of George and Susan Bear, and became the father of one son 
and two daughters. Mrs. Krider died in 1874, at the age of twenty-eight, and 
our subject married, July 14, 1875, Eliza Deem, daughter of Lewis and Cath- 
arine Deem, and to this union have been born two sons. He and wife are 



SMITH TOWNSHIP, 343 

members of the United Brethren Church, and he also belongs to the Knights 
of Honor. 

THOMAS LARIMORE, one of eight children, four living, born to 
Thomas and Hannah (Young) Larimore was born in Licking County, Ohio, June 
12, 1827. His father was a farmer and a native of and was married in Penn- 
sylvania, and moved thence to Licking County, where he was killed by a fall- 
ing tree, in March, 1832. The widow and youngest son moved to Sparta 
Township, Noble County, Ind., in 1849, and eight years later removed to 
Lake Township, Allen County, where Mrs. Larimore died in March, 1866. 
Our subject was bound out shortly after his father's death, but the master's 
wife dying a few months later, the family broke up, and young Larimore was 
left among strangers. From the age of eight upward he led a life of hardship, 
and was self-supporting. In October, 1848, he married Mahala Evans, and in 
the fall of 1850 he moved to Lake Township, Allen County, bought eighty acres 
of land, and with his wife, child and a bound boy, began life in this State with- 
out a cent in his pocket, or a cabin on his land wherein to take shelter, and a 
winter before him. But he was possessed of determination and industrious 
habits, and succeeded in surrounding his family with most of the comforts of 
life. In November, 1881, he moved to Churubusco, and took charge of what 
is now known as the Larimore House, having purchased the property the pre- 
vious May. Besides this, Mr. Larimore owns 360 acres of land in Allen 
County, and Blocks 3 and 4 in Churubusco. Mr. and Mrs. Larimore 
are the parents of twelve children — Lydia, Cynthia, Thomas J., Hannah M., 
Levi B., Eli, Mary, Howard, Charley, all living; Alexander, William F. and 
Norris, deceased. Mr. L. is a Democrat, a Mason, and a K. of H., and he and 
wife are members of the Baptist Church. He he held the office of Justice of 
the Peace four years, and has filled a number of minor offices ; has been a Sab- 
bath school worker since 1851, and keeps a much better hotel than is usuallv 
found in villages the size of Churubusco. 

JA.MES LEECH (deceased) was born in Wayne County, Ohio, in 1824, 
and was the son of John and Fanny Leech, the former a native of Ireland and 
the latter of Irish descent. Mr. Leech was reared on a farm, and in 1846 
came to this township to occupy land entered by his father some years previ- 
ously, which he made his permanent home. August 2, 1849, he married 
Elizabeth Strean, daughter of John and Maria Strean, the former a native of 
Ireland and the latter of Irish and German extraction, and to their union were 
born seven children, of whom three sons and two daughters are living. Mr. 
Leech was an active Democrat in politics, and much interested in home enter- 
prises. He brought out from the forest a fertile and productive farm, and 
built up for himself a pleasant home after much toil and enduring manv priva- 
tions, and February 28, 1879, departed this life at the age of fifty-five years. 
His widow survives him and is now a resident upon the old homestead. Mr. 
Leech was one of eleven children, and in June, 1873, attended a re-union of 



344 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

his father's family at his youngest brother's residence, near Marshfield, Ohio, 
there being present the father, five sons, six daughters, six sons-in-law, three 
daughters-in-law and twenty-seven grandchildren — the family circle being 
complete, with the exception of the mother, who had been called to her last 
home but a few years previously. 

JOSEPH ORR LONG was born in Greene County, Ohio, April 14, 
1834, one of nine children born to Jesse W. and Hannah (Heglar) Long, 
seven of whom are still living. The father was born in Virginia, May 13, 
1799, and the mother September 7, 1809, in the same State. The father was 
taken by his parents to Ohio while he was but a small boy. He was married 
in Greene County, where he owned a small farm, and in May, 1834, moved 
with his family to what is now Smith Township, where he had pre-empted 320 
acres the previous fall. His first cabin was of the most primitive character, 
not a nail being used in its construction. He was probably the first white 
settler within the limits of Smith Township, and here died January 26, 1863. 
Joseph 0. Long, our subject, remained with his father till he reached his 
majority, receiving a common-school education. Afterward he assisted in 
building Whartburg College, in Union Township, taking private lessons during 
the time from Rev. Jacob Woolf, Principal, also attending the first term taught 
at that school. Mr. Long began teaching at the age of nineteen, and gave in- 
struction in Allen and Whitley Counties three terms. January 24, 1866, he 
married Ruhannah Nickey, born in Ross County, Ohio, October 1, 1838, 
daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Briggs) Nickey. The issue of this marriage 
was seven children, viz. : Charles 0., J. L., Frank E., Ora E., Bertie and 
Ruah E. (twins), and Addie R. Immediately after his marriage he removed 
to La Fayette Township, Keokuk County, Iowa, remained two and a half years, 
then moved to De Kalb County, Mo., and in 1860 returned to this township, 
rented a part of his father's farm, and at the latter's death bought the shares of the 
other heirs and now owns the old homestead of 320 acres. His surviving brothers 
and sisters are located as follows : Mrs. Mary E. Cleveland, Keokuk County, 
Iowa; Mrs. Elder J. Nicholls, Woodbury County, Iowa; Anderson H., Keo- 
kuk County, Iowa ; Alexander Mc, Woodbury County, Iowa ; Nelson C, at 
the Dalles, Oregon, and Noah S., Beatrice, Neb. 

P. MALONEY (deceased) was born in Limerick, Ireland, about the 
year 1812, and emigrated to America in 1832, locating..in Vermont, and two 
years later removed to Fort Wayne, this State. He was left an orphan when 
but a small child, landed in this country in destitute circumstances, and had 
always to take care of himself. At Fort Wayne he followed teaming for a 
livelihood, and was there married to Mary Cushion, of that city, who shortly 
after died. In 1840, he married Katherine Welsh, a native of County Mayo, 
Ireland, who was born in 1812, emigrated with her parents to this country in 
1837, and located the first year in Fort Wayne. Mr. Maloney came to this 
township in 1839, located on Section 12, and began farming in the unbroken 



SMITH TOWNSHIP. 345 

wilderness. By hard work, thrift and perseverance, he succeeded in providing 
for his family a comfortable home of 400 acres, the better part well improved. 
In his latter days, he dealt extensively in live stock, raising a great many head. 
He was the father of seven children, of whom three sons and three daughters 
are still living. After a well-spent life and a useful one, he died February 24, 

1862. His widow still survives, and resides with her youngest son on the 
home farm at the age of seventy years, a member, as was her husband, of the 
Catholic Church. 

DR. F. M. MAGERS was born in Knox County, Ohio, January 28, 
1838, the youngest of eight sons born to Nathan and Winifred (Logsdon) 
Magers, of Cumberland County, Md., and of English and French descent. 
The advent of their ancestors in this country was in Lord Baltimore's time. 
The father of Dr. Magers was a farmer, and one of the very early settlers of 
Knox County, Ohio. He died September 10, 1842. At the age of thirteen, 
our subject left his mother to attend St. Mary's Seminary, St. Louis, at which 
institution and at St. Thomas' College, Ky., he pursued his studies till seven- 
teen years old, and then returned home. In 1855, he came to Avilla, Noble 
County, this State, and engaged in teaching, which he continued till 1857, and 
then returned home to manage the farm. The fall of 1862, he came to Allen 
County, this State, taught school that winter, returned home in the spring of 

1863, when his mother died. He settled up the estate and for two years read 
medicine with Dr. Bryant, of Mt. Vernon, attended lectures at the Michigan 
University at Ann Arbor, and in May, 1865, located in Churubusco, and began 
practice, at which he has been very successful. Dr. Magers is a Democrat, and 
a member of the Catholic Church. November 24, 1865, he married Mary E. 
Metzger, daughter of Judge A. Metzger, of Fort Wayne, and to their union 
have been born six children, viz.: Cassimer B., Mary F., Edmund L., Eliza- 
beth W., Ursula J. and Francis A. 

GEORGE W. MAXWELL was born in Eel River Township, Allen County, 
Ind., February 23, 1853, and his father, Abraham Maxwell, in Sumner 
County, Penn., in 1809. The latter, at the age of fifteen, came to Knox 
County, Ohio, and in 1835 to Indiana. November 24, 1836, he married 
Mary Ann (Geiger) Parks, born in Licking County, Ohio, in 1811, and an 
immigrant to Allen County, in 1833. Mr. Maxwell first located in Indiana 
on Haw Patch, Noble County; then moved to Eel River Township, Allen 
County, where he married, purchased a piece of land, and ended his days 
March 27, 1863. His widow survives him, and resides on the old homestead. 
They had a family of seven children, five of whom are yet living, the mother 
also having two children living, of three born to her first husband, John Parks. 
Our subject was reared a farmer, but was well educated, and taught two terms 
of school. In 1873, he came to Churubusco, engaged in clerking and as part- 
ner, and for a number of years sold organs and sewing machines. September 9, 
1875, he married Miss Sarah F. Deck, and 1876, he and John Deck (his father- 



346 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

in-law), joined as partners in a general store. This partnership lasted five years 
and a half; Mr. Maxwell now continues the business alone, has been very suc- 
cessful, and carries a stock valued at $17,000, comprising dry goods, clothing, 
groceries, etc. He and his wife are the parents of two children — Iva A. and 
Myrta M. In politics, he is a Democrat, and he is a member of the I. 0. 
0. F. 

J. F. McNEAR was born in Morrow County, Ohio, January 10, 1838, 
the son of Philip and Rebecca (Williams) McNear, of Pennsylvania, and of 
Scotch descent. Philip McNear was a farmer, and visited Noble County, Ind., 
about 1850, but finally settled in Smith Township, this county, in October, 
1851, on forty-one acres in Section 24, and passed through all the hardships 
incident to pioneer life. Mrs. McNear died December 25, 1878, aged seventy 
years, since when Mr. McNear has married Mrs. Emillie Strong, and still re- 
sides in Smith Township. J. F. McNear was reared on the farm, and received 
the ordinary common-school education; he then attended one or two terms at 
Columbia City, after which he entered Otterbein University, near Columbus, 
Ohio; came home in 1860, and cast his first vote for Lincoln; attended school 
a term, and then taught until 1862, when he enlisted, August 5, in Company 
B, Seventy-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was sent to the front. He 
was in the fights at Perryville, Chickamauga, all through the Atlanta cam- 
paign, with Sherman in his mem orable march to the sea, and through the 
Carolinas. During the last year of his service, he was Provost Marshal of the 
brigade part of the time, and aid-de-camp to Gen. Green. He was honorably 
discharged June 21, 1865. He enlisted as a private; was appointed Corporal 
and then Orderly Sergeant; after the battle of Chickamauga, was sent home 
on a recruiting expedition, and there received a commission, in January, 1864, 
as First Lieutenant. After the war he engaged in school teaching in Colum- 
bia City and elsewhere, and in 1869 went to Kansas and engaged in farming 
and dealing in real estate. He returned to W hitley County in 1874, and has 
since remained here. September 5, 1867, he married Antoinette A. Tucker, 
who died June 2, 1875, leaving two children, Aggie I. and Burdette. Mr. 
McNear is a Republican, and a member of the U. B. Church. He is owner 
of sixty acres of land in Smith Township, besides other real estate. 

JACOB NICKEY was born in Augusta Co., Va., July 1, 1814, one of ten 
children of Samuel and Catherine (Balsley) Nickey. Samuel Nickey's parents 
came from Germany when he was but three years old, in 1769, and settled in 
Pennsylvania, but removed to Virginia, where he married and resided till his 
death, February 17, 1832. He had been a soldier in the war of 1812, and was 
a member of the Lutheran Church. In the fall of 1832, Mrs. Catherine Nickey 
moved with her family to Ross Co., Ohio, and in the fall of 1834 removed to 
Lake Township, Allen Co., Ind., and then to Union Township, this county, 
where she bought sixty acres of land and lived for many years, but died in 
1852 at the home of her son David, in this township. She was a member of 



SMITH TOWNSHIP. 347 

the M. B. Church. Jacob Nickey, our subject, has acquired a very good edu- 
cation by self-teaching, his early opportunities having been meager. February 
19, 1834, he married, in Ross Co., Ohio, Elizabeth Briggs, native of the place, 
and daughter of Samuel and Agnes (Sheppard) Briggs. By this marriage he 
became the father of six children, viz. : Elizabeth J., now Mrs. Alex. 
More ; Rose A., now Mrs. George Perry ; Ruhannah, now Mrs. J. 0. 
Long; Sarah A., now Mrs. William Krider; Clarissa, now Mrs. Metsker, 
and Allen S., now practicing medicine in Boone County, Ind. After 
marriage, Mr. Nickey farmed on shares, in Ross County, till the fall of 
1839, when he came to this township and bought 120 acres unimproved land 
the following spring, and here erected probably the first frame dwelling built 
in the county. He has increased his farm to 307 acres of well-improved land 
by adding to it from time to time. Mrs. Elizabeth Nickey died here Septem- 
ber 19, 1844, and January 18, 1849, he married Mrs. Catherine (Crabill) 
Fredericks, born in Shenandoah County, Va., October 29, 1821, daughter of 
William and Catherine (Funk) Crabill, natives of that State, and from this second 
marriage three children are living, viz.: William S., Mary N. (now Mrs. N. 
Metsker), and Jacob W. Mr. Nickey has served many years as Township 
Trustee under both the old and new constitutions, and six years as one of the 
County Commissioners ; he was on the first grand jury ever held in Columbia 
City, and has always been a Democrat. He and wife are members of the U. 
B. Church, and are among the leading citizens of the township. 

D. W. NICKEY was born in this township July 6, 1837, the son of 
Samuel and Elizabeth (Gradeless) Nickey, who were parents of the following- 
named children: Rebecca, now Mr. Silas Briggs, of Union Township; David 
W. ; Mary A., now Mrs. Samuel Pierce, of Kendallville, Noble County ; Martha 
E., deceased; William A., deceased; and Addison B., who married Orpha 
Mossman, and lives in Allen County. Samuel Nickey was born in Augusta 
County, Va., in 1809, and came to Ross County, Ohio, with his widowed 
mother; taught school there, and there married Miss Gradeless in 1832. 
In 1833, he and his father-in-law, William Gradeless, and Absalom Hyre 
came to Indiana, and Messrs. Nickey and Hyre settled in this township, 
and Mr. Gradeless in Lake Township, Allen County, taking permanent 
possession in 1834. After many years, Mr. Nickey moved across Eel 
River to his father-in-law's place in Allen County, and there died August 29, 
18b*4. Mrs. Nickey died April 17, 1861. D. W. Nickey was reared on the 
farm in this township, which has always been his home. January 4, 1860, he 
married Miss Alcinda, J. Mossman, daughter of Francis Mossman, one of the 
old citizens of Whitley County. To their union have been born two children 
— Rhua E. and Alfred J. Mr. Nickey is a farmer, and also deals largely in 
live stock. He owns 360 acres of good land in Smith Township, and 180 
acres in Allen County. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, is a Re- 
publican, and he and wife are members of the M. E. Church. 



348 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

GEORGE W. ORNDORF was born in Franklin County, Penn., June 
9, 1824, the son of John and Barbara (Stewart) Orndorf, and is one of the 
two living of their family of three children. The father moved with his family 
to Richland County, Ohio, in 1836, where he engaged in his vocation of farm- 
ing. There our subject was reared, and there he married, January 14, 1845, 
Eve Spinks, and thence emigrated, in 1848, to Bel River Township, Allen 
Co., Ind. A year later he moved to Lake Township, and in 1877 came to 
Churubusco. He had learned the carpenter and joiner's trade in 1842, began 
married life with little or no means at his command, and had but $12 in cash 
after paying his expenses of removal to this State, had a wife and two children, 
and no household goods. By thrift and industry, however, he has acquired a 
good farm of 104 acres in Allen County, as well as valuable town property in 
Churubusco. He and wife are the parents of eight children, viz.: Priscilla, 
Mary, Barbara, John, Talitha, Ellen (deceased), George (deceased), and Ida. 
Of the above, John W. is a leading young man of Churubusco. He has re- 
ceived a good education, has taught school, is married to Jennie Hyatt, is now 
studying law, and is a Justice of the Peace of Smith Township. The parents 
of George W. Orndorf moved to Allen County in 1854, where his mother 
died in 1873. His father moved to Churubusco in 1877, where he died in 
March, 1880. The family is an old and respected one of Churubusco and 
vicinity. 

ABRAHAM PENCE was born in Fayette County, Ohio, December 19, 
1818, and was one of the eleven children born to George C. and Sarah (Windel) 
Pence, the former a native of Highland County, Ohio, and the latter of Shen- 
andoah County, Va. Our subject came with his parents to this township in 1836, 
and has since resided on Section 19, where he was employed on his father's farm 
until twenty-two years of age, when (in August, 1840), he married Nancy Buckley, 
a native of Holmes County, Ohio. To their union were born eight children, of 
whom four are living. Mrs. Pence died in Smith Township in June, 1866, 
a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. May 7, 1867, Mr. Pence mar- 
ried Mrs. Sarah (Hyre) Humbarger, a native of Montgomery County, Ohio, 
and daughter of Wesley and Susan (Van Schaick) Hyre. Mr. Pence farmed 
on seventy-six acres of the home farm which his father had deeded to him, and 
by degrees has added to it until at present he owns a farm of 400 acres of well- 
improved land in Smith and Thorn Creek Townships, and has, besides, deeded 
to his sons 185 acres. Mr. Pence is a Republican, and has filled the office of 
Township Trustee under the old constitution, and has always been regarded as 
one of the leading farmers and citizens of the township. 

JOHN PENCE was born in Fayette County, Ohio, April 28, 1823, the 
son of George C. and Sarah Pence, and came with his parents to this township 
in the fall of 1836, and worked for his father till he reached the age of twenty - 
three, when his father deeded him eighty acres of the old home place. For the 
next five years, he improved his own farm, and worked out for others at inter- 



SMITH TOWNSHIP. 349 

vals ; in October, 1851, he married Sarah Strein, a native of Allen County, 
Ind., and daughter of John and Maria Strein. The father of this lady was 
born on the Atlantic Ocean when his parents were on their passage to this coun- 
try from Ireland, and her mother was probably a native of Pennsylvania. By 
his marriage, Mr. Pence became the father of three children, viz.: Joseph M., 
Sarah C. (now Mrs. Swigert), and Ellen (now Mrs. J. J. Baker). Mrs. Pence 
died in October, 1864, and March 12, 1865, Mr. Pence married Mary J. 
Hazen, a native of Ohio, and daughter of Isaac and Rachel (Lafaver) Hazen. 
To this second union were born four children — Mary A., Nettie J., Virgil J. 
and Laura A. In the fall of 1852, Mr. Pence sold his farm and moved to 
Jones County, Iowa, and thence to Hardin County, stopping one year in each, 
then returned to this township, and bought back his old farm, which he has in- 
creased to 320 acres of well-improved land. For twenty years he and wife 
have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in politics he holds 
to Republican opinions. 

JOSEPH J. PENCE was born November 20, 1831, in Fayette County, 
Ohio, one of eleven children born to George C. and Sarah (Windel) Pence, 
natives respectively of Highland County, Ohio, and Shenandoah County, Va. 
George C. Pence moved to this township in the fall of 1836, and bought on 
Section 19, 640 acres, built a cabin and commenced clearing up. Here Mrs. 
Sarah Pence died August 18, 1853, in the Methodist Episcopal faith. In the 
fall of 1855, Mr. Pence traded 120 acres of his original farm to his son, our 
subject, for 240 acres in Hardin County, Iowa, to which he moved, and on 
which he resided till his death in 1865, having before his removal deeded the 
remainder of the Smith Township farm to his children. Our subject at the 
age of twenty-three, left the home farm and went to Iowa, where he bought 
the land he subsequently traded to his father. July 28, 1855, he married Su- 
sanna Waugh, a native of Ross County, Ohio, and daughter of Joseph and 
Nancy (Harper) Waugh, natives of the same State. To their union were born 
six children, five of whom are still living, viz.: Mary E., now Mrs. J. J- 
Smith ; James A. L., David E. M., Florence A. and William J. Mrs. Pence 
died June 6, 1871, and November 14, 1873, our subject married Alice C. 
Henny, a native of Jefferson Township, this county, and born September 17, 
1850. She is the daughter of Phillip and Charlotta (Richard) Henny, natives 
of Ohio. Mr. Pence and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
and in politics he is a Republican. 

HENRY C. PRESSLER was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, March 
5, 1837, one of sixteen children born to John and Maria (Egolf ) Pressler, 
natives of Pennsylvania. John Pressler immigrated into Whitley County, 
locating in Thorn Creek Township in 1846, and moved to Columbia City in 
1875, where he now resides with his second wife, Lydia (King) Pressler, whom 
he married in 1864, our subject's mother having died in 1857. At the age of 
twenty, our subject began teaching school, taught three terms, and then 



350 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

entered Heidelberg College, but was soon compelled to withdrew on account of 
ill health. April, 1861, the military organization to which he belonged was 
mustered in with Company E, Seventeenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and 
Mr. P. went to the front, remained a year, and was then discharged on account 
of his ill health. In 1864, he re-enlisted in the same company, and remained 
till the close of the war. In December, 1866, he married Margaret M. Richey. 
Since 1872, he has chiefly been engaged in mercantile pursuits. In politics, he 
is a Democrat, and has held the position of Township Assessor and Township 
Trustee for Smith very nearly twelve consecutive years, and served as Census 
Enumerator in 1880. He is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows fra- 
ternities, and the father of five children — Wilkis W. (deceased), Willard E., 
Viola M., Henry C. and Maud. 

MILES RITCHE was born in Northumberland County, Penn., in 1809, 
one of eight children born to Moses and Rebecca Ritche, natives of Pennsyl- 
vania and of German extraction. The boyhood of our subject was passed in 
attending a country school some two or three miles away from his home, and 
in assisting his father on the farm. At the age of twenty-five, he rented the 
homestead for seven years, then moved to Clarion County, Penn., and farmed 
there for seven years, and then, to better his circumstances, came to this town- 
ship in the fall of 1848, and here he has since remained. He found his eighty- 
acre lot in Smith a wilderness, but by perseverance and hard work converted 
it into a comfortable home, and added to it till it reached 312 acres of product- 
ive land, a portion of which he has given to his children. November 2, 1833, 
he married Marinda Wood row, daughter of John and Mary A. Woodrow, both 
natives of Pennsylvania and of English extraction, and to this marriage were 
born seven children, of whom three sons and two daughters are still living. 
At his country's call, during the late war, our subject, his three sons and two 
sons-in-law, were prompt to respond, were sent to the front, and all in safety 
returned. Mr. Ritche and wife have been members of the M. E. Church for 
forty years, and he has always been active in the building-up of churches and 
schoolhouses. 

LEMUEL RICHEY was born in Northumberland County, Penn., 
January 11, 1847, and is one of seven children, five yet living, born to Miles 
ann Marinda Richey of the said State. Miles was a farmer, was married in 
his native State, then moved to Indiana, located near the center of this town- 
ship and purchased eighty acres ; has since added to it, and now owns 200 
acres of good land, all gained by his own exertions. Our subject, Lemuel 
Richey, came here with his parents at about four years of age, and was here 
reared to manhood, receiving a fair common-school education. In the fall of 
1862, he enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth I. V. I., as 
private. The next spring he was sent to the front and participated in the bat- 
tles of Resaca, Buzzard's Roost, Kenesaw Mountain, siege of Atlanta, Jones- 
boro, Franklin, Nashville, etc., and was then transferred to the Eastern Army, 



SMITH TOWNSHIP. 351 

Twenty-third Army Corps. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant October 
23, 1863, and Captain of Company D in August, 1865, and discharged in 
September, 1865, at Charlotte, N. C, when he returned home and engaged in 
farming. He has since been employed in railroading, merchandising, etc. In 
1876, settled in Churubusco, where he has since been engaged in the hardware 
trade, and at present is a member of the firm of Richey & Craig, owning, also, 
eighty acres of land in the township. In April, 1869, he married Miss 
Lavinia Pence, both being members of the M. E. Church. He is also a mem- 
ber of the I. 0. 0. F., and in politics is a Republican. 

J. F. SHOAFF was born in Miami County, Ohio, September 15, 1831, 
one of eleven children born to John P. and Priscilla (Freeman) Shoaff, natives 
of Pennsylvania and Ohio. John P. Shoaff was a farmer by occupation, but 
a miller by trade. He married Miss Freeman in Miami County, and when the 
third of their eleven children was born, emigrated, in 1836, to Eel River 
Township, Allen County, Ind. (five miles from the line of this township and 
county), and located in the woods. At that time there were only three white 
families in the township, and the country was overrun with Indians, deer, 
wolves, wild cats and lynxes. After a couple of years' experience in the wil- 
derness, Mr. Shoaff relinquished farming and began dealing in stocks, which 
have since engaged his attention. He has accumulated property, valued at 
$75,000, all by his own exertions. His wife died May 1, 1881, and he still 
lives on his homestead at the advanced age of seventy-eight. Our subject, J. 
F. Shoaff, was reared a farmer, and in November, 1857, married Martha Work, 
who died March 18, 1868. He married his present wife, Annie E. Johnston, 
September 11, 1872, and to their union have been born two children — Priscilla 
J. and Eliza J. He employed himself in farming and stock-raising until he 
came to Churubusco, in July, 1874, where he is doing business as a broker and 
dealer in real eBtate. He owns 466 acres of land in Allen County, besides some 
good property in town. In politics, he is a Democrat, and he and wife are 
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

GEORGE W. SLAGLE was born in Kanawha County, W. Va., December 
9, 1811, the eldest of fourteen children of John and Margaret L. (Erwin) 
Slagle. The parents brought our subject, when a child, to Ross County, Ohio, 
and later to Greene County, where he received a common-school education and 
worked for his father and others till 1831, when he married, September 8, 
Martha Long, born in Augusta County, Va., April 13, 1814, one of eight 
children of Peter and Margaret (Ewing) Long, and to this union were born ten 
children, viz. : Leander, Peter L., Margaret (now Mrs. Jere. Heffelfinger), John 
H., Aaron P. (who died in 1880, leaving a wife and two children), Martha J. 
(now Mrs. Horace Hoxia), Mary A. (now Mrs. William Whery), George B., 
William W. and Emma J. (now Mrs. Henry Jerken). After his marriage, 
our subject took a lease of part of his father's farm, clearing it up in summer 
and working as a carpenter in the winter. In 1840, he moved to Lake Town- 



352 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

ship, Allen County, this State, and one year later came to this township, 
bought fifty acres of wild land, built a hewn-log house and cleared up a farm. 
He now owns seventy-six well-improved acres. Soon after his coming he began 
working as a brick and stone-mason, which trade he has since followed in con- 
nection with farming. He was a charter member and the first Worshipful Master 
of Churubusco Lodge, No. 515, A., F. & A. M., is a Republican, and he and 
wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

George B. Slagle, farmer, was born in this township, December 8, 1849, 
received the ordinary common-school education, and worked for his father till 
of age. December 4, 1870, he married Mary E. Donaldson, born in Wood 
County, Ohio, February 22, 1852, the only child of Hiram and Margaret 
(Kennedy) Donaldson, natives of Ohio. From this union two children remain 
— Charles W. and Walter M. After his marriage, Mr. Slagle operated his 
father's farm for one year, and then moved in March, 1872, to Wood County, 
Ohio, where he owned a farm, which he sold and returned to this township the 
same year, and bought a farm of eighty acres, but has resided on his father's 
farm ever since. He is a Republican in politics, and is a rising young farmer* 

JACOB STOCKERT was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, in 1832, 
the son of John J. and Margaret Stockert, and in his native land learned the 
blacksmith's trade from his father and worked at intervals on the farm. He 
received a good German education, and when twenty-two years of age emigrated 
to this country, locating in Stark County, Ohio, where a brother had preceded 
him three years previously. On his arrival, he found himself $15 in debt, and 
so began his new life worse than empty-handed. He worked at first at jobs, 
and soon recovered himself. In the spring of 1858, he married Mary Bear, 
daughter of George and Susan Bear, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, and 
to their union were born five children, of whom two sons and two daughters 
are now living. Our subject farmed on rented land in Ohio till the spring of 
1865, when he moved to this township and purchased eighty acres from Jerry 
Krider, on which was a small log cabin, which has long since been replaced by 
a substantial frame residence and other good buildings, and the land increased 
to 185 acres, all well improved. He is recognized as an enterprising citizen 
and one of the most foremost in the advancement of home industries. He and 
wife are members of the Lutheran Church. 

WILLIAM VAN METER, Jr., was born in Pendleton County (now West 
Virginia), May 15, 1807, the youngest of five children born to William and 
Phebe (Wece) Van Meter, natives of Augusta and Hardy Counties, Va. The 
father died when our subject was quite young, and the latter remained with his 
mother till nineteen years old, and then hired out by the day or year till 1828, 
when he married Mary Harmon, a native of Pendleton County, and to their union 
were born six children, viz.: Mrs. Christina Myers ; Phebe, now Mrs. John 
Diffendaffer ; Adam, who died in this township in his twenty-seventh year ; 
Rebecca, now Mrs. W. Sterling ; John and Julia A. (afterward Mrs. David 



SMITH TOWNSHIP. 353 

Hurd), who died in 1866, leaving three children. About 1835, Mr. Van Meter 
moved to Ross County, Ohio, where he farmed on shares ; in 1837, he brought 
his family to this township, where he bought 160 acres of wild land, to which 
he has added from time to time, and now owns 636 acres, well-improved. Mrs. 
Van Meter died at her home in this township in 1841, and January 15, 1859, 
our subject married Melinda Cratzer, born in Stark County, Ohio, February 
17, 1839, the daughter of David and Elizabeth (Brightbill) Cratzer, of Penn- 
sylvania, and to this union six children have been born, as follows : America, 
now Mrs. B. Gradeless ; Scott, Almeda, Melinda M., William and Alpha. 
Mrs. Van Meter is a member of the M. E. Church, and in politics he is a Re- 
publican, and one of the oldest pioneers of this township. 

OBADIAH J. WADE was born in Virginia March 25, 1814, one of 
nine children born to Richard and Rhoda (Harler) Wade. Richard Wade was 
a farmer by occupation, a reed maker by trade and a soldier in the war of 1812. 
Our subject learned to read at Sabbath school, walking five miles every Sunday 
to attend the same. He worked on his father's farm till twenty-one years of 
age, and then went to Augusta County, W. Va., and worked out by the day, 
month or year. January 28, 1837, he married Caroline Holt, who was born 
in Augusta County, September 26, 1814. Their children number nine, as 
follows : Mary J., now Mrs. Chockley ; John S.; Elizabeth A., now Mrs. 
Crockston ; William I., James A., Francis A., Richard W., Augusta V. (now 
Mrs. Leigh), and Charles W. In the fall of 1841, Mr. Wade moved with his 
wife and family to Thorn Creek Township, this county, where he remained till 
the spring of 1848, when he moved to this township. Here he bought forty 
acres of unimproved land, built a log house, and cleared up his farm, which he 
has since increased to 293 acres. Mr. Wade served as Township Trustee under 
the old constitution, and he and wife have for many years been members of the 
M. E. Church. 

C. C. WALKLEY was born in Ashtabula County, Ohio, December 17, 
1810, one of four sons, two of whom are living, of David and Prudence (Foot) 
Walkley, natives of Connecticut. David Walkley was a farmer, and moved to 
Ashtabula County, Ohio, in 1805, and was among the oldest settlers. Our 
subject received a common-school education, and passed his early years in as- 
sisting his father in his work as a pioneer. November 26, 1829, he married 
Miss Ruth L. Richmond, daughter of Elder Edmund Richmond, of Otsego 
County, N. Y. Mr. Walkley became infatuated with frontier life, and the 
winters of 1833—34 found him alone near the head-waters of the Blue River, 
in Noble County, this State, where the abundance of game satisfied his pas- 
sion for the chase. In 1835, he purchased some land and brought out his 
family, and the succeeding summers were passed in clearing and farming and 
the winters in hunting and trapping. He took great interest in the affairs of 
Green Township ; for seventeen years was Justice of the Peace, and was held 
in general esteem. About 1875, he moved to Churubusco, and has since lived 



354 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

here, engaged in the grocery trade. He and wife have shared the trials and 
hardships of frontier life for fifty-three years, and have had born to them ten / 
children, five of whom have died.. The survivors are as follows: Charles R.; 
Flavia A., now Mrs. Boner ; Parmelia, now Mrs. Hutchin ; Harriet, now Mrs. 
Gillett ; Ruth L., now Mrs. Greer. Mr. Walkley is an old-time Democrat, 
and Mrs. Walkley is a member of the Baptist Church. 

DAVID M. WAUGH, was born in Ross County, Ohio, December 15, 
1840, and is one of eleven children of Joseph and Nancy (Harper) Waugh, 
natives of said State. Our subject came with his parents to this township in 
1850 ; here attended the public schools, and worked on his father's farm till 
1864, when he enlisted in Company E, Seventeenth Indiana Mounted Infantry, 
with which he served through all its marches and engagements till mustered 
out at Macon, Ga., in August, 1865, having taken part in the battles of 
Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta and Selma. On his return, he settled oh an 
eighty-acre farm his father had bought for him during his absence. September 
16, 1866, he married Mary Kinsey, who was born in Montgomery County, 
Ohio, in January, 1847, the daughter of Levi and Caroline Kinsey, natives 
respectively of Ohio and Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Waugh are the parents of 
six children, viz. : Ida M., Lillia C, Susie M., Harvey, Edna and Harrie 
G. In politics he is a Republican, and he is considered one of the rising young 
farmers of the township. 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 

WILLIAM A. ALLEN, general merchant, was born in this township 
December 5, 1842, and is the eldest of six living children born to Nathaniel 
and Eliza (Force) Allen, who were respectively born in Summit County, 
Ohio, February 7, 1816, and Pennsylvania, December 25, 1818. Nathaniel 
Allen was a carpenter, and, in 1842, came to this township and bought 160 
acres of land, built a cabin, and commenced clearing. Our subject assisted 
his father till March 22, 1864, when he enlisted in Company E, Seventeenth 
Indiana Volunteer Infantry, then a part of Gen. Wilder's brigade, and served 
until mustered out at Macon, August 12, 1865, having fought at Selma, Ala.> 
Macon and Columbus, Ga., and in many skirmishes. On his return, he worked 
on the home farm till 1873, when he and his brother, Wesley W. Allen, en- 
gaged in mercantile pursuits at Coesse, which are still being conducted under 
the firm name of Allen Bros. October 9, 1873, he married Maria Yagel, who 
was born in Thorn Creek Township, this county, November 27, 1853. She is 
the youngest of five children living born to Adam and Eve M. (Cotsamyre) 
Yagel, both natives of Germany. To Mr. and Mrs. Allen have been born three 
children — Victor, Charles and Leroy. Mr. Allen is one of the rising young 
men of the township, and in politics is a Democrat. 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 355 

ALEXANDER BOYD was born in Westmoreland County, Penn., Feb- 
ruary 8, 1811, one of twelve children born to Hugh and Elizabeth (George) 
Boyd, natives of the South, but married in Pennsylvania, where Hugh followed 
his trade of tailoring till his death. When fourteen years of age, our subject 
left his home and went to work by the month on a farm, also on the Erie Canal, 
and the National pike ; also on the first waterworks in Pittsburgh, and for a 
while on a steamboat on the Ohio River. He was married, April 29, 1830, to 
Elizabeth Dinsmore, born in Westmoreland County January 7, 1810, of 
Robert and Esther (McCoy) Dinsmore. Mr. Boyd then farmed on shares till 
1835, when he moved to Wayne County, Ohio, where he worked on shares till 
1844, and then came to this township and bought eighty acres of wild land, 
and settled in a log cabin among the Indians and wolves, both of which were 
sometimes unwelcome visitors. Mr. and Mrs. Boyd are the parents of eight 
children, viz. : Hester, who married H. Graves, and who died in 1862 ; 
Catherine, who died in her tenth year ; James ; Elizabeth, now Mrs. W. S. 
Keiser; Nancy J., now Mrs. Curtis Keiser ; Martha, A., now Mrs. James 
Graves ; John E. and George. Mr. and Mrs. Boyd are members of the Pres- 
byterian Church, and in politics Mr. Boyd is a Democrat. 

JAMES S. BRIGGS was born in Ross County, Ohio, December 25, 
1819, and was one of twelve children born to Samuel and Agnes (Shepard) 
Briggs, who respectively were born in Pendleton County, Va., January 15, 
1776, and Greenbrier County, Va., July 15, 1785. Samuel Briggs was mar- 
ried in Virginia, but soon after came to Ross County, Ohio, bought a farm, 
and there passed his days. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and for 
many years Overseer of the Poor in Ross County. Mrs. Briggs died Novem- 
ber 12, 1839, and her husband January 27, 1841. Our subject received a 
common-school education, and worked for his father till twenty-three years old, 
and then worked by the month or farmed on shares for several years. He 
married, December 26, 1847, in Fayette County, Reedy Shobe, who was born 
in Ross County, July 6, 1826, the younger of two children born to Samuel 
and Clara (Stingley) Shobe, the former born in Ross County July 15, 1802, 
and the latter in Hardy County, Va., October 18, 1801. In 1850, Mr. Briggs 
came to this township with his wife and child, and bought the farm of 130 
acres on which he still resides. They are the parents of six children, viz.: 
Samuel S., Darius B., Silas L., John M., Lois M. and Thomas B. Mr. and 
Mrs. Briggs are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in 
politics Mr. Briggs is a Democrat. 

SILAS BRIGGS was born in Ross County, Ohio, August 30, 1826. 
Samuel, his father, died when Silas was in his fifteenth year, when the latter 
went out to work by the month for about three years. He then engaged in 
driving cattle to Eastern markets for about seven years. In 1851, he came to 
Union Township, where three years previously he had bought 160 acres unim- 
proved land. Here he built a log house and began clearing, and has continued 



356 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

to add to his farm till he now is possessor of 461 highly cultivated acres. He 
was married, September 16, 1852, to Rebecca Nickey, daughter of Samuel 
and Elizabeth (Gradeless) Nickey, and born in Smith Township, this county. 
To their union have been born nine children, viz.: Desdie J., Elizabeth (now 
Mrs. Albert Mossman), Delia (now Mrs. D. Welshimer), Silas E., Stephen 0., 
Charles N., Frank, Frederick and Jesse H. Mr. and Mrs. Briggs are both 
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church; and in politics he is a Democrat. 
He is an extensive live-stock dealer, a leading farmer and a prominent citizen 
of the township. 

ANDREW J. BRIGGS was born in Ross County, Ohio., April 5, 1829, 
and is the youngest of twelve children born to Samuel and Agnes Briggs. 
Our subject received the ordinary common-school education of his day, and at 
the age of eleven years was brought to Smith Township, this county, by Jacob 
Nickey, for whom he worked till sixteen years old, after which he lived with 
his brother, Jesse, till he reached his majority. He then set to work clearing 
a 169-acre lot, his guardian, Jacob Nickey, had bought for him, and has re- 
sided thereon ever since, having added to it from time to time, till he now has 
205 acres of well improved land. August 28, 1852, he married Sarah A. 
More, who was born in Ohio February 12, 1832. She is a daughter of John 
W. and Mary (Spear) More, both natives of Ohio. To their marriage were 
born five children, viz. : Mary A., now Mrs. A. T. Hull ; Huldah J., now Mrs. 
William Gregg ; Anna C, now Mrs. Charles Rese ; Sarah M. and Florence 
A. Mr. Briggs, in politics, is a Democrat, and is one of the prominent citizens 
of his township. 

JEHU H. CLARK was born in Chester County, Penn., April 17, 1825, 
one of eight children born to Jehu and Keziah (Edwards) Clark, natives of 
Bucks and Montgomery Counties. Jehu was married in Chester County, and 
there resided the remainder of his days. Jehu H. Clark, our subject, resided 
with his father till twenty-seven years old. He began teaching when twenty- 
one. He taught for several years in Pennsylvania, and one term in this town- 
ship, in a schoolhouse in which there were no nails used in its construction, 
which was built of logs, had a puncheon floor, and a door hung on wooden 
hinges. He was married, February 15, 1851, to Jane A. Packer, a daughter 
of Hugh and Elizabeth (Thomas) Packer, and born in Columbiana County, 
Ohio, August 8, 1833. To their union were born six children, four of whom 
are living, viz.: Byron T., Joe H., Albert W. and Grace A. After his mar- 
riage, Mr. Clark returned to Chester County, Penn., remained there a year, 
and then moved to a farm of 137 acres unimproved land he had bought in 
this township, built a log house, and cleared from the wilderness a home. At 
that time his means were quite limited, but by industry and unswerving integ- 
rity, he has won a handsome property, now aggregating 340 acres. Mrs. Clark 
died March 16, 1863, and December 27, 1864, Mr. Clark married S. Amelia 
Spore, born in Albany County, N. Y., May 22, 1842. They have six chil- 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 357 

dren — Jennie A., Jettie P., Lulu G., I. Belle, Thaddeus L. and Zella M. 
From the spring of 1865 to the fall of 1868, Mr. Clark conducted a general 
mercantile business at Coesse, and he then returned to his farm, where he has 
since resided. He is a Republican, and for two years was Assessor of the 
township. 

STEPHEN H. CLARK was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., March 
5, 1821, one of the nine children of John G. and Julia (Goodrich) Clark, 
natives of Hudson City, N. Y., and Connecticut, respectively. They were mar- 
ried at Auburn, N. Y. John G. was a shoemaker and farmer. He was a 
soldier in the war of 1812, and lived and owned land at different times in 
Cayuga, Lewis, Schoharie and Onondaga Counties, N. Y. In 1839, he moved 
with his family to De Kalb County, Ind., bought 200 acres of land, and died 
there in March, 1853, his wife following fifteen days later. Our subject was 
fairly educated in his youth, and at fourteen years of age went as an appren- 
tice to blacksmithing for three years. He left the trade, however, and came 
with his parents to Indiana, and remained with them till twenty-two years old, 
when he commenced clearing a place of his own in Allen County. He was 
married September 5, 1845, to Jane R. Moody, born in Greene County, Penn., 
December 3, 1820, the daughter of Daniel and Mary A. (Davis) Moody, 
natives of Maryland and New Jersey respectively. They are parents of four 
children — Mollie A. (now Mrs. George S. Mossman), Isaac G., George S. and 
Hattie E. George S. is a minister of the M. E. Church. In January, 1849, 
our subject moved to this township, entered 160 acres and bought eighty acres 
of land, and now has a model establishment. He was ordained Deacon in the 
M. E. Church, in 1857, and Elder in 1871, and has labored as local preacher 
and circuit rider thirty-one years. He has read medicine and practiced to 
some extent; was special agent for the Home Life Insurance Company of New 
York, for two years; was special traveling and collecting agent for the Con- 
necticut Mutual, and general agent of the Union Central Life of Cincinnati. 
He is a Republican, and a member of the A., F. & A. M. 

ELIJAH De PEW was born in Luzerne County, Penn., May 10, 1818, 
one of fifteen children of Levi and Rachel (Walker) De Pew, born in New Jer- 
sey in 1777, in April and May respectively, and there married. Levi settled 
on 234 acres in Luzerne, Penn., in 1800, following his trade of blacksmith in 
connection with farming till his death in 1368. Elijah, our subject, received a 
very fair common-school education, and worked on the home farm until twenty- 
five years old. He began teaching school at the age of seventeen, and taught 
for thirteen winters — eight of them in one house. November 1, 1841, he mar- 
ried Jeannette E. Paige, born in Franklin County, N. Y., September 21, 1821, 
and the daughter of Rufus A. and Jane (Middaugh) Paige, natives of that 
State. Her grandfather, Solomon Middaugh, was a Captain in the Continental 
army during the Revolution, and part of the time Aid-de-camp on Washing- 
ton's staff. Mrs. De Pew died in Columbia Township, this county, April 5, 



358 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

1852, in the Methodist faith, and leaving one child — Mary M. (now Mrs. A. 
J. Steele). In 1849, Mr. De Pew entered eighty acres in Columbia Township, 
built a house and cleared up the land, and then traded for 100 acres in this 
township, in 1855. The same year he moved to Columbia City and worked at 
his trade, carpentering, till 1859, then moved on his farm. December 6, 1853, 
he married Rebecca Winget, who was born in Greene County, Ohio, August 
11, 1821, the daughter of Robert and Sarah (Rinerson) Winget, natives of 
Pennsylvania, and by this marriage became the father of three children — Fran- 
ces E., Rachel A. and Isa B. In politics, he is a Democrat, and served as As- 
sessor of Columbia Township two years. 

JOHN F. DEPOY was born in Fayette County, Ohio, December 21, 
1821, the eldest of three children born to Nicholas and Esther (Furnow) De- 
poy, natives respectively of Rockingham County, Va., and Ross County, Ohio, 
Mrs. Depoy's father having been a soldier in the war of the Revolution. Nich- 
olas Depoy came to Ross County when fourteen years old, and in that county 
was married. In 1820, he moved to Fayette, where he owned 100 acres of land, 
and cleared up a farm. Here Mrs. Depoy died October 19, 1825. In March, 
1829, Mr. Depoy was married to Henrietta Taylor, a native of Virginia. In 
1845, he came with his family to this township and bought 170 acres of wild land, 
cleared up a farm, and added to it until he had increased it, at the time of his 
death, November 9, 1865, to 370 acres. John F. Depoy, our subject, remained 
on his father's farm in Ohio till he was twenty-three years of age, and January 
23, 1845, married Delilah Bainter, born in Fayette County, and the daughter 
of George and Elizabeth (Howard) Bainter, the former born in Pennsylvania 
March 2, 1795, and the latter in Virginia January 8, 1796. In 1845, Mr. 
Depoy came with his wife and his father's family to this township, and re- 
mained on his father's farm four years. He then bought, in 1849, eighty acres 
of the land where he now lives, then all woods, which he has increased to 110 
acres of well-improved land. He has had born to him five children — Jeannette 
A. (now Mrs. J. M. Harrison), Esther E. (now Mrs. Albert Douglas), Louisa 
F., Reuben J. and Augusta L. Mr. Depoy is a Republican, and has been 
Township Assessor for eight years. He is a Freemason, and he and wife are 
members of the M. E. Church. 

NICHOLAS S. DEPOY was born in this township December 3, 1851. 
He is one of ten children born to Nicholas and Henrietta (Taylor) Depoy, na- 
tives of Virginia, the birth of the former having occurred March 7, 1799. 
Nicholas S., our subject, received a fair common-school education in his younger 
days, and has lived all his life at the homestead, with the exception of three 
years passed in Coesse. June 27, 1874, he was married to Harriet F. Sny- 
der, also a native of Union Township, where she was born May 27, 1852. She 
is a daughter of John G. Snyder and Frederica (Wolf) Snyder, both natives of 
Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Depoy have three children, viz.: Samuel, Flavia A. 
and Joseph. Mr. Depoy is a member of Columbia City Lodge, No. 189, A., 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 359 

F. & A. M., and in politics is a Republican. He is an enterprising young 
farmer and progressive in his ideas. 

REUBEN DREW was born in Putnam County, N. Y., April 28, 1815, 
one often children born to James and Charity (Barrett) Drew, natives of the 
same county. James Drew was a farmer, and in 1842 moved to Monroe, Fair- 
field County, Conn., where he died. Our subject worked on the farm till 
twenty-one, and at his majority offered his vote at the polls, but it was refused, 
as he was not an owner of real estate. This incident decided him to come 
West, and the same year he reached Calhoun County, Mich., where he worked 
three years for a farmer, receiving as pay a deed for eighty acres of land. Sep- 
tember 2, 1810, he married Mary B. Hurd, born in Cayuga County, N. Y., 
October 30, 1814, whose maternal grandfather, Rev. Michael Burdge, was a 
soldier in the Revolution. Mr. and Mrs. Drew have had no offspring, but 
reared an adopted son, William (Young), who was a soldier in the Seventeenth 
Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and died in hospital at Munfordville, Ky., in 1864. 
In 1855, Mr. Drew sold his farm in Michigan and came to this township and 
bought the 120 acre farm on which he now resides. From 1869 to 1876, he 
engaged in mercantile business at Coesse, and then returned to his farm in re- 
tirement. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and 
in politics Mr. Drew is a Republican, and served as Township Assessor during 
his residence in Michigan. 

THOMAS FOX was born in Ireland November 15, 1847, the elder of 
two children born to Patrick and Margaret (Slater) Fox, born respectively in 
1812 and 1811. Patrick Fox emigrated to the United States with his family 
in 1853, and settled in this township, where he has ever since resided. He at 
first bought a small farm, but this he sold aud purchased one of 160 acres, and 
on this place he and wife are still living. Thomas, our subject, received the 
ordinary common-school education, and has always resided on the home farm, 
with the exception of two years, in which he was engaged in railroading. He 
was married, June 3, 1881, to Miss Sarah N. Connelly, a native of Ireland. 
She is the daughter of Martin and Bridget (Fox) Connelly, also natives of the 
Emerald Isle. Mr. and Mrs. Fox, as were their parents, are members of the 
Catholic Church, and in politics he is a Democrat. 

WELLS T. GRADELESS, born in Smith Township, this county, Sep- 
tember 17, 1841, is the elder of two sons of Milo and Hannah (Smith) Grade- 
less, natives of Fayette County, Ohio, and born in 1816, April 22, and Novem- 
ber 28, respectively. Milo Gradeless came with his parents, Nathaniel and 
Elizabeth (Waugh) Gradeless, to what is now Smith Township, this county, in 
1835. July 18, 1838, Milo was married, and his was the third wedding in 
Smith Township. Mrs. Hannah Gradeless was the daughter of Samuel and 
Rebecca (Jones) Smith, and came with her parents from Virginia to Smith 
Township, in 1833. Samuel Smith was one of the Commissioners appointed 
to organize Whitley County, and for him the township of Smith was named.. 



360 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

He and Nathaniel Gradeless were early pioneers of Whitley County, and both 
died on the farms they had taken from the wilderness of Smith Township. 
After his marriage, Milo Gradeless lived in Smith Township till 1847, and then 
moved to this township, where he bought a farm, sold it, and, in 1853, bought 
the one on which our subject is now living, and, in 1880, moved to Columbia 
City, where he now resides. Our subject was fairly educated in youth, and 
has lived all his days on the homestead farm. He was married, in Shelby 
County, Ohio, January 1, 1865, to Margaret A. Spear, a native of that 
county, daughter of John and Nancy (Richards) Spear, and born May 4, 
1845. To this union was born one child — Mary A. Mrs. Gradeless died 
May 2, 1866, and, November 20, 1879, Mr. Gradeless married Elma E. Kier- 
sey, born in Noble County February 11, 1856, the daughter of Nathan 0. 
and Esther (Smith) Kiersey, natives of New York. Mr. Gradeless has taught 
eight or ten terms of school in Whitley County. In politics, he is a Re- 
publican. 

GEORGE GRAVES was born in Athens County, Ohio, July 16, 1826, 
the eldest of thirteen children born to Elijah Y. and Sarah (Patten) Graves, 
natives of Connecticut and Maryland. Elijah Y. Graves came to Marietta, 
Ohio, when eighteen years old, and was there afterward married, when he 
moved to Athens County, and bought a farm. In 1836, he moved to Wells 
County, Ohio, where he entered eighty acres and bought 103 of unimproved 
land. A pioneer of the county, he served as Trustee of Jackson Township 
for several years, and there died in 1871. Our subject worked with his father 
till he was twenty-three, and April 15, 1849, married Elizabeth Gilbert, who 
was born in England, May 1, 1825, the daughter of William and Sarah Gil- 
bert. Mrs. Graves died at her home in Allen County, this State, April 11, 
1862, leaving to our subject four children — Sarah E. (now Mrs. Salathiel 
Hiles), Elijah, Eliza (now Mrs. Joseph York) and Elizabeth A. In 1850, Mr. 
Graves moved to Lake Township, Allen County, where he bought eighty acres 
of forest land, cleared it up, and in 1862 sold out and bought 115 acres in 
Aboit Township, same county, and in 1869 sold again and bought the farm 
where he now lives in this township. June 11, 1880, he married Lydia 
(Wraight) Burt, who was born in New York, May 12, 1851, the daughter of 
Edmund and Sarah (Harris) Wraight, natives of England. Mr. Graves is a 
Republican and was Town Assessor for several years, and is the owner of 181 
acres of well-improved land. 

HENRY GREGG, M. D. The subject of this sketch is a native of 
Washington County, Penn., and was born July 15, 1816. When he was three 
months old, his father, with his family, moved to Greene County, same State, 
where they remained till the spring of 1829, when they returned to Washing- 
ton County, the mother having died the year previous. In 1836, the father, 
with his family, removed to Delaware County, Ohio, where our subject began 
the study of medicine with Lyman Totten, M. D., in the spring of 1842. In 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 361 

the autumn of 1845, he commenced practice in the same county, and continued 
until the spring of 1853. He graduated from Starling Medical College at the 
session of 1819-50. On the 5th of March, 1816, he married Sarah E. Ran - 
dall, and to their union were born four children, three of whom are still living. 
In the spring of 1853, he brought his family to this county, and they have 
resided here ever since. Mrs. Gregg died April 1, 1861, and the Doctor re- 
married February 22. 1862, taking as his second mate Harriet Gaylord Hou- 
sel, of Summit County, Ohio. One daughter is the fruit of this marriage. 
Our subject's father, William Gregg, was a native of Washington, and his 
mother, Susan Withrow, of Franklin County, Penn. 

CHARLES F. HESS was born in Baden, Germany, September 14, 
1814, and is one of eight children born to Jacob and Julia (Endla) Hess. He 
received a very fair German education and remained on his father's farm in 
Germany, and worked as a weaver, until 1835, when he emigrated to the 
United States and settled at Sandusky City, Ohio, where he worked by the 
month till 1838, when he came to Fort Wayne, Ind., and worked on the canal 
and in the woods hauling logs till 1841. He then came to this township and 
entered 120 acres of land, built a cabin, cleared a home for himself and family, 
and kept adding to his land till he now owns 277 acres, highly improved. He 
was married in Allen County, Ind., June 15, 1841, to Barbara Wageley, a 
native of Germany, where she was born March 2, 1816. She is the daughter 
of Michael and Ann M. (Keller) Wageley, also natives of Germany. Mr. and 
Mrs. Hess have four children living, viz., John, Philip F., Elizabeth and J. 
Michael. In politics, Mr. Hess is a Democrat, and he and wife are members 
of the German Reformed Church. 

HENRY HULL was born in Pendleton County, Va., May 19, 1819 ; 
one of nine children born to Adam and Elizabeth (Hevner) Hull, both natives 
of the same county. About 1823, Adam Hull moved to Sidney, Shelby Co., 
Ohio, where he held the office of Sheriff six years. In 1830, he and family 
came to Fort Wayne, Allen County, remained one year, then moved to Eel 
River Township, same county, bought forty acres of land and entered 253 
more. Shortly after, he entered eighty acres in this township, now occupied 
by our subject. Adam was for a time Postmaster at Eel River Post Office, 
and also Justice of the Peace. He died in that township September 4, 1838. 
Henry Hull, our subject, remained on the old farm till seven years after his 
father's death, then bought the interest of the other heirs in the farm in 
this township, and in 1846 took possession. He has since added to the place, 
until now it consists of 228 acres of well-improved land, parts of which he had 
deeded to his children. December 19, 1838, he married Jane Gardner, daugh- 
ter of Benjamin and Phebe (Hoage) Gardner, natives of New York, and there 
have been born to them the following children — William EL, Isaac T., Elizabeth 
(now Mrs. Lloyd Siphers), Felix, Phebe and Franklin. William H. and Isaac 
T. were members of Company C, Eighty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, 



362 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

having enlisted in the fall of 1862. William H. was seized by measles at 
Bowling Green, Ky., and was discharged in February, 1863 ; Isaac T. was 
taken ill at Gallatin, Tenn., and was discharged in March, 1863. William H. 
was Township Trustee of Union for four years, and was Assessor for two 
years. He is a Mason. Our subject is a Democrat, and is quite prominent in 
his township. 

JAMES W. IRWIN was born in Licking County, Ohio, February 1, 
1822, and is the eldest of six children born to John and Mary (Dodge) Irwin, 
natives respectively of Maryland and Ohio. John Irwin moved to Licking 
Oounty, Ohio, when he was a young man, and was there married. In October, 
1838, he came with his wife and children to Kosciusko County, this State, 
where two years previously he had entered 160 acres of land, and here erected 
a cabin and began clearing up a farm. In 1851, he came to this township and 
bought a farm of 280 acres. In 1855, he removed to Cass County, Iowa, 
where he resided till his death, in 1868; Mrs. Mary Irwin died at the same 
place, in 1862. They were both members of the M. E. Church. James W. 
Irwin received the ordinary common-school education in his youth, and worked 
on the farm till twenty-six years old, when he entered 120 acres in this town- 
ship, built a log cabin and began on his own account. December 11, 1847, he 
married Mary Souder, who was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, April 25, 
1822. She is the daughter of Christopher and Margaret (Hamon) Souder, the 
former a native of Germany and the latter of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. 
Irwin have one child living, Adaline M., now Mrs. John Metz. In politics, 
Mr. Irwin is a Democrat, and for two years was Trustee of Union Township. 

HARVEY JONES was born in Lawrence County, Ohio, April 27, 1818, 
the elder of two children born to James and Elizabeth (Pine) Jones, natives of 
Virginia. James Jones emigrated to Lawrence County, when a young man, 
and was one of its early pioneers. Here he married, and died in March, 1820, 
and his widow four years later. After the death of his mother, Harvey Jones 
lived with his grandmother, Sarah Pine, till sixteen years of age. She died 
in Champaign County, August, 1834, and our subject contracted to remain 
till of age with Mr. John Hunter, of that county, receiving for his services his 
board, clothes, six months' schooling, and, at the expiration of the time a horse, 
saddle and suit of clothes, in all of the value of $100. Of the schooling he 
received only fifty-seven days, and probably only about nine months' tuition in 
his life. November 16, 1840, he married Sarah E. Ritter, of Champaign, 
where she was born, April 22, 1822, the daughter of Henry and Elizabeth 
(Harber) Ritter, natives of Kentucky and Virginia. To their union five chil- 
dren were born: Elizabeth A. (now Mrs. Eavards), John W., Louisa J. (now 
Mrs. G. O. Perrin), William H., and Martha E. (now Mrs. S. Mowrey). In 
the fall of 1842, Mr. Jones came to Cleveland Township, this county, and 
bought 160 acres of wild land, built a house, commenced clearing and went 
back for his family. In 1854, he sold out, and in the fall of 1855 came to 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 363 

this township and bought a 320-acre farm. He still retains and lives upon 260 
acres of the same. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are members of the Christian Church, 
and in politics he is a Democrat. 

HIRAM LANTZ was born in Wayne County, Ohio, September 4, 1843, 
the eldest of five children born to Samuel and Mary (Basom) Lantz, born re- 
spectively in Lancaster County, Penn., July 31, 1818, and Wayne County, 
Ohio, July, 1823. Samuel Lantz was married in Wayne County, where he 
followed his trade as carpenter, and farmed on shares till 1861, when he came 
with his wife and family to this township, where he bought the farm on which 
the subject of our sketch now lives, and where he died November 5, 1872, a 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His widow still is living, and 
in resides with her son. Our subject, Hiram Lantz, enlisted in February, 1864, 
in Company E, Seventeenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served till his 
regiment was mustered out at Macon, Ga., in September, 1865, excepting two 
months he was in the hospital at Columbia, Tenn. After his return from the 
army, he worked on his father's farm one year, then went to Peoria, 111., and 
worked by the month till 1879, and then returned to the old homestead. 
October 2, 1879, he married Sarah E. Royer, who was born in Noble County, 
July 1, 1861, the daughter of Jacob and Eliza (Garrison) Royer. Mr. Lantz 
is a member of the A., F. & A. M., and in politics is a Republican. 

GEORGE W. LAWRENCE was born in Wayne County, Ohio, Septem- 
ber 3, 1832, and is one of eleven children born to John A. and Sarah (Rouch) 
Lawrence, natives of Pennsylvania, and born January 22, 1801, and June 7, 
1807, respectively. John A. Lawrence came to Wayne County at the age of 
fourteen, and was married September 28, 1827. He learned to be a black- 
smith, but never followed the business ; he is also a civil engineer, and has 
been County Surveyor for Wayne for many years. He and wife are members 
of the Lutheran Church, and he also is a Mason. Our subject received a very 
fair education in his youth, and, in 1853, came to Whitley, and taught school 
in a log house the following winter in Jefferson Township. He returned to 
Wayne County, Ohio, and was married March 21, 1854, to Eve A. Mowrey, 
born in Wayne August 1, 1830. They have three children living — Michael, 
John C. and Harvey S. In December, 1855, Mr. Lawrence brought his wife 
and child to this township, bought 160 acres of land, and has kept adding to it 
till he now owns 550 well-improved acres. He and wife are members of the 
Lutheran Church, and in politics he is a Democrat, and served as Justice of 
the Peace from 1867 to 1879. 

WILLIAM C. MORE was born in Smith Township, this county, May 
13, 1839, the youngest of three children born to John W. and Mary (Spear) 
More, born respectively in Warren and Miami Counties, Ohio, in 1810, May 
27, and July 29. John W. More came to Smith Township in 1836, entered 
160 acres of land, built a cabin, cleared up a farm, and added to his land until 
he was the owner of 240 acres. In 1856, he sold out and went to Missouri, 



364 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 



but returned the next spring and bought the farm where he now lives, in this 
township. Mr. More was the first Justice of the Peace, and also the first 
Assessor Smith Township ever had. William C. More, our subject, was edu- 
cated at the common schools, and reared on the farm until twenty-two. In 
August, 1862, he enlisted in Company B, Seventy-fourth Indiana Volunteer 
Infantry, and was in the battles at Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Atlanta, and 
in the Georgia campaign. He was wounded in the right arm at Jonesboro, 
Ga., September 1, 1864, and confined in the hospital at Atlanta, and was 
unable to join the march to the sea. He recovered sufficiently, however, to 
take part in the Hood campaign, in and about Nashville, and subsequently re- 
joined his regiment at Ringgold, Ga., and was with it until mustered out 
at Indianapolis, June 9, 1865. January 10, 1867, he married Martha Compton, 
the daughter of Nelson and Nancy (Waugh) Compton, and born in Smith Town- 
ship October 7, 1847. To this union six children were born, viz., Huldah E., 
Frank E., Irving N., Hallie F., Charles H. and Alpha C. Mr. More resided 
in Smith Township, after his marriage, until 1868, when he bought the farm 
of 166 acres, in this township, where he now lives. 

WILLIAM C. MORSE was born in Orleans County, N. Y., Sep- 
tember 10, 1825, one of eleven children born to Jotham and Dorcas (Ferris) 
Morse, natives of Onondaga County. Jotham Morse was married in his native 
county, moved to Orleans County, bought a farm, and died there, September 
18, 1878, his wife having died there in 1832, October 1. He was ordained a 
minister in the Christian Church in 1824, and served faithfully sixty-four years. 
He became entirely blind, and was otherwise greatly afflicted for some time 
before his death. Our subject received a fair common-school education in his 
youth, and after his mother's death lived with Ira Millard, of Madison County, 
N. Y., until twenty-two years old, and then worked as a farmer for about 
two years. In 1848, he returned to Orleans County, where he was married, 
January 1, 1850, to Catherine Williams, a native of the county, and born Sep- 
tember 6, 1830. They became the parents of two children — Eda A. (now Mrs. 
Ira Sayler), and Lida B. In 1852, Mr. Morse moved to Union Township, 
where he bought forty acres of wild land, and built a house, which he traded in 
1857 for a farm of eighty acres, in the same township, where he has since re- 
sided. Mr. and Mrs. Morse are members of the Christian Church, and in pol- 
itics he is a Republican. The father of Mrs. Morse, Benjamin F. Williams, is 
a native of Vermont, and her mother, Dorothea (Freemire) Williams, of New 
York. 

FRANCIS MOSSMAN was born in Fayette County, Penn., August 28, 
1810, one of eleven children born to John and Polly (Lewis) Mossman, natives 
of County Down, Ireland, and Pennsylvania, respectively. The father was 
born in 1769, and was brought to this country by his parents at the age of 
fourteen, landing in Baltimore, and removing to Pennsylvania a year later. 
Here John Mossman married, and in 1814, he removed to Coshocton County, 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 365 

Ohio, bought a farm, and resided, thereon until his death in August, 1839. 
Francis, our subject, received an ordinary common-school education in his 
youth, and remained on the homestead farm till 1842, when he came to Rich- 
land Township, this county, where he entered 216 acres of land. The spring 
following he came to this township, bought 160 acres, and commenced 
improving. He added to the farm from time to time, till he now owns 557 
acres of well-improved land, January 22, 1835, he was married to Miss R. A. 
Connor, who was the daughter of William and Alcinda (Smallwood) Connor, 
and was born in Coshocton County, Ohio, June 21, 1817. Her parents were 
natives respectively of New Jersey and Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Mossman 
have had left them nine children, as follows : John F., Mary C, Alcinda J. 
(now Mrs. D. W. Nickey), William E., George S., Orpha L. (now Mrs. A. B. 
Nickey), Francis M., James A. and Maximilia. Mr. Mossman is a Republican, 
and for five or six years filled the office of Township Treasurer. 

JOHN F. MOSSMAN was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, February 
14, 1837, and is one of nine children left to Francis and Mrs. (Connor) Moss- 
man, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Virginia. In October, 1843, 
Francis came to Richland Township and bought 160 acres land, built a cabin, 
and the following February leased the place and came to this township, where 
he bought 160 acres and entered 160 acres more, making 320 acres, where he 
still resides. John F. Mossman worked on the farm till he was married, Jan- 
uary 21, 1864, to Susan M. Youngs, a native of Ba4tim^pe-J&<mft4y< r J^Cd<^ 
where she was born August 28, 1845, the daughter of John I. and Rachel 
(Hollenbeck) Youngs. By this union there were six children, viz.: James F., 
Orpha O., Charlie H., Jessie E., Zella Z. and Mazie R. In 1864, Mr. Moss- 
man bought his farm of 200 acres where he now resides, but has purchased, 
besides, other tracts, until he now owns 321 acres. In the spring of 1880, he 
was elected Township Trustee by the Republicans, of which party he is a 
leading local member, as well as a member of the order of A., F. & A. M. 

WILLIAM C. MOWREY was born in Wayne County, Ohio, October 10, 
1828, and is the eldest of ten children born to Michael, Jr., and Nancy (Rouch) 
Mowrey, born, respectively, in Lancaster County, Penn., June 6, 1805, and 
Columbia County, Penn., April 8, 1808. Michael Mowrey, Jr., came with his 
parents to Wayne when but a small boy, and here his father operated a grist- 
mill and distillery, and in these Michael, Jr., worked till twenty-three years of 
age, when he bought 160 acres of land in the same county, afterward trading 
for another farm in Wayne, on which he resided till his death June 8, 1881. 
William C. Mowrey, our subject, worked for his father till twenty-one, and 
November 15, 1849, was married to Mary A. Lawrence, who was born in 
Wayne County March 7, 1830, the daughter of John A. and Sarah (Rouch) 
Lawrence. Mr. and Mrs. Mowrey are parents of three living children — Syl- 
vanus H., Emma J. (now Mrs. John Deem), and John M. Two years after 
marriage, our subject farmed his father's place on shares, and in 1851 moved 



366 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

to this township, arriving November 15, and bought 160 acres unimproved 
land, on which he has ever since resided, and has added to it till it now contains 
400 acres, in a high state of improvement. He takes great pride in his stock, 
and was the first to introduce blooded grades in the township. Mr. Mowrey is 
a Democrat, and has served as Assessor of his township ; he and wife are also 
members of the Lutheran Church. Michael Mowrey and William Rouch, our 
subject's grandfathers, were both soldiers in the war of 1812, and were under 
Wayne at Auglaise and Maumee, and with Harrison at Tippecanoe, where Mr. 
Mowrey was wounded. 

RICHARD M. PAIGE was born in Chemung County, N. Y., May 4, 
1823, and is one of twelve children born to Rufus W. A. and Jane (Middaugh) 
Paige, born, respectively, in Massachusetts in 1790, and in New Jersey June 
20, 1803. The father was a physician, and heated in New York State when a 
young man, and there was married. In 1837, he moved to Holmes County, 
Ohio, and practiced his profession till February, 1843, when he removed to 
Columbia Township, this county, entered 320 acres of land, built a log house 
and commenced clearing ; he died there in August, 1863, Mrs. Paige having 
preceded him in April of the same year. Richard M. Paige remained on the 
farm till twenty-five years of age, when he bought 144 unimproved acres in this 
township, where he now lives, having increased his farm to 507 acres. Septem- 
ber 6, 1855, he married Phylura A. Leighttizer, born in Wayne County, Ohio, 
May 24, 1834, and the daughter of Joseph and Jane (Morehead) Leighttizer, 
natives, respectively, of Virginia and Ohio. To their union have been born 
seven children — Catherine E. (now Mrs. H. Schrader), Almira A., Richard A., 
John S., Simeon J., Phebe E. and Phylura E. Mr. Paige is a Democrat, and 
was Commissioner of the county for six years. He is a member of Spring 
Run Grange, No. 1892, and he and wife are members of the Church of God, as 
are also two of their children. 

JACOB PENTZ was born in Franklin County, Penn., September 28, 
1821, the son of John and Elizabeth Pentz, natives of the same county, where 
they were married and where John Pentz followed his trade, as brick and stone 
mason, till 1823, when he moved to Bedford County, and thence, in 1833, to 
Columbiana County, Ohio, working at his trade three years, and then buying a 
farm there, on which he still lives. His wife died there September 11, 1877, 
and was, as he is, a member of the Lutheran Church. Jacob Pentz, our sub- 
ject, was educated in the common schools, and at twenty years of age com- 
menced learning his trade as a mason, and he has followed that business for 
about twenty years. He was married, March 3, 1860, to Elizabeth L. Cris- 
inger, born in Columbiana County, March 29, 1830, the daughter of 
John and Salome (Seindersmith) Crisinger. In 1866, he came to this town- 
ship and bought 160 acres of land, which are now among the best improved in 
the township. There were three children born to his marriage, the eldest of 
whom, John C, alone is living. George L. died September 3, 1872, in his 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 367 

ninth year, and Allen P. died September 24, in his sixth year. Mrs. Pentz is 
a member of the Presbyterian Church, and in politics Mr. Pentz is a Dem- 
ocrat. 

SAMUEL ROUCH was born in Franklin County, Penn., January 31, 
1813, and was one of nine children born to Philip and Elizabeth (Harshberger) 
Rouch, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. In 1820, Philip Rouch 
moved to Wayne County, Ohio, bought a farm of 160 acres, and there resided 
till his death, February 16, 1846. Mrs. Elizabeth Rouch died in the same 
county December 13, 1867. Samuel Rouch left his father's farm at the age 
of twenty-six, and was married, March 28, 1839, to Louisa Hammer, a native 
of Germany, where she was born September 16, 1818, the daughter of George 
L. and Phebe (Baum) Hammer. Mr. and Mrs. Rouch are the parents of nine 
living children, viz. : William, Barbara (now Mrs. J. S. Hartsock), George L., 
Philip, Samuel, Lavina (now Mrs. Christian Snyder), David, Jacob and Cor- 
nelius. Immediately after his marriage, Mr. Rouch bought a farm of seventy- 
four acres in Wayne County, Ohio, where he resided till August, 1854, when 
he came to this township and bought 320 acres, on which he has since lived. 
Mr. Rouch is a Democrat in politics, and for two years was Trustee of Union 
Township. He is a member of the Whitley County Bee Keepers' Association 
and also a member of the Lutheran Church. 

CHRISTIAN RUMMEL was born in Portage County, Ohio, May 20, 
1832, and one of eight children born to John and Sarah (Brown) Rummel, na- 
tives of Pennsylvania. John Rummel moved to Ohio at an early day, where 
he was married, and owned and operated a farm until his death in the fall of 
1842 ; his widow died in Portage County in the fall of 1874. Christian Rum- 
mel received but an ordinary common school education, and at the death of his 
father went to live with relatives till he reached the age of eighteen, when he 
commenced an apprenticeship at blacksmithing, which trade he has followed for 
twenty-two years. In 1856, he came to Bluffton, Ind., worked a few months, 
and then came to Coesse, this township, where he built a shop, the second 
building in the place. He also built the Methodist Episcopal parsonage and 
other buildings in the town. In 1863, he laid out an addition to Coesse ; in 
1869, he bought a tract of timbered land and engaged in the manufacture of 
staves; in 1872, he bought a saw-mill at Coesse, which he operated till 1879, 
and then went to farming, and now owns 505 improved acres. In 1858, June 
17, he married Martha A. Acker, born in Bedford County, Penn., June 4, 1838, 
and daughter of Simon and Catherine (Gunnett) Acker, natives of the same 
State. They have two children living — Hugh W. and Dexter E. Mrs. Rum- 
mel is a member of the Lutheran Church, and in politics Mr. Rummel is a 
Republican. 

SOLOMON SAYLER was born in Preble County, Ohio, August 26, 
1825, one of seven children born to John and Elizabeth (Ray) Sayler, natives 
of Maryland and Virginia, and born August 23, 1779, and March 24, 1795, 



368 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

respectively. In 1807, John Sayler moved to Preble County, and as a mill- 
wright, assisted in the erection of some of its earliest mills. He served under 
Gen. Wayne in the war of 1812, at Fort Wayne and in Northwestern Ohio. 
He was married in Preble County, bought 160 acres of land, and led a farmer's 
life till his decease in January, 1856. Solomon Sayler, our subject, was fairly 
educated in his youth, and among his early teachers, about 1832, was Albert 
Sherman, father of Gen. W. T. Sherman. November 50, 1845, Mr. Sayler 
married Ann C. Brandenbury, who was born in Maryland February 20, 1827, 
and was a daughter of John and Ann M. (Berry) Brandenbury, natives of the 
same State, and born respectively March 19, 1799, and December 29, 1808. 
For a short time Mr. Sayler farmed on shares, but in 1857 bought a farm of 
eighty acres in Preble County, which he worked till 1860, when he moved to 
this township and bought 160 acres. Here Mrs. Sayler died March 7, 1882, 
leaving six children — Joseph, Ira, Parthenia (now Mrs. G. W. Adams), John, 
Aaron and Martha. She was a member of the Christian Church, to which 
Mr. Sayler also belongs, and she was an affectionate wife and loving mother. 

ISAAC SCHRADER was born in Lancaster County, Penn., March 14, 
1840, one of sixteen children born to Martin and Fannie (Kootz) Schrader, 
natives respectively of Germany and Pennsylvania. Martin Schrader was a 
carpenter, and came to Columbia City in 1845, where he worked at his trade 
about three years, and then bought a farm in Columbia Township, and resided 
there till his death, September, 1863. Isaac Schrader, our subject, worked 
on his father's farm till twenty-two years old, and in August, 1862, enlisted in 
Company F, One Hundredth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was with his 
regiment in all its engagements except the battle at Jackson, Miss., which 
occurred while he was in convalescent camp at Memphis. He was mustered 
out at Indianapolis, in July, 1865, and September 21, the same year, mariied 
Mary A. Compton, who was born in Coshocton County, Ohio, March 1, 1841, 
the daughter of James and Orpha (Mossman) Compton, natives of that State- 
Mr. Schrader owns a well-improved farm of 232 acres in this township, where 
he has resided ever since his marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Schrader are members 
of the Church of God, and of Spring Run Grange, No. 1892. In politics, he 
is a Republican. 

WILLIAM SHAW was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, September 7, 
1825, the eldest of ten children born to Gilbert and Matilda (McCain) Shaw, 
the former born in Ireland, December 12, 1794, an 1 the latter in New Jersey, 
September 17, 1801. Gilbert Shaw came to this country in 1819, and settled 
in Muskingum County, then a wilderness. Here he married December 23, 
1824. In 1845, he and family came to this county, and bought 160 acres of 
land in this township, and died here July 30, 1872, and his wife died August 5, 
the same year. They were Presbyterians, and Mr. Shaw had been an Elder 
in the church for many years, and was, besides, an Orangeman. William Shaw, 
our subject, received the ordinary education, and at the age of twenty-one, his 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 369 

father deeded him half the homestead farm, and after the death of his parents 
he received the other half. He still lives on the farm, and owns 185 acres 
highly-improved land. September 13, 1855, he married Adaline McClure, 
born in Shelby County, Ohio, August 9, 1829, and daughter of John and 
Paley McClure. She died December 29, 1858, leaving her husband two chil- 
dren — Mary E. (now Mrs. J. S. Wheeler) and John N. January 31, 1861, 
Mr. Shaw married Mary S. Mayo, who was born in Mercer County, Ohio, 
November 15, 1837, the daughter of John R. and Nancy J. (Smith) Mayo, 
both natives of Virginia. Three children were born to this marriage, two of 
whom are living — Charles R. and Matilda J. Mr. and Mrs. Shaw are mem- 
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in politics Mr. Shaw is a Demo- 
crat. 

JAMES H. SHAW was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, August 16, 
1829, and is one of ten children born to Gilbert and Matilda (McCain) Shaw. 
Gilbert settled in Muskingum County in 1819, then an unbroken wilderness. 
Here he married December 23, 1824, and emigrated with his wife and nine 
children to this county in 1845, settled on 160 acres of unimproved land, 
built a cabin and cleared his farm. He was a member of the order of Orange- 
men, and he and wife members of the Presbyterian Church, of which he was 
also, for many years, an Elder. He died on his farm July 30, 1872, and his 
wife followed him the fifteenth of the succeeding August. James H. Shaw 
worked on the old farm till he was twenty-one, and then for about two years 
worked out at $10 per month. October 14, 1852, he married Prudence 
P. Jolley, daughter of Absalom and Phebe Jolley, and a native of Mansfield, 
Ohio. They have had three children — Phebe C, Nancy M. (now Mrs. H. 
Briggs) and Mary J. After his marriage, Mr. Shaw settled on 120 acres 
unimproved land, deeded to him by his father, in this township. To this he 
has added till he now owns 260 acres of well-improved land. Mrs. Shaw was 
a Presbyterian, and died August 14, 1859. Mr. Shaw again married, taking 
to wife, December 23, 1861, Catharine A. Jerome, born in Greene County, 
N. Y., May 7, 1842, and daughter of William and Alida (Halleubeck) Jerome, 
natives of the same State. Mr. Shaw is the father of five children — Ida J., 
Stephen D., Myrta E., Fred H. and May A. Mr. Shaw is a Democrat, and 
was Assessor and Real Estate Appraiser of the township five or six years, and 
is now serving as County Commissioner. 

ISAAC SHEA.FER was born in Cumberland County, Penn., November 
17, 1831, and is one of nine children born to Samuel and Susan (Keigley) 
Sheafer, natives of the same county, where they were married, and where he 
died in 1850, a member of the Lutheran Church. Isaac Sheafer, our subject, 
received a fair common-school education, and at the age of seventeen com- 
menced learning the carpenter's trade with his father. In 1851, he came to 
Fort Wayne, and for six years worked at his trade with his brother, William 
G. March 16, 1853, he married Rosanna Wilcox, born in Fort Wayne June 



370 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

17, 1835, the daughter of Garner and Theodosia (Filley) Wilcox, natives of 
New York. Mr. and Mrs. Sheafer are the parents of nine living children, 
viz.: Charles H., George T., John W., William J., Sarah E., Altha L., Mary 
and Martha (twins) and Burgh. In 1857, Mr. Sheafer came to Columbia City, 
followed his trade till 1860, moved to what is now Etna Township, then moved 
to Troy Township in 1862, thence to Jefferson Township, and finally, in 1865, 
to this township. In 1867, he bought his present farm. He and his wife are 
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church; he is also a member of Columbia 
City Lodge, No. 189, A., F. & A. M. In politics, he is a Republican, and in 
1859 was elected Treasurer of Columbia City. 

WILLIAM SMITH was born in Kaiserslautern, Germany, May 4, 1837, 
one of eight children born to Henry aDd Catharine (Leppla) Smith, respective- 
ly born in Germany January 1, 1801, and September, 1815. About 1839 or 
1840, Henry Smith emigrated to the United States, and settled in Tuscarawas 
County, Ohio, where he worked for James Patterson seven years, for $100 per 
year. After two years' residence here, he sent to Germany for his wife and 
family. Mr. Smith subsequently bought eighty acres of unimproved land in 
Tuscarawas County, and cleared a farm which, in 1852, he sold for $1,200. He 
then moved to the Reservoir Farm near Massillon, owned by Martial D. Well- 
man, for whom he worked two years, receiving for the services of himself and 
our subject, his son, $300 per year. The fall of 1854, he moved to Smith 
Township, this county, and bought eighty acres of wild land of Louis Bose, for 
whom he cleared adjoining lands in part payment. Here he has ever since re- 
sided, and is hale and hearty in his eighty-second year. William Smith re- 
ceived about eight months' schooling, but has now a fair education, being self- 
taught. He worked on his father's farm till twenty-one, and then for two and 
a half years worked out by the month. June 4, 1861, he married Mary E. 
Van Houten, born in Smith Township, September 17, 1839, daughter of Jacob 
and Catharine (Ashley) Van Houten, natives of Ashland County, Ohio. To 
this union there were no children. The lady died at her home in Coesse June 
4, 1871, and is buried near her parents in the cemetery close by that town. 
October 14, 1872, Mr. Smith married Catharine Wolfangle, born in Richland 
County, Ohio, in November, 1851, daughter of Frederick and Catharine H. 
Wolfangle, from Germany. By this union our subject has two living children, 
Nettie and Martha. After his first marriage, he rented a farm for two years ; 
in 1863, he moved to Coesse, and worked eighteen months in a saw-mill ; then 
got out wood for the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad, under con- 
tract for three years ; then worked for Olds & Son, of Fort Wayne, buying 
spokes, for two years ; then engaged in shipping hoop-poles to Chicago on his 
own account for about three years ; in 1872, engaged in the lumber business 
under the firm name of Smith & Colten ; in the spring of 1876, engaged in the 
same trade under the firm name of Smith & Mossman. This firm now receive 
the lumber from ten mills, and shipped during the last year 3,000,000 feet. 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 371 

Mr. Smith is a member of the Methodist Episcopal, and Mrs. Smith of the 
German Lutheran Church. In politics, he is a Republican. 

ROBERT SPEAR, Jr., was born in Miami County, Ohio, January 11, 
1815, the youngest of five children born to Robert and Margaret (McClure) 
Spear, born in South Carolina about 1786, and October 24, 1787, respectively, 
and there married. About 1806, they moved to Miami County, Ohio, then 
quite a wilderness, and bought a farm, on which he died in December, 1841. 
Mrs. Spear is still living, and resides with her son Jesse in Smith Township, 
this county. Our subject lived with his mother till sixteen, when he went to 
learn blacksmithing, serving three years, and then working as a journeyman 
three years longer. He was married in Shelby County, Ohio, May 25, 1837, 
to Sarah Akin, born in Montgomery County, Ohio, January 6, 1817, one of 
eight children of James and Ann (Fox) Akin, natives of Ohio and Pennsylva- 
nia. Immediately after marriage, Mr. Spear started a shop in Fort Wayne, 
under the firm name of Cook & Spear ; in 1839, sold out to his partner, and 
started another shop on his own account; in May, 1850, traded for the farm of 
160 acres in this township where he now lives. Mr. and Mrs. Spear are the 
parents of nine children — James A. was a member of Company B, Seventy - 
fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry during the war ; enlisted as a private and 
was mustered out as captain of his company ; died at home in Columbia City, 
leaving a wife and one child, January 21. 1866 ; John R., a member of the 
Fifth Indiana Battery, died in hospital at Murfreesboro, Tenn., April 16, 
1862 ; George W., died at his home in this township, March 19, 1870, in his 
twenty-sixth year; Charles H., who died at his father's home October 17, 
1864, in his seventeenth year ; Martha A., now Mrs. Samuel Briggs ; Oliver 
H.; Mary J., afterward Mrs. H. W. Miller, died at her home in Thorn Creek 
Township in November, 1876, leaving two children ; and two others who died 
in infancy. Mr. Spear is a Republican, and for many years was a Trustee of 
the township, and for eight years Justice of the Peace. 

OLIVER H. SPEAR was born in Union Township, Whitley County, 
Ind., September 25, 1852, and is one of nine children born to Robert and 
Sarah (Akin) Spear, natives of Ohio. Robert Spear came to Fort Wayne, 
Allen County, in a very early day, and remained there about fifteen years; 
then he moved to this township and bought 160 acres unimproved land, built 
a house, and cleared up a farm, and here he has ever since resided. He was 
Justice of the Peace for the township for eight years, and also Trustee of the 
same for eight years. Oliver H. Spear, the subject of this sketch, received 
the ordinary common-school education in his youth, and worked on his father's 
farm till he was twenty-three years of age. September 30, 1875, he married 
Ida I. Barney, a native of New York, where she was born July 9, 1853, the 
daughter of Everett W. and Mary (Fulton) Barney, the former a native of 
Vermont, and the latter a native of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Spear have two 
children — Laura A. and Sarah A. After his marriage, Mr. Spear farmed his 



372 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

father's place on shares for two years, and in 1877 bought the farm of eighty 
acres in this township, where he now lives. In politics, he is a Republican, 
and is one of the rising young farmers of his township. 

ANDREW TAYLOR was born in Coshocton County, Ohio, March 10, 
1823, one of eleven children born to Ebenezer and Margaret (Foster) Taylor, 
natives of Allegheny County, Penn., and Guernsey County, Ohio, respectively. 
Ebenezer came to Ohio at a very early day, married in Guernsey County, and 
afterward moved to his farm in Coshocton, and there died, May 14, 1842, his 
wife following August 17, both members of the M. E. Church. Mr. Taylor 
was born in 1779, and served in the war of 1812. Andrew Taylor, our sub- 
ject, worked with his father till twenty years of age, then farmed by the month 
for two years. November 10, 1844, he married Susan Day, born in Coshoc- 
ton County, August 28, 1825, and daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Ault) 
Day, natives of New Jersey and Ohio. To this union were born eight chil- 
dren, viz.: Mary E. (now Mrs McConnell), Ebenezer, Lucy J. (now Mrs. Wat- 
son), Frances (now Mrs. Keiser), Burtney, Edward E., Oliver P. and Ellen 
0. In 1845, he moved to Green County, Wis., then returned within a few 
months to Coshocton. In 1854. he moved to Pulaski County, Ind., where he 
owned 160 acres, but disliked the country, and, without unloading his goods, 
came on to this township, bought eighty acres, and settled down. He has in- 
creased his farm to 200 acres, all now under an advanced state of cultivation. 
He and wife are members of the Christian Church, and in politics he is a Re- 
publican. 

GEORGE W. TAYLOR, Jr., was born in Cleveland, Ohio, May 19, 1848; 
one of eight children of George W. and Esther Taylor, natives of Maryland and 
Kentucky. George W. Taylor, Sr., was married at Cleveland, and owned and ran 
two boats on the Ohio Canal, for about twenty years ; afterward moved to Fairfield 
County, and ran a farm and hotel for about twelve years, and again kept hotel 
in Columbus for six years. In 1859, he brought his family to this township, 
and bought a farm of 200 acres, on which our subject now resides. He re- 
moved in 1876 to Richland Township, and still lives there. Mrs. Esther Tay- 
lor died in Richland March 26, 1879. George W. Taylor, our subject, re- 
ceived a common-school education, and worked for his father until of age. Oc- 
tober 23, 1869, he married Grace A. Depoy, a native of Franklin, Ohio, and 
born in 1844, of William and Adeline (Franklin) Depoy, natives of Virginia. 
They had one child — William W. Mrs. Taylor died at her home in Coesse, 
October 23, 1873, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Taylor 
again married, July 1, 1876, selecting for his bride Martha J. Lewis, of Mar- 
shall County, Ind. She is the daughter of William and Martha (White) 
Lewis, natives of Maryland. To their union have been born three children, 
viz., Bertha M., Marietta and George T. Mr. Taylor is a Republican, and for 
two years has been Constable of Union Township. 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 373 

LUKE TOUSLE Y was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., August 14, 

1831, one of twelve children, born to David and Ann N. (Noyes) Tousley, na- 
tives of Vermont and New York. David Tousley was a member of the New 
York Militia in. 1812. In 1835, he moved to Knox County, Ohio, and the fol- 
lowing spring to Section 12, on the New York & Erie Canal. He worked 
at various points on the canal about two and one-half years, and in Hamilton 
and Butler Counties, Ohio, until June, 1843, when he came to this township, 
bought 120 acres of unimproved land, and subsequently added 160 more. In 
the spring of 1855 he made a trip to Missouri, and died, supposedly of cholera, 
on board a steamboat on the Missouri River. Luke Tousley, our subject, worked 
on the homestead farm until two years after his father's death, and then mar- 
ried, January 1, 1857, Susanna L. Wiles, who was born in Hardin County, Ohio, 
December 5, 1839, of David and Margaret A. (Sines) Wiles, natives of Penn- 
sylvania and Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Tousley are the parents of two children — 
Clara A. (now Mrs. M. G. Walker), and Susanna V. A. He owns 205 acres of 
good land, 160 being part of the old homestead. In 1880, he started a general 
mercantile business in Coesse, which he is still following with success. Mr. 
and Mrs. Tousley are members of the Christian Church, and in politics Mr. 
Tousley is a Republican. 

WILLIAM WALKER was born in Richland County, Ohio, December 3, 

1832, and is the only surviving child of six born to George and Ruth (Park) 
Walker, both natives of Ireland. George Walker came to the United States 
in 1816, and was married in Pennsylvania. Subsequently he came to Rich- 
land County, Ohio, where he bought a tract of unimproved land, which he 
cleared up and occupied — also purchasing land in Huron County. In the fall 
of 1838, he removed with his family to this township, where he purchased and 
cleared 160 acres of land, the same on which our subject now lives — afterward 
entering 180 acres and purchasing 160 acres more, making a total of 500. 
For many years he was one of the Township Trustees under the old constitu- 
tion, and also Trustee under the constitution of 1852. His wife died September 
11, 1854, in the Presbyterian faith. In October, 1855, Mr. Walker married 
Mrs. Cornelia (Cleavland-Bonestel) Travis, a native of New York. She also 
died at her home in this township, and for a third time Mr. Walker took to 
himself a wife, in January, 1867 — Elizabeth Hoy, a native of England. In 
May, 1867, Mr. Walker died, a member of the Presbyterian Church. William 
Walker, our subject, has lived on the old homestead ever since coming to the 
State, and now owns 259 acres. He was married, April 15, 1858, to Dorothy 
J. McGinley, who was born in Westmoreland County, Penn., July 11, 1838, 
the daughter of Michael and Rosanna (Edgar) McGinley. To them have been 
born eight, children — Matthew E., Anna M., John M., Effie M., Alice M., 
Alfred M., William T. and Bertha. Mr. and Mrs. Walker are members of the 
Presbyterian Church and of Spring Run Grange, No. 1892, and in politics he 

is a Republican. 

u 



374 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

NOAH R. WENGER, M. D., was born in Goshen, Elkhart Co., Ind., 
March 25, 1852, one of seven children born to Joseph and Leah (Hartzler) 
Wenger, the former a native of Switzerland, born December 11, 1817, and the 
latter of Pennsylvania, born March 26, 1823. Joseph Wenger came to Elk- 
hart County in 1851, remained about two years, and then removed to Clear- 
spring Township, LaGrange County, where he purchased eighty acres of land, 
which he has increased to 122 acres, and where he now resides. N. R. Wen- 
ger, our subject, remained on this farm till he was twenty years of age, when 
he went to Ligonier and studied dentistry for two years under Dr. Gantz, and 
then commenced to read medicine with Dr. J. W. Jennings, of Millersburg, 
Elkhart County. In 1874, he attended lectures at the Cincinnati College of 
Medicine and Surgery. In the spring of 1875, he commenced practice at 
Donovan, Ind., and in the fall of the same year came to Coesse, this county, 
where he has since been continuously engaged at his profession. The winter 
of 1880, he attended another course of lectures at, and graduated from,, the 
college named above. In 1879, he started a drug store at Coesse, which he 
has conducted in connection with his practice. He was married, March 28, 
1878, to Augusta E. Emrick, born in Allen County, Ind., November 21, 1858. 
She is the daughter of Charles G. and Augustina (Peaters) Emrick, natives of 
Germany. They have one living daughter, Maud E. The Doctor is a self- 
made man, is a Republican, and was that party's nominee for Coroner in 1880. 

ELIAS WINTER was born in Lebanon County, Penn., October 24, 1815, 
one of five children born to John and Mary (Zegley) Winter, both natives of 
above county. Elias Winter's grandfathers, paternal and maternal, were sol- 
diers in the war of the Revolution. John Winter moved with his family to 
Wayne County, Ohio, in 1831, where he bought 160 acres of land, and where 
he died in 1862, his wife following in 1864. Our subject received the ordinary 
education of his day, and worked on his father's farm till he reached the age 
of twenty-two years, and then worked on his own account at job work till 1841, 
when he came to this township and bought 200 acres of unimproved land, on 
which he at present resides. He then returned to Ohio, and October 23, 1845, 
married Maria Wallmer, who was born in Lebanon County, Penn., May 22, 
1825, the daughter of George and Catherine (Miller-Shuey) Wallmer, also 
natives of Lebanon County. To this union were born twelve children, of whom 
there are now living the following : John, George, Amanda A. (now Mrs. Sam- 
uel Rouch), Catherine (now Mrs. N. Miles), Benjamin and Simon. In 1854, 
he returned to his land in this township, going back to Ohio in 1859, to care 
for his father and mother, and returning permanently in 1865. Mrs. Winter 
died here — September 27, 1866, and January 30, 1868, Mr. Winter married 
Mrs. Ann (Bonewitz) Johnson, born in Wayne County, Ohio, September 3, 
1827, the daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Franks) Bonewitz. Mr. Winter is a 
member of the German Reformed Church, and his wife of the M. E. Church. 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 375 

He now owns 400 acres of well-improved land, and is a leading farmer in the 
township. 

ADAM YAGEL was born in Germany in September, 1809, and was one 
of five children born to David and Elizabeth (Creshebaum) Yagel. Our subject 
when fourteen began an apprenticeship of five years as carpenter, and worked 
in Germany at his trade till 1836, when he emigrated to this country, and for 
the first two years after his arrival worked at farming on shares in New York 
and New Jersey ; then moved to Fairfield County, Ohio, and worked at his 
trade till 1814; then moved with his wife and family to Thorn Creek Township 
and settled on 120 acres of unimproved land. In 1865, he sold this farm and 
bought one in Jefferson Township, and again sold in 1869 and bought 180 acres 
in this township, on which he now lives. Mr. Yagel was married in Germany 
in the spring of 1836 to Eve M. Catmyre, and to this union have been born 
seven children : Adam, Catharine (now Mrs. R. Walker), Elizabeth (afterward 
Mrs. F. Rice, and died in 1869, leaving one child), Lydia A. (now Mrs. G. 
Johnson), Henry, Maria (now Mrs. W. A. Allen), and John, who died in his 
eighteenth year. Mrs. Eve Yagel died in this township November 5, 1880. 
Mr. Yagel has followed his trade in connection with farming, and his work may 
be seen on some of the best buildings in Columbia City and other part of the 
county. In politics, he is a Democrat. 

MICHAEL YOHE was born in Stark County, Ohio, February 5, 1835. 
and is the eldest of eleven children born to Barnet and Mary (Engle) Yohe, 
born respectively in Washington County, Penn., April 13, 1813, and Stark 
County, Ohio, in 1816. When but fourteen years of age, Barnet Yohe came 
to Stark with his parents and settled on land his father had entered in 1801. 
Here he was married and here he died in July, 1865. He has been Town- 
ship Assessor and Deputy Treasurer, and was a member of the M. E. Church. 
Michael Yohe, our subject, worked on his father's farm and in his coal mine 
till twenty one years of age, and then worked out by the month. He was 
married, October 20, 1856, to Harriet Deckard born in Stark County, October 
14, 1834, and daughter of David and Catherine (Brown) Deckard, from Pennsyl- 
vania. Mr. and Mrs. Yohe are the parents of four children, viz., William, 
Mary C, Byron and Orpha. The first winter after marrying, Mr. Yohe 
worked in his father's coal mine ; the spring of 1857, moved to Canton and 
worked for the manufacturing firm of Ball, Aultman & Co. till the fall of 1859 ; 
then moved to this township and settled on eighty acres unimproved land, 
which had been deeded to him by his father. He has since added to the farm 
and now owns 160 acres of well-improved land. He is a member of the M. 
E. Church, and in politics a Republican. 



376 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 

JACOB A. BAKER is the son of Peter and Catharine Baker, of 
Germany, where Peter was born in 1801, and his wife in 1811, and where 
they were married in 1828. In 1849, they emigrated into Whitley County 
and settled on Section 35, Washington Township, remaining there till he died 
March 22, 1866, and she November 26, 1869, leaving a family of six children 
— Peter, Catharine, Jacob A., Elizabeth, Margaret and Mary A. Our subject 
was born in the old country October 8, 1836, and accompanied his parents to 
this county, and at their death bought the homestead. July 20, 1871, he mar- 
ried Catharine Gelzleichter born in Germany June 19, 1846, of John and 
Elizabeth Gelzleichter, who were born in 1811 and 1817, respectively, and 
who came to Whitley in 1853, where he died in 1867, she moving to Hunting- 
ton, Ind., where she still lives. On his marriage, Jacob A. Baker took his 
bride home to the old farm, on which they still reside. In 1874, he was elected 
County Treasurer, and during his term of four years took up his residence at 
Columbia City, and then returned to his farm, which consists of 120 acres. 
He also served five years as Township Assessor. He and wife are members of 
the German Catholic Church, and have had three children — Mary C, Jose- 
phine M. and Theresa M. (deceased). 

PETER BAKER, son of Peter and Rebecca Baker, was born in Ger- 
many October 20, 1832. At the age of sixteen, he came with his parents to 
this county, and with them remained till about twenty-nine years of age. Dur- 
ing this period he bought for himself a farm of forty acres, and July 17, 
1862, was married to Catharine Ritinger, who was born in Germany July 17, 
1839. He and wife settled on the farm, and there remained till the spring of 
1878, when he sold out and purchased his present farm of eighty acres on 
Section 24, this township, upon which he has since resided. He is an enter- 
prising farmer, and progressive in his views. He and family belong to the 
Catholic Church. Their children are twelve in number, viz., Peter, Catha- 
rine, Fred W., F. Joseph, Philip, Clara, Michael and Jacob (twins, and both 
dead), Lizzie, Caroline, Catharine and Allie J. 

R. B. BOLLINGER is the fourth child of Daniel and Elizabeth Bollin- 
ger, and was born iu Stark County, Ohio, January 1, 1840. His father was 
born in Lancaster, Penn., April, 1810, and his mother in Stark County, Ohio, 
April, 1813, and in the latter place they were married in 1832, and have had 
eight children. Our subject, R. B., was married there October 2, 1864, to 
Sophia Mohler, a native of the county, and was born August 4, 1843, the next 
eldest in a family of seven children. The pair remained in their county three 
years after their marriage, then removed to Summit County, resided there a 
year, then returned to Stark, and finally, in 1876, moved to this township, and 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 377 

settled on 160 acres in Section 19. He has proved himself a valuable addition 
to the community, and his wife has the esteem of all her neighbors. They 
both belong to the German Baptist Church, and are the parents of six chil- 
dren, viz.: Clara 0., Emma, Orilla, Isaac, Phebe E. and Nora. 

AURIEL F. CHAVEY is the son of Jacques and Catherine Chavey, 
natives of France, born respectively September 3, 1820, and October 2, 1836. 
They were married in Buffalo, N. Y., October 18, 1851. The husband worked 
as a carpenter in that city till 1854, when he moved to Whitley County, on 
his father-in-law's farm, where he remained two years, and then bought his 
present farm of 180 acres in Washington Township. His children number ten — 
Auriel F., Emilie C, Peter, Frederick, Mary E., Jacques, Louise F., George 
A., Blanche A. and Charlie X. Our subject, the eldest, was born at Buffalo 
December 17, 1852, and came here with his parents. He was married Janu- 
ary 3, 1875, to Malinda Sherer, born in Whitley April 7, 1857, and youngest 
child of John and Maria Sherer, natives of Germany. Mr. Chavey now 
holds the office of Justice of the Peace, is a member of the U. B. Church, and 
is the father of two children, viz.: Edith, born October, 24, 1875, and Lizzie, 
born October 2, 1878. Mr. Chavey has a firm hold upon the respect of his 
neighbors. 

PETER CREAGER is the son of Peter and Elizabeth Creager, natives 
of Maryland, the father's birth occurring in 1777, and the mother's in 1789. 
They moved to Montgomery County, Ohio, in 1812. They then took up their 
residence in Whitley County, Ind., in 1836. Their death occurred in Cleve- 
land Township, where they first settled. Mr. Creager died March 16, 1849, 
and his wife April 5, 1870. In their family were twelve children. Peter, the 
subject, was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, April 26, 1829, came with 
his parents to this county, and has since made it his abiding-place. January 
1, 1854, he married Melissa J. Williamson, a native of Ohio, born May 22, 
1835. He remained on the home farm until about 1855, when he bought and 
removed to his farm of 160 acres in this township. Mrs. Melissa Creager died 
December 25, 1865, and August 30, 1866, the subject was married to his sec- 
ond wife, Margaret Chamberlin, born in Wayne County July 31, 1842, by 
whom he has two children — Margaret M. and Arthur C. His first wife bore 
him three children — Victoria E. (now deceased), Lida A and Joseph L. Mr. 
and Mrs. Creager belong to the Church of the United Brethren, and he has 
given efficient service in the office of Township Trustee. 

WILLIAM CUPP, son of Casper and Barbara Cupp, was born in Ger- 
many October 8, 1827. In 1851, he emigrated to Pennsylvania ; thence he 
went to Mahoning County, Ohio, and thence to Stark County, where he was 
married January 17, 1853, to Mary Gross, born in Mahoning County August 
15, 1834, and daughter of Henry and Mary Gross. Some time after marriage, 
he moved from Stark to Crawford County ; then, in 1863, came to this town- 
ship, and settled on eighty acres in Section 2, where he has since made his 



378 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

home. He has a family of ten children, born and named in the following 
order: Louisa, Katie, Mary, John, Emma, William, Lewis, Lydia, Mattie and 
Paulina. His wife departed this life on the 19th of August, 1879, since when 
our subject has not seen fit to remarry. He is a member of the Lutheran 
Church, and is looked upon with respect by his neighbors. 

LEWIS DEEMS was born in Richland County, Ohio, in February, 
1827, one of seven children of Jacob and Mary (Overdear) Deems, natives of 
Washington County, Penn., with whom he remained till he reached the age of 
twenty-two years. In 1850, he made a trip to California, and was engaged in 
mining for two years, and on his return formed a partnership with Jacob Over- 
dear, and bought 300 acres of land in Steuben County, Ind., erected a saw- 
mill, carding works, and a grist-mill, and ran them till 1856, when the part- 
nership was dissolved, and he removed to this township, where he bought forty 
acres of partly improved land, on which he now resides, and which he has 
increased to ninety acres. He is a member of the Disciples' Church, is a 
Republican in politics, and filled the office of Trustee of Monroe Township, 
Steuben County, for four years. In December, 1852, he was married in Rich- 
land County, Ohio, to Elizabeth Ihrig, of Wayne County, Ohio, and to their 
union were born three children, two of whom are yet living, viz., Ann and 
Warren J. 

JOHN DECKER was born in Centre County, Penn., March 14, 1825; 
the son of Benjamin and Rachel Decker, natives of the same county, and born, 
respectively, in 1794 and 1797, and there married in 1816. In 1828, the 
family moved to Stark County, Ohio, where the mother died in April, 1878, 
and where the father is still living. Their children numbered ten, as follows : 
Catharine, Jacob, Rachel, Sarah H., John, David, Elizabeth, Mary A., Chris- 
tina and Henry. Our subject remained at home till about 1848, when he came 
to this township, and three years after bought the farm where he now lives, on 
Section 32. On the 8th of June, 1851, he married Ellen V. Crouse, born in 
Westmoreland County, Penn., January 10, 1833, and daughter of Barney and 
Christina Crouse, natives of Penns} T lvania, and born, respectively, in 1801 and 
1798. This couple came to Allen County, this State, in 1845, where the 
mother died in April, 1862, and the father just fourteen days later. They had 
a family of ten children, viz., Samuel, Eli, Isaac, Catharine N., Lucy A. (all 
deceased) ; Ellen N., Henson, Jessa, David and George (the last also dead). 
After marriage, our subject moved on his farm of 160 acres, where he still 
resides. He and wife are respected members of society, and belong to the M. 
E. Church. Their children nnmbered eight, and were named as follows : Henry, 
Mary C, Louisa, Benjamin F. (deceased), Isabel, Amanda M. (who died when 
a few days old) and Nora J. 

HENRY EMERY was born in Fayette County, Penn., August 19, 1809, 
the son of John and Elizabeth Emery, the former born July 30, 1775, and 
the latter January 24, 1772, both in the State of New Jersey. They were 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 379 

married in Bedford County, Penn., November 16, 1798, and some time after 
moved to Wayne County, Ohio, where Mrs. Emery died in June, 1845. Mr. 
Emery remarried and moved to Huntington County, this State, where he de- 
parted this life June 14, 1860, his family consisting of eight children, viz. : 
Jacob, Peter, Sarah, George (all dead), John, Henry, Isaac (dead) and Eliza- 
beth. Our subject came with his parents to Ohio, in which State he was mar- 
ried, October 22, 1835, to Catharine Bechley, born in Schuylkill County, 
Penn., February 25, 1812. Our subject removed from Ohio, in 1844, to this 
township, and settled on Section 29, on the farm he now occupies, and which 
consists of 180 acres of well-cultivated land. By his marriage with Miss 
Bechley he became the father of three children — Sabina, Mary and Thomas. 
He and wife are members of the Disciples' Church, and are well respected in 
the community in which they live. 

D. C. FISHER was born in Wayne County, Ohio, January 29, 1839, 
the son of William C. and Charlotte Fisher, both born in 1806, and natives of 
England and Canada respectively. They were married in Canada in 1829, 
and moved to Wayne County about 1836 ; remained there about ten years and 
then removed to Stark County ; in 1861, they came to Miami County, this 
State, where the father died in May, 1868, and where the mother now lives on 
the homestead farm, the mother of nine children. In January, 1862, in Miami 
County, our subject enlisted in Company F, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and 
went to the front. He came home on a furlough and married Phebe E. 
Thompson, July 19, 1862, and then returned and served in his regiment till 
the close of the war. On his return, he moved to Whitley County, near Col- 
umbia City ; remained there seven years, and then came to this township and 
settled in Section No. 9, on a rented farm, and soon after bought the sixty acre 
farm where he now resides, and moved on in 1877. His wife died here May 
24, 18 7 9, and June 20, 1880, he married Mrs. Lucy A. Crins. His farm is 
in fine condition and he has a very comfortable home, with a prosperous future 
before him. 

ENOS GOBLE was born in Perry County,' Ohio, February 4, 1833; 
his father, Peter R. Goble, was born in New Jersey, June 8, 1785, and his 
mother, Mary, was born in Virginia May, 1797. The parents were married 
in Perry County, Ohio, and remained there till 1853, when they came to this 
county, where the mother died in December, 1865, and the father in Novem- 
ber, 1877. Of the family of nine children born to them, Enos, the subject of 
this sketch, was next the youngest. July 31, 1853, he married Rachel 
Westall, who was born in Ohio September 8, 1834, and came to Whitley 
County and settled on the farm where he now lives. It comprises 160 acres, 
and is in a high state of cultivation. Mr. and Mrs. Goble have had born to 
them thirteen children: Alonzo B., Mary C. (deceased), Sarah L. (deceased), 
Alice O. (deceased), George W., James J., Samuel W., Enoch E. (deceased), 
Enos E. (twin-brother of Enoch), Amelia A. (deceased), Charles W., Augusta 



380 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

B., and Susan I. Mr. Goble has held the office of Township Trustee for 
thirteen years, and has filled the position to the entire satisfaction of its citi- 
zens ; he also served as Assessor for two years. 

JOHN GROSS is the son of Henry and Mary Gross, born in Germany 
in 1803 and 1805 respectively, and married in Columbiana County, Ohio, 
November, 1832. About 1839, they moved to Stark County, and a short time 
after to Crawford County, where the father died in 1861. In 1865, the 
mother moved with her family to Section No. 1, Washington Township, this 
county, where she is spending her declining days with the subject of our 
sketch. She had seven children : Mary (deceased), Catharine, Lewis, Anna 
(deceased), John. Louisa (deceased) and Jacob. Our subject was born in Stark 
County, Ohio, June 1, 1844, came to this county with his mother, and bought 
the homestead of 100 acres in Washington Township. January 14, 1869, he 
married Margaret Bennett, who was born March 12, 1851, and by her has had 
six children — John H., Frederick, Lewis, Esther R., William H. and Mary 
A. Mr. Gross is one of the rising young men of the township, and has 
already held the office of Township Assessor for three years. 

LEWIS GROSS, son of Henry and Mary Gross, was born in Columbiana 
County, Ohio, February 13, 1842, and at seven years of age was taken by his 
parents to Stark County, thence to Crawford County. In 1861, he came to 
this county and engaged for a number of years at carpentering. He then vis- 
ited Michigan, Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin, and in 1867 returned to Whitley 
and resumed his trade. In 1868, he erected a saw-mill in this township, on 
Section 11, and was married at Columbia City, October 4, 1869, to Mary A. 
Redman, daughter of Henry J. and Catharine Redman, and born in Stark 
County, Ohio, June 18, 1852. He then took up his residence with his mother 
near his mill, ran the latter four years, sold it, bought another two miles west, 
ran it five years, sold out, bought another in Jefferson Township, remained 
there until 1882, then moved it to this township, and is doing an extensive 
business. He owns, besides, forty-four acres of land, and has a family of five 
children, viz., Lavina J., Jacob S., Catharine M., Dora L. and Mary E. He 
is a member of the I. O. O. F., Forest Lodge, No. 546, and has filled the office 
of Justice of the Peace, as well as other positions of official trust. 

A. C. and THOMAS E. HALL are manufacturers of drain tile on Sec- 
tion 24, Washington Township. They are the sons of Dr. John F. and Pru- 
dence Hall, the former of whom was born in Fayette County, Ind., Novem- 
ber 29, 1827, and the latter in Montgomery County, Ohio, February 12, 1824, 
and were married in Rush County, Ind., October 9, 1851, where the hus- 
band died March 23, 1866. In November, the same year, Mrs. Hall remained 
with her family to the farm of seventy-eight and one-fourth acres in the township 
named above. Her family consisted of six children — A . C, born September 
5, 1852 ; Thomas E., born February 23, 1855 ; John D., born April 10, 1857, 
and died September 9, 1861 ; M. J., born November 22, 1859 ; S. A., born 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 381 

November 2, 1862, and died March 5, 1863 ; Ida G., born October 27, 1864. 
Our subjects manage the farm, and also do an extensive business in their tile 
factory. A. C. was married July 3, 1881, to Isabella F. Freeman, born in 
Kosciusko County, Ind., March 21, 1858, daughter of Robert and Nancy 
Freeman. Her father was born in February, 1822, her mother December 23, 
1832. They were married in 1849, and still reside in Kosciusko County, Ind. 
Thomas E. Hall is not yet married. The brothers established their tile factory 
in 1873, and have done and are doing much toward the drainage of the country. 
LEWIS HALTERMAN is the son of George and Elizabeth Halterman, 
natives of Virginia, both born in Highland County, he July 11. 1788, and she 
March 28, 1799, and there married. In 1817, they moved to Champaign 
County, Ohio, where she died in April, 1838, and he in July, 1867. They 
had a family of eight children — Eleanor, Samuel, Isaac, Sarah, Jane, Mar- 
garet and Lewis (twins), and Elizabeth. Lewis, our subject, was born in Cham- 
paign County March 18, 1833, and when about twenty-eight years of age came 
to St. Joseph County, Ind., where he was married, October 19, 1856, to Ellen 

E. Valentine, whom he took back to Champaign and there remained till 1861, 
when he sold out, moved to this county, and settled in Section 15, Washington 
Township, on the farm of 115 acres where he now lives. May 12, 1879, his 
wife obtained a divorce, and December 30, 1880, he married Elizabeth Heller, 
who was born in Franklin County. Penn., April 15, 1841. Mr. Halterman is 
a member of the I. 0. 0. F., in the third degree, and belongs to the lodge at 
Forest ; he is also a member of the U. B. Church. He had five children by 
his first wife, viz.: Mary J., Margaret A., Clara A., Emma I. and Winna V. 

JEFFERSON HANELINE was born in Stark County, Ohio, December 
11, 1841. His father, Thomas Haneline, was born in Pennsylvania in 1813. 
and his mother Sarah Haneline, in Stark County, Ohio, in 1814. They were 
married in Stark, and in 1843 moved to Huntington County, this State, where 
the father died in 1872. The mother then moved with her family to Whitley 
County and bought a farm on Section 30, this township, where she now lives. 
Jefferson, our subject, was the eldest of her nine children, and he remained at 
home until October, 1862, when he enlisted in Company E, Fifty-fourth Indiana 
Volunteer Infantry, and served out his time of enlistment. On his return home 
to Huntington County, he married, April 14, 1864, Elizabeth J. Creager, who 
was born in this county April 22, 1842. He then went to farming on land he 
had previously bought in this county, but in 1865 sold it and bought eighty acres 
in this township, where he still resides. His children number nine, as fol- 
lows : Almeda A., Mary S., Clara M., Mana A., Elmer W., Jennie A., Orphia 

F. (deceased), Hattie G. and Leroy H., and the family are well esteemed. 

JACKSON HANELINE, son of Thomas and Sarah Haneline, was born 
in Huntington County, Ind., August 28, 1852, and was there reared. In 
1875, he came to Whitley County, where he has remained ever since. He was 
married in this township, February 3, 1878, to Sarah Montavon, who was a na- 



382 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

tive of New York State, born July 30, 1853, the daughter of Jacob and Margaret 
Montavon. Shortly after marriage he bought the farm of seventy acres where 
he now lives, on Section No. 15, in this township ; moved on it April 8, 1878, 
and ever since has resided there. There was born to him a daughter Decem- 
ber 12, 1880, christened Ethel. Mr. Haneline is looked upon as a rising young 
man. 

WILLIAM A. HAUPMEYER was born in Whitley County, Ind., Oc- 
tober 29, 1854, and is the son of Henry and Caroline Haupmeyer, natives of 
Germany, and born in 1801 and 1814 respectively. The parents were mar- 
ried in Germany, and emigrated to the United States about the year 1846 ; 
they settled in Whitley County, and here the father died March 26, 1871 ; the 
mother is still living on the homestead farm and has had a family of six chil- 
dren, of which William, the subject of our sketch, was the youngest. He re- 
mained at home till about twenty-three years of age. July 4, 1878, he was 
married to Caroline Sievers, who was born in Whitley County November 
23, 1855. He then removed to this township and settled on Section No. 29, 
where he had previously purchased sixty-two acres, and on which he has since 
resided. He is the father of one boy, Roy, who was born in 1879. Mr. 
Haupmeyer has a pleasant home, and he and wife are members of the Lutheran 
Church, in which, as well as in the community in general, they stand well. 

JONATHAN HIVELY was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, December 
18, 1829, and his parents, Daniel and Catharine Hively, were respectively 
born in Rockingham County, Va., October 15, 1798, and Montgomery 
County, same State, October 28, 1804. They were married in Fairfield 
County, Ohio, and in 1837 moved to this county and settled in Thorn Creek 
Township, where they still live. They had a family of thirteen children. 
Jonathan, our subject, came to this county with his parents, and was married 
in Thorn Creek Township in July, 1851, to Esther Florn. They moved upon 
a farm he had previously bought in the same township, and Mrs. Hively there 
died in October, 1858. Mr. H. remarried July 7, 1859, selecting as his 
bride Sarah Salts, who was born in Licking County, Ohio, January 16, 1841. 
He remained in Thorn Creek Township till 1872, when he sold out and bought 
his farm of 105 acres in this township, where he now resides, on Section 13. 
He had three children by his first wife, viz.: Sarah A., Amanda J. and 
Samuel E.; by his second he has had seven — Albert, Loami, Lemuel J. (de- 
ceased), Fleming A., John O. and two infant daughters who died unnamed — 
ten in all. Mr. Hively is a highly respected citizen, and he and his wife are 
members of the Lutheran Church. 

PHILIP L. HOLLER was born in this county November 26, 1857, 
and is the son of Philip and Annie Holler, natives of Ohio, in which State 
they were married. In 1852, they moved to and settled on a farm in Section 
18, this township, and they still reside there. Their family numbered six 
children, viz.: John A. (deceased), Lewis H., Joseph W., Annie E., Philip L. 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 383 

and Eliza C. Our subject, at the age of twenty-one, bought a half-interest in 
a threshing machine, which he operated one year, then sold it and bought a 
half-interest in a saw-mill, and is now engaged in a brisk trade. He also pur- 
chased a house and lot near the mill, and August 1, 1880, married Nora B. 
Traster, who was born in Huntington County, Ind., April 27, 1861 ; to this 
union has been born one girl, Fairy B. Our subject is an energetic young 
business man, and has before him every prospect of a prosperous career. 

HENRY HUFFMAN is the son of Henry and Margaret Huffman, who 
were born in Pennsylvania April 8, 1813, and June 9, 1810, respectively, and 
were there married in 1834. In 1839, they emigrated to Stark County, Ohio, 
and remained there till 1849, when they came to this township, and settled on 
Section 19, where the father died in 1850. They had a family of four chil- 
dren, viz.: John (deceased), Elizabeth, Henry and Fanny. Henry, our sub- 
ject, was born in Stark County, Ohio, September 10, 1840, and came here 
with his parents. He bought the old homestead, and his mother resides there 
with him. May 12, 1867, he married Mary Emery, who was born in Wayne 
County, Ohio, January 5, 1840, the daughter of Henry and Catharine Emery, 
and the eldest of a family of three children. After his marriage, he moved on 
the old farm, which consists of 238 acres, and has on it a fine brick dwelling 
house and substantial outbuildings. His family of children are Ida M., Mag- 
gie C, Thomas H., Alma and Lizzie. Mr. Huffman is a progressive young 
man, and is highly esteemed by his neighbors. 

DAVID JACKSON, one of a family of fifteen children, is a native of 
Knox County, Ohio, and was born June 14, 1827. His parents were David 
and Prudence Jackson, both natives of New Jersey, the former born Septem- 
ber 30, 1786, and the latter February 4, 1792. David Jackson, our subject, 
came to this county in 1845, having resided up to that time in Knox County, 
Ohio. He was married, November 28, 1848, to Rebecca S. Stiltz ; and, having 
previously purchased forest land in this township, Section 25, they located 
thereon, and have remained up to the present time, now owning a well-im- 
proved farm of 120 acres. Mrs. Jackson is the daughter of William and Re- 
becca Stiltz, and was born in Richland County, Ohio, July 20, 1824. Mr. and 
Mrs. Jackson are parents of four children — Nora, Sherman H. (deceased), 
Rollin P. and Delia. They are prominent members of the United Brethren 
Church, having united with that denomination in 1853, and Mr. Jackson has 
officiated a number of years as class leader, steward and trustee. 

GOTTLIEB KNELLER is the son of Leonard and Charlotte Kneller, 
natives of Germany, and born, respectively, in 1804 and 1799, and married in 
1826. The father died in 1831, and the same year the mother married Will- 
iam Glies, who died in 1843, she following in 1855. There were two children 
by the first marriage — Gottlieb and George. Gottlieb was born in Germany, 
September 18, 1827, and in 1849 emigrated to Columbiana County, Ohio, 
where, March 18, 1851, he married Catharine Ledner, who was born in Ger- 



384 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : 

many February 3, 1829. In 1852, the newly married couple moved to Noble 
County, this State ; remained there till 1864, then came to Columbia Town- 
ship, this county ; remained two years, then purchased and took up their resi- 
dence on a farm of 127 acres on Section 1, Washington Township. They have 
had ten children — Fred, John, Catharine, George, Daniel, Joseph, Anandia, 
Henry, Jennie and Sarah (the last two deceased). Mr. Kneller is a respected 
and prosperous citizen, is a member of the I. 0. 0. F., in the fifth degree, and 
also belongs to the M. E. Church. 

GOTTLIEB KUNBERGER was born in Germany February 14, 1849, 
and in 1869 emigrated to this country, and settled in Whitley County, where 
he has since remained. His father was born in Germany in 1812, and his 
mother in 1810. They were there married in 1840, and the father died there 
in 1874. Their children were three in number, viz., John, Jacob F. and Gott- 
lieb. In 1876, the mother and her son, Jacob F., left the old country, and 
came to America to join her youngest child, our subject, with whom she still 
lives. Gottlieb Kunberger, on the 9th of March, 1876, married Elizabeth 
Lahr, who was born in Huntington County, Ind., February 12, 1850. He 
then moved on the farm he still occupies, which he had previously bought, on 
Section 11, this township. It consists of eighty acres, is well cultivated, and 
improved with comfortable buildings. To his marriage have been born three 
boys, namely, John F., Henry E. and Charlie A. He is a member of the 
Evangelical Church, and a desirable member of the community. 

ABRAHAM LESLEY was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, Novem- 
ber 17, 1819, the son of Abraham and Jane Lesley, who were both born in 
Pennsylvania in 1795 and 1797, respectively, and married in Ohio. In 1834, 
they moved to Cass County, Ind., and five years later removed to and settled 
in this township, where they died, the mother in July, 1849, and the father in 
1857. Mr. Lesley, the elder, cut the logs for the first house erected in this 
township. His family consisted of ten children. In 1846, our subject was 
married to Susan Kernes. He at once moved to a farm he had bought, on 
Section 11, this township, where his wife died in 1848. March 14, 1849, Mr. 
Lesley married Mrs. Margaret Oliver, who was born November 30, 1829, and 
he then moved on the farm he now occupies in Section 4, which comprises 220 
acres of well-improved land. Mr. Lesley is a highly respected citizen, and has 
had a family of eleven children, as follows : John and Gordon (by his first 
wife), Mary J., Lucinda C. (deceased), Jacob P. (deceased), Barbara V., David 
I., Sarah E., Amanda (deceased), Ida A. and Jay D. 

F. M. McDONALD is the son of Samuel and Charlotte McDonald, who 
were born in Pennsylvania in 1800 and 1803 respectively. They were mar- 
ried at Canton, Stark County, Ohio, in 1825, where they continued to reside 
till 1840, when they moved to Lawrenceville, McDonough County, 111., where 
he died in October of the same year. Mrs. McDonald then removed to Stark 
County, Ohio, and in 1843, moved to Lee County, Iowa, where she met her 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 385 

father and remained with him till 1847 ; then returned to Ohio, remained there 
about three years, went again to Iowa, where she staid till the fall of 1852, 
thence back to Ohio, and finally, a year later, moved to Pittsburgh, Penn., 
where she spent her declining days with her daughter, dying in May, 1876. 
She was the mother of nine children — John, T. M. (deceased), D. S., Samuel 
(deceased), F. M., G. B. (killed in the army, 1862), Charlotte (deceased), 
Pauline and Sophia. F. M., our subject, was born in Canton, Stark County, 
Ohio, April 6, 1834 ; he moved with the family to Lawrence ville, and also 
accompanied his mother to Pittsburgh, where he remained till 1854 ; then 
came to South Whitley and worked at blacksmithing. He married there, No- 
vember 22, 1855, Fanny Butler, born in Wayne County, Ohio, January 9, 
1835, the daughter of William and Nancy Butler, who were respectively born 
in Georgia, 1799, and North Carolina, 1805 ; and who died in 1879 and 1873. 
Fanny (Butler) McDonald was the eldest of six children born to this pair. 
After his marriage, Mr. McDonald worked at his trade in South Whitley 
till October 15, 1861, when he enlisted in Company E, Forty-fourth Indiana 
Volunteers, and served as Second Lieutenant until December, 1864, when he 
was discharged, returned home, and shortly after bought a farm in Section 11, 
Washington Township, but sold it after a brief occupancy and bought the 
farm where he now resides, on Section 14, consisting of 160 acres. He has a 
family of eight children, viz. : Emma L., born at South Whitley, December 4, 
1857, died December 6, 1857 ; Arthur A., born November 17, 1858, died 
March 4, 1878; Lycurgus H., born January 21, 1861, died October 20, 1862 ; 
Charlotte B., born September 3,1863; Fanny L., born February 12, 1866, 
died July 12, 1867 ; Francis R., born July 7, 1868 ; Olga G., born November 
30, 1871 ; Bertha L., born March 9, 1875. Mr. McDonald is an active Dem- 
ocrat, and held the office of Justice of the Peace for eight years. He is a 
member of Forest Lodge, No. 546, I. 0. O. F., and has been through the 
Grand Lodge, and he enjoys the esteem of all who know him. 

THOMAS MERRIMAN was born in Wayne County, Ohio, September 
14, 1820. His parents were Elijah and Mary Merriman, and were born in 
in Pennsylvania, June 23, 1788, and August 21, 1792, respectively, and were 
married in that State. In 1816, they moved to Ohio, where the father died 
April 22, 1834, and the mother March 8, 1870. They were the parents of 
eleven children. October 14, 1852, our subject, Thomas Merriman, was mar- 
ried in Wayne County, Ohio, to Martha Moore, born in Beaver County, Penn., 
August 18, 1835. She was the daughter of Andrew and Mary Moore, and 
the younger of two children. Our subject left Wayne County about the year 
1852, and came to this township, bought an eighty-acre farm in Section 26, 
located thereon, and has lived there ever since. He had a family of six chil- 
dren — Mary A., Huldah, Eliza, James W., Thomas J. and Martha A. Of 
these, there are only two, Huldah and Martha A., living. Mr. Merriman 
has been quite successful in life, and is a consistent member of the Baptist 
Church. 



386 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

JOSEPH METZLER was born in Holmes County, Ohio, July 19, 1820. 
His parents, Adam and Elizabeth Metzler, were natives of Pennsylvania, and 
were married in that State. They were respectively born in 1772 and 1776. 
About 1816, they emigrated to Muskingum County, Ohio, remained there 
two years, and then removed to Holmes County, same State, where the mother 
died in 1844. The father then came to this county and here died in 1863. 
They had a family of eight children, viz.: Jacob (deceased), Paul, (an infant 
son who died), Rebecca, Eva (deceased), Joseph, Benjamin and Adam. Joseph, 
our subject, was married in Holmes County, Ohio, in April, 1844, to Maria 
King, and in 1853 came to this township, and settled on Section 26. He owns 
160 acres of finely cultivated land, on which there are all the modern improve- 
ments. Mrs. Metzler died in 1864, leaving a family of ten children, as fol- 
lows: Rebecca, William, John A., Mary M., Leah A., Manda C, Sarah E., 
Solomon F., Emma E. C. and Sabina E. Mr. Metzler is a member of the 
Lutheran Church, a Third Degree Mason, and is a very much respected gen- 
tleman. 

JOSEPH MULLENDORE is a native of Preble County, Ohio, where 
he was born in 1834. His parents, Joseph and Elizabeth (Stump) Mullendore, 
who were natives respectively of Maryland and Pennsylvania, were farmers by 
occupation and early settlers of Ohio, where they resided until their deaths. 
Our subject was the tenth of a family of twelve children. He was reared upon 
a farm and remained with his parents in Ohio until 1854, when he came to 
Indiana and engaged in a saw-mill in Kosciusko County, where he was em- 
ployed until 1858. His father having some unimproved land located in Wash- 
ington Township, Whitley County, he settled upon his share of the property 
and began clearing and improving. Here he has since lived. His industrious 
habits and practical management have secured for him a fine property, and he 
now possesses nearly five hundred acres of valuable land. Mr. Mullendore 
has always advanced, as far as he was able, all measures of progress, and ranks 
as one of the leading and valued citizens. He was united in marriage, in 
1863, with Miss Elizabeth Baker, who is a native of Whitley County and 
daughter of Jones and Maria (Haines) Baker, who are old residents. Mr. and 
Mrs. Mullendore have eight children — Amanda, Noah, Dora, Annie M., Emma 
J., Irvin, Franklin and Harvey. 

PETER REEG was born in Germany January 5, 1819, being next to 
eldest of seven children born to Belthasar and Elizabeth Reeg, also natives of 
Germany and born .there in 1801 and 1802 respectively, and where they still 
reside and where they were married in 1824. Peter, the subject of this sketch, 
landed in New York City June 18, 1852, and went thence to Lancaster County, 
Penn., where he was married, November 2, 1854, to Barbara Bruckart, born in 
that State September 26, 1837. In 1861, he rented a farm in Section 21, 
Washington Township, this county, and resided there till 1872, when he 
bought eighty acres in Section 25, where he now lives. He is father of nine 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 3»7 

children— Sarah, George H. B., Jacob B., Amos B., Franklin B., Abraham 
B., Lizzie B. (deceased), Daisy M. B. and Peter B. He holds the office of 
Township Assessor and he and wife are members of the U. B. Church and are 
well respected in the community. 

FREDERICK RICHARD was the third child born to George and 
Catharine Richard, and first saw the light March, 1840, in France, where his 
parents were also born, both the year 1812. In 1847, they emigrated to Erie 
County, N. Y., and there bought a farm, where the mother died April 4, 1852. 
In 1853, the father brought his family to this township, and here he has lived 
ever since. His family consisted then of himself and seven children, viz. : Cath- 
arine, George, Frederick, Lewis, Eugene, Emile and Peter, all still living. In 
August, 1864, he married Catharine Chavey. Our subject, Frederick Richard, 
was married on the 24th of June, 1866, to Catharine Kauffman, who was 
born in Stark County, Ohio, April 6, 1838. After marriage, our subject 
moved to a farm he owned on Section 30, this township, remained there till 
1874, then bought and moved upon the farm where he now lives. It contains 
100 acres of fine land, with brick dwelling and other fine buildings. Mr. 
Richard is a popular man in his township, and has filled the office of Justice of 
the Peace for eight years. He and wife are members of the Lutheran Church, 
and- they have a family of four children, as follows: Hattie M., George C, 
Minnie L. and Charles W. 

LEWIS RICHARD, son of George and Catharine Richard, was born in 
France March 24, 1846, and came to America with his parents, with whom he 
lived until he bought his farm on Section 15 in this township, in 1871, on 
which he at once began work, and during the same fall he and Mr. Bechtol 
bought a saw-mill, which had been erected on the premises by Truman & Smith, 
and began milling, Mr. Richard acting as foreman. They did a good business, 
and about three years later Mr. Bechtol sold his interest to Mr. Joseph Owser, 
who took charge of the mill, and Mr. Richard turned his attention to the im- 
provement of his farm. April 23, 1874, he married Huldah Stallsmith, na- 
tive of this county, and born March 20, 1853. Mr. Owser failing to make his 
payments due on the mill, Mr. Richard became sole proprietor in 1877, and 
ran it until recently, when he disposed of it, and again turned his attention to 
his 223 acres of land, with the intention of making agriculture his life pursuit. 
He is the father of one son— George E., born March 21, 1875, is a member 
of the Baptist Church, and is recognized as one of the trustworthy men of the 
township. 

ALBERT SCHUMACHER was born June 14, 1860, and was the son 
of Rueben and Emily Schumacher, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to this 
county about the year 1858. In 1863, the father died, and, two weeks later, 
was followed by the mother, leaving two children, our subject and a sister. In 
a short time the sister died, leaving our subject without a relative in the world. 
The court appointed Mr. William Souder as his guardian, and shortly after 



388 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES-. 

he died, and then Mr. Isaac Schrader was appointed guardian, with whom our 
subject took up his residence. His father had owned eighty acres of land, 
which was sold, the debts paid, and the balance invested in the land where our 
subject now lives, on Section 14, this township. He remained with Mr. 
Schrader till he reached his majority, and then engaged in school-teaching. 
August 27, 1881, he married Martha Grace, who was born in this county 
January 22, 1863, and shortly after moved on his farm of eighty acres, and 
turned his attention to agriculture, at which he is prospering. 

BENJAMIN F. SHULL was born in Stark County, Ohio, May 31, 
1841, and was the son of David and Elizabeth Shull, natives of Franklin 
County, Penn., born respectively in April, 1805, and March, 1808, and married 
in the same county in 1835. They had a family of six children, viz.: Amanda 
M., Jacob J., Rebecca (deceased), Benjamin F., Hiram and William (deceased). 
Shortly after marriage, the parents emigrated to Massillon, Stark County, 
Ohio, where the father was engaged at cabinet-making for some time, and then 
purchased 100 acres of land about six miles south of the town, upon which 
he moved, and there died April 5, 1872. The mother soon sold out and took 
up her residence with a son in Wayne County, where she died in February, 
1880. Our subject remained at the home of his parent till he was twenty-one 
years of age, and then went to work for his brother Jacob J., with whom he 
remained four years. September 20, 1864, he married Lucy E. Householder, 
who was born in Perry County, Ohio, September 21, 1845. About a year 
later, he bought a farm on Section 28, this township, and here came to reside. 
His 160 acres are excellently cultivated, and contain very fine buildings. In 
addition, Mr. Shull owns 160 acres of land in Kansas, and has an interest in 
the old homestead in Ohio, which is now being worked as a coal mine, our sub- 
ject's percentage in the coal taken out amounting to $500 per annum. Mr. S. 
is highly respected by his fellow-townsmen, and he and wife are members of 
the U. B. Church. 

LEVI SICKAFOOSE was born in Stark County, Ohio, November 29, 
1832. His parents were John and Margaret Sickafoose, who were born and 
married in Pennsylvania, and who moved to Stark County, Ohio, in an early 
day, and thence to Whitley County in 1836, where they died in January, 1877, 
and October, 1880, respectively. Their children numbered twelve, as follows : 
Jacob (deceased), Mary, Philip, Susan (deceased), John, Elizabeth (deceased), 
Eva, Levi, Henry, Samuel, George, and Michael. Our subject came with his 
parents to this county, and was married, April 3, 1860, to Mary Wolf, who 
was born in Ashland County, Ohio, July 31, 1836, and the daughter of Samuel 
and Mary Wolf. Her father was born in Virginia in 1801, and her mother 
in Pennsylvania in 1800 ; they were married in Ohio, and in 1839 came to 
Huntington County, Ind., where the mother died, in 1850; the father still 
lives and resides in Cass County, Ind. They had nine children, of whom 
Mary was next to the youngest. After marriage, our subject moved to his 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 389 

farm, which he had previously purchased, on Section 16, this township ; re- 
mained there about four years, then went to his father's place and remained 
about two years, and then returned to his own farm of 203 acres, and has 
resided on it ever since. His children numbered six, viz. : Emma I., Ida E. 
(deceased), Laura M., Elizabeth J., Lucinda M. and Charles H. Our subject 
and wife are members of the U. B. Church, and the family stand high in the 
community. The father of Mr. Sickafoose was the first Appraiser in Jeffer- 
son, and on making his first appraisement found only three families in the 
township. 

FRANCIS M. SMITH was born in Whitley County, Ind., January 3, 
1849, the son of Elias and Nancy Smith, born respectively in 1825 and 1827, 
in Wayne County, Ohio, where they were married, January 24, 1847. In 
1848, they removed to this township and settled on Section 27, and there the 
father died, November 20, 1878. The mother still lives on the farm with her 
children. Our subject, Francis M., the eldest of eight in the family, remained 
at home till about twenty-four years of age, when he went forth to seek his 
own fortune. February 12, 1874, he married Mrs. Martha J. Wagner, who 
was born in Ohio, December 1, 1850, and was the daughter of Philip and 
Martha Wince. Shortly after his marriage he bought a farm on Section 28, 
this township, and occupied it until 1882, when he sold it and bought an 
80-acre farm on Section 23, in the same township, on which he now resides. 
He is a rising young man, and quite popular in the community. He and wife 
are members of the Baptist Church, and have a family of four children, name- 
ly : William W. Wagner (Mrs. Smith's son by her first husband), Cora, Flora, 
and Emma. 

FRANKLIN SMITH was born in Stark County, Ohio, November 25, 
1840, and is the son of John and Margaret Smith, natives of Pennsylvania, 
and born respectively in 1809 and 1819, and married in Ohio, whence, in 1847 
they moved to Huntington County, Ind., and there remained four years. They 
then removed to this township, and settled on Section 21, where they still re- 
side. They have had a family of fourteen children, and Franklin, our subject, 
is next to the eldest. He came to this township with his parents, and was mar- 
ried September 30, 1869, to Annie M. Stoner, who was born in Fairfield County, 
Ohio, July 20, 1848, the daughter of Joel and Lydia Stoner. After marriage, 
he followed the carpenter's trade, and has continued it till the present. In 
1872, he moved upon his present farm of thirty-five acres, and has reared a 
family of four children, viz., Cora B., Lilly M., Winfield O. and Nellie M. 
He and wife are members of the U. B. Church, and stand high in the estima- 
tion of the community. 

JOHN A. SNYDER, was born in Stark County, Ohio, February 18, 
1836, the son of Adam and Elizabeth Snyder, who were natives of Germany, 
born May, 1801 and 1795 respectively, and married in that country, where 
they remained till 1826, when they emigrated to Stark County, which they 



390 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

made their home till 1848, when they moved to Huntington County, this State, 
remaining about six months, and then coming to this county, where the father 
died April 10, 1860, and the mother August 22, 1864, having had a family of 
eight children. Our subject accompanied his parents to this county, and 
March 4, 1860, married Elizabeth Cox, who was born in Portage County, 
Ohio, September 14, 1839. He then bought his farm of 160 acres on Section 
4, this township, moved on it, and has resided there ever since. To his mar- 
riage have been born eight children, viz.: William A., Maria E., Mary J., 
John E., Sarah A., George W., Charles F. and Elmer E. Mr. Snyder is a 
member of the Lutheran Church, and he and his family have the respect and 
friendship of all their neighbors. 

WILLIAM STONER was born in Ohio January 21, 1838. His father, 
Joel Stoner, was born in Maryland January 28, 1816, and his mother, Lydia 
Stoner, in Ohio in 1818, and in the last named State they were married. In 
1851, they moved to Wells County, Ind., thence to Huntington County, and 
then, in 1864, to this township, and settled on Section No. 10, where the father 
died November 20, 1880, and where she still lives. Their family consisted of 
twelve children, as follows : William, Daniel (deceased), Noah (deceased), Sarah, 
Eliza, Susan (deceased), Maria, Mary J., Jacob, Martha, Matilda C. (deceased), 
and John W. Our subject, William Stoner, was married in Huntington 
County, August 16, 1863, to Sarah S. Armstrong, who was born in New 
York May 18, 1839. He rented a farm in Huntington, on which he remained 
about two years, then moved to Section 28, this township, and shortly after 
bought eighty acres in Section 16, to which he moved, and on which he still 
resides. He has a family of five children, viz.: Ira A., Mary E., Charlie R., 
Amiel L. and Sarah O. 

WILLIAM H. SWAN, a native of Maryland, was born near Washing- 
ton. D. C, August 12, 1805. His parents, Henry and Lamenta Swan, were 
also natives of Maryland, the former born in 1767, and the latter in 1771. 
After their marriage they resided in Maryland some time, then moved to the 
District of Columbia, thence to Westmoreland County, Penn., emigrating in 
1815 to Wayne County, Ohio, where the rest of their lives were passed. Will- 
iam H., was one of eleven children, and remained with his parents until the 
time of their demise. His mother died May 3, 1851, and his father October 
15, 1855. On December 30, 1835, he was married to Marietta Merriman. 
She was born July 7, 1817, in Wayne County, Ohio, where Mr. Swan pur- 
chased his father's old farm, and continued to remain, until his coming to this 
county in the spring of 1865. He is yet living on Section 25, of this town- 
ship, where he first settled, and owns 191 acres of land. His wife died Sep- 
tember 25, 1865; they had born to them eleven children — Eleanor, Eliza, 
James (deceased), Mary (deceased) Emily, Elisha, William H. (deceased), Prets- 
man, Isabella, Nancy and Harriet (deceased.) Mr. Swan is a well-known and 
respected citizen ; he has retired from active work, and his farm is under the 
careful management and supervision of his sons, Elisha and Pretsman. 



JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 391 

S. P. WAGNER is the son of George and Catherine Wagner, who were 
born 1801 and 1799, respectively, in Pennsylvania, and were there married. 
In the fall of 1832, they moved to Perry County, Ohio, and remained there till 
they died, he July 23, 1850, and she in 1851. They were parents of nine 
children, viz.: John, S. P., Mary, George, Susan, Martin, Jacob, Jane and 
Matilda. Our subject was born in Lancaster County, Penn., September 13, 
1825, and was married in Ohio, October 29, 1846, to Mary A. Chamberlin, born 
in Pennsylvania March 18, 1827. In 1854, Mr. and Mrs. Wagner moved to 
Whitley County, and settled on Section 27, Washington Township. Mrs. W. 
died August 15, 1868, and September 19, 1868, he married Mrs. Angeline 
Holt, who was born in Wayne County, Ohio, February 22, 1835. Mr. Wag- 
ner owns 160 acres of land, and is the father of thirteen children — John W. 
(deceased), George W., Isaac V., Jacob J., Martin S. (deceased), Minerva E., 
Homer C, Albert L. and Margaret I. (deceased), by his first wife; Edwin R. 
(deceased), Jonathan H., Clyde L., Eldon M. (deceased), by his present wife. 
Mr. Wagner is a consistent member of the U. B. Church. 

JAMES I. YOUNG was born in Summit County, Ohio, August 28, 
1844. His parents were Samuel and Sarah Young, natives of Pennsylvania, 
who came to Whitley County at an early day, and settled on Section No. 23, 
in this township, where the father died. The mother then purchased property 
in Forest, Ind., upon which she moved and has ever since resided. They had 
a family of eleven children, of whom James I., our subject, was the third, and 
came with his parents to this township. He was married, March 16, 1876, to 
Amanda J. Hively, who was born in Whitley County October 8, 1859, and 
shortly afterward moved on one of their farms in this township, on Section 13, 
on which he remained till the fall of 1880, when he moved on the old home- 
stead, where they now live, and the family own 243 acres of land, undivided, 
of which our subject has charge. He has two children — Estrella M. and Noah 
W., and stands high among his neighbors. 



JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 

ISRAEL BIERS was born in Preble County, Ohio, March 20, 1828, 
the third of four children born to John and Soloma (Cushwa) Biers, natives of 
England and Washington County, Md. When but fourteen years old, his 
father died ; the farm was sold to a brother-in-law, and he was bound to the 
latter till eighteen, but remained on the farm till twenty-two. October 7, 1849, 
he married Mary A. Howard, of Miami County, Ohio, and became the father 
of nine children, viz.: Mrs. Elizabeth M. Snyder, Mrs. Sarah J. Casada, Mrs. 
Mary C. Lawrence, Mrs. Emma I. Snyder, Charles, Mrs. Ida E. Crowel, 
Effie A., Franklin and Joseph (deceased). In 1850, he rented a farm in Preble 
County ; in 1851, moved to a rented farm in Montgomery County ; in 1858, 



392 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

moved to another of 160 acres in Union Township, this county. In 1860, he 
purchased 40 acres, to which he added 40 more in 1866. In 1875, sold his 
land in Union, and bought 70 acres in this township, on which he has since 
resided. In August, 1862, he enlisted in the One Hundredth Indiana Volun- 
teers, and served till the close of the war, as Orderly Sergeant for two years, 
and then as First Lieutenant, and was under Sherman at Vicksburg, Mission 
Ridge, other important battles and the famous march to the]sea. The " Indiana 
Soldier" and "Sherman's Memoirs" give an incident of which he was the 
hero. He had been out on a foraging expedition with seventy men ; when four 
or five miles in advance of the column, came upon a band of rebels, which after- 
ward proved to be two brigades of cavalry, which Lieut. Biers and his men 
pursued three or four miles, not knowing their strength, and the rebels suppos- 
ing he was supported by the advancing army. 

JAMES BLEE is a native of County Donegal, Ireland, and was born 
February 22, 1810, one of twelve children of James and Margaret (Mahaffey) 
Blee. In 1833, accompanied by his brother John, he immigrated to America, 
and spent the time till 1841 in working about the country, part of the time in 
New Orleans. In the fall of 1841, he came to Jefferson Township, bought 
120 acres of land, increased it to several hundred, and still resides there with 
his brothers William and John. Mr. Blee was never married. In politics, he 
is a Democrat, and he is a member of the Catholic Church. 

FREDERICK BROCK is a native of Canton Basel, Switzerland, and was 
born April 1, 1822. His father and mother, Rudolph and Elizabeth (Smossman) 
Brock, also native of Switzerland, were the parents of five children, of whom 
our subject was the eldest. He received a good education in the old country, 
and emigrated thence in company with his parents in 1840, and came to Fair- 
field County, Ohio. He remained with them till of age, and then worked for 
himself three years at farming and carpentry. February 22, 1846, he married, 
in Fairfield County, Elizabeth Amman, also a native of Switzerland, and, in 
1850, came to Thorn Creek Township, this county, and settled on eighty acres 
improved land, where he remained till 1866, when he purchased the 100 acres 
in this township, where he now lives. In politics, Mr. Brock is a Democrat, 
and he held the office of Justice of the Peace from 1872 to 1876. 

JAMES BROXON was born in Kent County, Del., April 3, 1821, the 
only child of Daniel and Amelia (Ross) Broxon, natives respectively of 
England and Scotland. The father was a farmer, and died when our subject 
was but nine years old. Commencing the fall of 1836, James worked on a 
farm in Fayette County, Ind., three years, and the succeeding three years he 
served as apprentice to Jeremiah Jeffrey, a blacksmith. November 25, 1842, 
he married Margaret A. Tyner, of Fayette, and then started a blacksmith-shop 
of his own. In the fall of 1845, he located on eighty acres of unimproved 
land in Cass County, near Logansport, erected a forge and followed his trade. 
In the spring of 1854, he removed to this township, bought 160 acres of land, 



JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 393 

and for twelve years divided his time between his farm and shop. In 1866, he 
bought 220 acres in the eastern part of the township, where he now lives. His 
wife has borne him eleven children, of whom nine are still living — Melissa J., 
Amelia A., John T., Mary E., William C. (all married), and Walter M., Reu- 
ben E., Charles 0. and Laura D. (single). Mr. and Mrs. Broxon have been 
members of the Christian Church since 1840 ; he, also, is a Mason, and has 
been Postmaster at Saturn for fifteen years. He has held the office of Town- 
ship Trustee two years, was Justice of the Peace from 1858 to 1862, and again 
from 1866 to 1878. 

J. W. BURWELL is a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, born December 
13, 1847. His father, Joseph Burwell, was born in Westmoreland County, 
Penn., in 1817, and married in 1839, in Fairfield County, Ohio, where he 
remained until his death, March 7, 1863. Mrs. Deborah Burwell, the sub- 
ject's mother, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1817. After her hus- 
band's death, she removed to Whitley County, Ind., with her family, which 
comprised five children — Rebecca J., Sarah F., J. W., Margaret E. and Ellen 
M. She yet resides where she first settled on Section 34, Thorn Creek Town- 
ship. J. W. Burwell has been a resident of this county since coming here 
with his mother in the spring of 1865. September 21, 1871, he was married 
to Caroline C. Craft, who was born in Columbia City, Ind., March 13, 1852. 
He farmed the old homestead until in 1881, when he moved to Forest and em- 
barked in his present enterprise, buying out the firm of Edwards & Anderson, 
dealers in hardware and agricultural implements, and is meeting with deserved 
success. He also owns a farm in Thorn Creek Township. He and wife have 
had four children — Edna B., Cora E., deceased, Joseph P. and Lester E. 

JOSEPH BUSH was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, June 16, 1828, 
and was one of four children born to George and Catherine (Miller) Bush, 
natives of Germany and Pennsylvania, respectively. They moved to Stark 
County, Ohio, in 1830, and there resided till their death. In 1853, our sub- 
ject bought eighty acres of land in De Kalb County, Ind., and commenced 
clearing it, but in 1855 removed to this township and settled on eighty acres, 
where he has since lived. This farm he has increased to 200 acres, and it is 
one of the finest in the township, and well supplied with good buildings. 
March 11, 1852, he married Miss Auer Barbara, who died in 1872, and he 
subsequently married Catherine Wolfert, who has borne him six children : 
Amos, Sarah, Albert, Phoebe A., Wilson and Minerva J. Mr. Bush is a 
member of the Presbyterian Church, and in politics is a Democrat. 

HENRY C. CROWEL was born in Preble County, Ohio, August 4, 
1816, and was one of the nine children of Michael and Hannah (Wells) Cro- 
wel, natives of Maryland and South Carolina. At the age of sixteen, our 
subject left his home and entered an apprenticeship of three years to a tanner 
of New Paris, Preble County, and the next three years were passed in Cincin- 
nati in learning the carpenter's trade and in going to school ; in 1839, he 



394 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

moved to Madison County, and for three more years taught school. April 3, 
1842, he married Margaret Stickler, of Virginia, and then taught school in 
Preble County and in Wayne County, Ind., till the fall of 1844, when he 
came to this township and pre-empted forty acres of land, on which he still 
resides. In 1852, he went to California, and returned in 1856. Mrs. Crowel 
died May 21, 18J5, leaving five children of the seven borne by her, viz. : 
William, married and a prosperous farmer of the township ; Mrs. Margaret 
Foster, Mrs. Mary J. Creager, Elmina and Mrs. Tabitha Cooper. June 16. 
1867, our subject married Lucinda Mumford, of Miami County, Ohio, by 
whom he has had seven children, viz. : Orrie E., J. Fay, Jay, Elzinie, Roland 
H., Say J. and Charles 0. He is now the owner of 160 acres of well-improved 
land, is a member of Fort Wayne Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 25, and of Grange 
No. 1,163. He also served on the Board of Township Trustees and was a 
member of the Board of School Trustees under the old constitution. 

JAMES C. F. CROWEL was born in Preble County, Ohio, August 21, 
1830, the youngest of nine children born to Michael and Hannah (Wells) 
Crowel, natives respectively of Maryland and South Carolina. On reaching 
his majority, James started out as a peddler of books, which he followed three 
years; and the next three he spent in peddling jewelry, traveling, during this 
time, through twenty-seven States. Finally, in 1857, he commenced farming 
in this State, working for various parties, until, in 1865, he and his widowed 
mother settled on 160 acres of choice land in this township, which his father 
had bought for him when he was sixteen years of age, and on which he has 
since lived. August 17, 1869, he married Miss Margaret McLaughlin, and to 
their union have been born five children — Hannah L., Elizabeth J., Martha 
C, William M. and John T. Mr. Crowel is a man of extensive reading; he 
is a Granger, and in politics a Democrat. 

OLIVER J. CROWEL was born in Whitley County, Ind., June 7, 1850, 
the eldest of six children born to John W. and Martha (Sheaffer) Crowel, 
natives respectively of Preble County, Ohio, and Green County, Tenn. At 
the age of twenty-two he left the homestead and began working in a saw-mill 
in this township, and within a year bought a share in a portable saw-mill in 
Washington Township, which he ran till the summer of 1874. In the fall of 
1875, he purchased an interest in the saw-mill he at present owns in its en- 
tirety, and which he continues to successfully run. On the 24th of July, 
1875, he married Mary A. Schoda, and to their union have been born two 
children, Edward W. and Joy J. In politics, Mr. Crowel is a Democrat, and 
is looked upon as a rising and prosperous young business man. 

JONATHAN S. DUNFEE is a son of James and Sophie (Hazlett) 
Dunfee, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Kentucky, and 
was born in Adams County, Penn., June 9, 1326, being one of thirteen chil- 
dren. He was taken to Wayne County, Ohio, when but five years of age, and 
there reared and educated till twenty years of age, when he went to carpenter- 



tf 



JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 395 

ing for two years, and the following three acted as overseer for his widowed 
sister's farm in Holmes County, Ohio. October 19, 1848, he married Mary 
A. Quick, of Holmes County, Ohio, and in the fall of 1850 he came to this 
township and settled on the eighty acres of land where he now lives; and to 
these eighty, 412 have been since added as the result of industry and economy. 
He is the father of seven children, viz. : Justus C, Margaret W., David J., 
Martha E., Emily A., Althea M., and Louis W. ; and during all his stay in 
this county his doctor bills have not exceeded $35. He is a member of the 
U. B. Church, and in politics a Republican: his farm is in a high state of cul- 
tivation and supplied with excellent buildings, and the signs of prosperity and 
happiness are all about him. 

LEVI EBERSOLE is a native of Lancaster County, Penn., and was 
born April 15, 1838, the fourth of seven children of John and Sarah (Siberd) 
Ebersole, natives of that State. Our subject's father died when the former 
was eight years of age. At the age of sixteen, he went as apprentice to a 
bricklayer, and he has more or less followed that trade since he reached the 
age of eighteen, when he began for himself in Elizabethtown, Penn. In 1862, 
he moved to Wayne County, Ohio, and began farming. August 14, 1862, he 
married, in Wayne, Sarah E. Miller, and lived on a rented farm of eighty acres 
till the spring of 1865, when he bought and removed to the eighty-acre farm 
in this township, where he still lives, part of the time working at his trade. 
Of his eight children, five are still living, viz.: Emeline C, Margaret S., 
William W., Levi E. and Jennie M. He is a member of the United Brethren 
Church; in politics, he is a Democrat, and in the spring of 1882 was elected 
Trustee of Jefferson Township. 

BEMJAMIN F. IHRIG was born in Richland County, Ohio, April 1, 
1843, one of eleven children born to John and Ann (Lash) Ihrig, natives of 
Pennsylvania and New Jersey respectively. The family, when our subject was 
nine years of age, came to Washington Township, this county, where they 
located on 140 acres of land, and where the father died in 1847. Benjamin 
remained on the farm till of age, and then, for two years, worked for his 
neighbors. He married Martha A. Maring, October 25, 1866, and shortly 
after located on forty acres in this township, where he has since resided. He 
now owns 112 acres of the best land of the section, and on a part of it the 
town of Forest is now being built. To his marriage have been bora seven 
children, six of whom are yet living: Alfretta, Judson J., William W., Clar- 
ence W., Minnie L. and Florence. Mr. and Mrs. Ihrig are both members of 
the Christian Church ; and in politics he is a Republican. 

GEORGE JEFFRIES was born in Rush County, Ind., January 6, 
1836, to William and Elizabeth (Rippey) Jeffries, the parents of eight children. 
His father was a farmer, and came to this State from Kentucky in 1808, and 
his mother was a native of Ohio. With his parents, our subject came to this 
township in 1851, and he spent his time with them till he reached the age of 



396 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

thirty-two. October 20, 1867, he married Miss Axie Thomas, who was born in 
Huntington County, Ind. He then settled on 180 acres rich land, and has since 
added eighty more. He has two children, Minnie M. and Edna E. In youth 
he attended the common schools, the Fort Wayne High School one term, and 
Adrian (Mich.) College nearly two years. He held the office of Township 
Trustee from 1867 to 1868, and votes with the Republicans. He was twice 
drafted during the war, but procured substitutes. He has taught five terms of 
school, is a leading farmer, and a man of intelligence and influence. .j/ 

SYLVANIS KOONTZ was born in Stark County May 25, 1844, the 
son of Baltzer and Susannah (Whistler) Koontz, natives of Maryland and 
Pennsylvania respectively. When our subject was nine years old, he was 
brought by his parents to Washington Township, this county, where his father 
bought eighty acres of land, which he farmed till his death. In 1862, our sub- 
ject enlisted in Company I, Fifty-fourth Indiana Volunteers, and served fifteen 
months under Grant in the Mississippi campaign, taking part in nine battles. 
In October, 1864, here-enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Forty-second 
Indiana Volunteers, and served till the end of the war. Then he worked three 
years as a carpenter, and in 1870 began the study of medicine, attending the 
Ohio Medical College, and in 1872 commenced practice in Forest, where he 
now lives. March 15, 1874, he married Marilla J. Haley, who was born in 
Holmes County, Ohio, in 1843, and who died April 26, 1876. November 28, 
1878, he married Adelaide M. Kilpatrick, a native of Summit County, Ohio, 
and to this union there has been born one child, Jessie. Dr. Koontz is a mem- 
ber of I. 0. 0. F. Lodge, No. 546, and his wife is a member of the Lutheran 
Church. Baltzer Koontz, Sr., was born in Maryland, and married Cath- 
arine Harman, a native of the same State ; date of death unknown ; descend- 
ants, seven boys and two girls. Baltzer Koontz, Jr., third child of above, was 
born in Franklin County, Md., November 8, 1793 ; February 21, 1822, mar- 
ried Susannah Whistler, daughter of Andrew and Catharine Whistler, and born 
in Lancaster County, Penn., November 15, 1798; died November 12, 1877, 
in this county ; descendants, ten boys and four girls : Catharine Ann (de- 
ceased), Caroline, John W., George, Jacob, Elizabeth (deceased), Baltzer, Irvin 
W., Andrew (deceased), Alfred, Eli (deceased), Rebecca, Margaret A., William 
and Sylvanis. Mrs. Susannah (Whistler) Koontz still resides on the 
home farm, now under the charge of her son John W., in Washington Town- 
ship, this county. Mrs. Adelaide M. (Kilpatrick) Koontz, our subject's present 
wife, is the daughter of Hugh and Mary B. (Gaylord) Kilpatrick, and was born 
in 1858. 

CHARLES LIVENSPARGAR is the son of Jacob and Mary (Babb) 
Livenspargar, natives of Pennsylvania, where our subject was born July 18, 
1822, one of five children. He came with his parents, when two years old, to 
Summit County, Ohio, where his father died in 1830. Upon this event, he 
took up his home with his grandfather till he was seventeen, then went to live 



JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 397 

with his step-father, who was a farmer and weaver, where he remained till 
1846, dividing his time between the farm and the shop. The two following 
years he spent on his grandfather's farm, and then began teaming on his own 
account. He then bought a half-interest in a threshing machine and engine 
and ran them six years. In 1856, he hired to Ball, Aultman & Co., of Can- 
ton, Ohio, and worked for them seven years. Next, in 1864, he came to For- 
est, this township, and bought the saw-mill located there. He also owns eighty 
acres of land in the township and considerable property in the town of Forest. 
October 30, 1853, he married in Summit County, Ohio, Sophia R. Irwin, a 
native of Clearfield County, Penn., and who lived for some time in the family 
of the famous John Brown. To this union six children were born, four of 
whom are living — George F., James B., Amanda E. and Mittie L. In pol- 
itics, Mr. L. is a Democrat, and he was a Granger when that society was in 
existence. 

LEONARD S. MARING was born in Richland County, Ohio, March 6, 
1817, and was one of seven children born to Philip and Sarah (Lash) Maring, 
who were both natives of Virginia. January 16, 1841, our subject was mar- 
ried in Richland County, to Elizabeth Bell, a native of that county. He there 
rented a farm, on which he remained until the fall of 1843, when he came to 
Washington Township, this county, and settled on 100 acres of wild land, cut- 
ting his road eight miles through the wilderness, and camping out while his 
cabin was being built. Here he remained one year, and then moved to this 
township, and located on the 130 acres where he now lives. He is the father 
of six children — Mrs. Amina Bennett, Flora C, one who died in childhood, 
Weltha A., Charles H. (deceased), and Richard H. Mrs. Maring died July 8, 
1880, a consistent member of the Church of God, of which Mr. Maring is also 
a member. He is a Republican ; was elected Justice of the Peace at the first 
election ever held in the township, and held the office three years ; he was also 
a member of the Township Board of Trustees from 1848 until 1851. 

JOHN L. McGLAUGHLIN was born in Philadelphia March 28, 1837, 
and was the eldest of five children born to Thomas and Mary (Blee) McGlaugh- 
lin, natives of Ireland, who came to this county in 1841, and settled in this 
township, where the father died. John has remained on the homestead since 
childhood, and now owns one-half of the place. November 29, 1864, he was 
married in Chester County, Penn., to Kate Dougherty, who has borne him four 
children — Thomas, William E., Mary A., James. Mr. McGlaughlin served as 
Town Assessor in 1879, and is now Township Trustee. He is a member of 
the Catholic Church, and votes with the Democrats. 

JOHN H. McTAGERTT was born in Boone County, Ind., March 18, 
1809, and died January 14, 1880. He was of Scotch-Irish extraction, and 
when a boy was apprenticed to a tanner in Boone County, at Jamestown. When 
about eighteen, he began work in Louisiana, on the Mississippi banks, and then 
three years later took to trading and boating on the river. About 1836, he 



398 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

came to Huntington County, Ind., and traded with the Indians, and for a time 
ran a saw-mill. About 1840, in connection with another party, he bought 
several hundred acres of land in Huntington and Whitley Counties, and in 
1844 settled in the southeast corner of Jefferson Township, where he died. 
He was married in Huntington County, December 13, 1843, to Catherine Lewis, 
and to their union were born two children, both now deceased, the mother dying 
February 2, 1852. The latter part of the same year he married Mary J. Mc- 
Clellan, who bore him two children — Jesse V. and Estella, the latter deceased. 
Jesse V. has always lived on the old homestead, where he was born October 
8, 1853. November 25, 1879, he married Caroline Miller, a native of Fort 
Wayne, and to them has been born one child — Estella B. Jesse now owns a 
farm of 288 acres, lying partly in Huntington County. He is a Democrat, as 
was also his father. 

ROBERT L. PENCE, born in Stark County, Ohio, June 2, 1835, was 
one of seven children of William and Nancy (Black) Pence, who were natives 
of Pennsylvania and Ireland respectively. Our subject left the home of his 
parents at the age of seventeen, to fight the battle of life for himself, and farmed 
for different parties till 1855, in which year, on February 22, he was mar- 
ried to Mary A. Ummel, born in Columbiana County, Ohio, and who bore him 
seven children, two only of whom are living — William E. and Hiram M. Mrs. 
Pence died February 10, 1866, and March 20, 1867, Mr. P. took for his 
second wife Magdalen Biery, also a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, by 
whom also he had six children — Norman H., Cora E.. Corwin, Denver N., 
Charles E., Harvey E. Mr. Pence owns eighty acres of fine land in this town- 
ship, and a one-half interest in the Forest Flouring Mill, which he purchased 
the spring of 1882. In politics, he is a Democrat, and in 1869 was elected 
Justice of the Peace, which office he still retains. 

JOSEPH B. PLUMMER was born in Preble County, Ohio, April 4, 
1839, the third of a family of six children, born to Samuel and Catherine (Berry) 
Plummer, natives of North Carolina and Ohio. At the age of twenty, our sub- 
ject came with his parents to this township, where the father bought eighty 
acres of land, and where Joseph lived till he reached his majority. August 
17, 1862, he enlisted in Company F, One Hundredth Indiana Volunteer Infan- 
try ; was wounded at the battle of Mission Ridge, and was honorably dis- 
charged January 17, 1865. After his return from the war, he worked as a 
carpenter until the fall of 1868, when he moved on a farm of eighty acres in 
this township he had purchased three years previously, and he still resides 
there. October 21, 1866, he married Amelia A. Broxon, of Rush County, 
Ind., and to their union have been born two children — Henry and Lewis. 
He and his wife are members of the Disciples' Church, and in politics he is a 
Republican. He has a comfortable home and a well-cultivated farm, and is a 
prosperous agriculturist. 



JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 399 

B. F. PUTT, M. D., is the son of John W. and Mary Putt. His father 
was born in Washington County, Md., March 24, 1819, the son of Benjamin 
and Barbara Putt, born in the said county. They moved to Stark County, 
Ohio, in 1826, and settled on the spot where Massillon now stands. Benjamin 
was born in 1756, and was of Holland descent. At the age of nineteen, he 
enlisted in the Revolutionary war, serving under Capt. George Lancaster a part 
of the time and under George Washington the balance. After the war, he set- 
tled on a farm in Bucks County, Penn. Was married, in 1813, to Barbara 
Lawmen ; moved to Washington County, Md., and, in 1826, to Stark County, 
Ohio, and there died in 1852, aged ninety-six years, his wife surviving him 
four years. They left a family of four boys and three girls. John W. was the 
fourth son, was born in Washington County March 24, 1819, came with his 
parents to Ohio, and was there married, January 1, 1841, to Mary Wiest, who 
was born in Huntingdon County, Penn., January 1, 1819, the daughter of 
Jacob and Catharine Wiest, who emigrated from Germany to Cumberland 
County, Penn., about 1805, and purchased a large tract of land, which was all 
lost through a poor title, and then moved, in 1827, to Massillon, Ohio, where 
the father shortly after died, leaving a wife and seven children, Mary being the 
eldest daughter ; shortly after, the mother followed the father. John W. fol- 
lowed his trade of wagon-maker in Stark County until 1853, when he moved to 
Allen County, Ind., and purchased the farm on which he and wife now reside, 
enjoying life at the ripe age of sixty-five, after having reared a family of eight 
children, born and named as follows : Sarah A., October 9, 1841 ; Harvey A., 
May 20, 1843; Caroline, April 19, 1845: William, March 25, 1849; John, 
March 24, 1851 ; Benjamin F., August 16, 1853 ; Rosana, March 19, 1858, 
died January 23, 1861 ; Charlie, August 6, 1859. At the age of six years, 
our subject, Benjamin F., began his studies in a country school, which he con- 
tinued till his twelfth year, when the family moved to Fort Wayne ; here he 
attended the Western College four years, when his father moved back to his 
farm. The New Year's Eve of 1868, our subject lost three fingers from his left 
hand by the explosion of a gun, which accident disabled him as a farmer, and 
he then began the study of medicine. Having already acquired considerable 
knowledge of anatomy and physiology, he made very rapid progress. He 
entered a drug store at Nine Mile, Allen County, as druggist and Deputy 
Postmaster, at the same time practicing medicine until 1876, when the Medical 
College at Fort Wayne was organized. Here he attended a five-months course 
of lectures, had access to the hospital wards daily, and read in the office of W. 
H. Myers, the well-known surgeon. Having completed his collegiate course, 
he came to Forest in 1877, and resumed practice in association with Dr. John 
Richards, and soon gained the confidence of the public as a competent, careful 
and attentive physician. April 17, 1878, he married Miss Lillian E. Barger, 
daughter of Elias and Mary Barger. Elias Barger was born in Mahoning 
County, Ohio, October 15, 1833, his wife in Delaware County, Ind., October 



400 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

4, 1833, and they were married at Roanoke, Huntington County, Ind., Sep- 
tember 10, 1857, where they still reside, enjoying every comfort and the 
respect of all who know them, and the enduring love of their two children — 
Lillian E., born April 2, 1860, and Flora E., born August 29, 1862. Shortly 
after his marriage, Dr. Putt purchased property at Forest, and withdrew from 
his partnership with Dr. Richards. In 1881, he took a second course of lect- 
ures at Fort Wayne College, and graduated with high honors. His practice 
is now very extensive as well as lucrative. He has a fine residence, a well- 
stored library, and has made a number of paying investments. He has one 
son — Harold F., born September 23, 1880. He is a member of the Masonic 
order, which he joined in 1876 ; and is also Deputy District Grand Master of 
the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and is altogether a popular and rising 
young man. 

JOHN RICHARDS, M. D., son of William and Rachel Richards, is the 
eldest of a family of seven children, and was born October 21, 1836, at Gettys- 
burg, Darke County, Ohio. His father was a native of Kentucky, and his 
mother of Tennessee ; the former was born June 28, 1813, and the latter June 
30, 1809. They were married in Darke County, Ohio, in 1835, and resided 
a short time at the town of Gettysburg, removing in 1840 to Indiana. Her 
death occurred in this county September 5, 1864, and the following year 
William Richards went to Andrew County, Mo. In 1874, he returned to this 
State and settled at Five Points, in Allen County, where he died on the 9th of 
the ensuing June. John Richards, with his parents, went to the town of War- 
ren, and there engaged in teaching school. In the fall of 1855, he abandoned 
this pursuit and studied medicine one year with Dr. Law, and one year was 
under the tutelage of Dr. Palmer. After attending a course of lectures at 
Rush Medical College, Chicago, he returned to Warren and resumed studying 
under his old preceptor, remaining with him until August 1, 1859, when he 
began practicing at Dundee, Blackford County, Ind. After nine months, he 
went to Lancaster, Huntington County, Ind., and while there was actively 
engaged in practicing his profession. October 26, 1862, he came to this 
county. In the fall of 1870 he went to Cincinnati, and after attending sev- 
eral courses of lectures at the Eclectic Medical College, graduated from that 
institution May 25, 1871. He returned to this county, and soon after located at 
Forest, where he has built up a large practice, and, as the leading physician, 
has the confidence of the community. He also is engaged to some extent in 
the milling business, and is the patentee of several inventions. Dr. Richards 
was married to Elizabeth Williams October 6, 1858. She was born in Preble 
County, Ohio, July 5, 1839. They are the parents of the following children : 
Mary A., William R., John S. (deceased), Edwin R. and Lillian E. 

FREDERICK SCHOENAUER was born in Switzerland April 3, 1831, 
the second of four children born to John and Magdalen (Salomon) Schoenaner, 
and at the age of twenty-one came with his elder brother to America, and be- 



JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 401 

gan working in Holmes County, Ohio, on a farm by the month. Two years 
later, he went to Wells County, and in 1857 returned to Holmes, and married 
Sarah Fabra, a native of that county. In 1859, he came to Elkhart County, 
this State, farmed one year, then changed to Cold Springs, Etna Township, 
this county, invested in a stock of dry goods and groceries, and ran a store for 
four years. In 1864, he was drafted, and served till the close of the war. In 
1865, he settled on twenty acres of land in this township he had purchased before 
the war, remaining on it a little over a year ; in 1867, he bought forty acres of 
the farm on which he now lives, which he has increased to 120 acres of as fine 
land as there is in the township. Of ten children born to him, eight are living, 
as follows : Alfred, William, Mrs. Mary L. Hasty, John F., Edward C, Sarah 
A., Ella J. and Clara E. In politics, he is a Democrat, and his religion is that 
of the German Reformed Church. 

MAEROD SCHIMBECKLER was born in Switzerland January 15, 1815, 
and was one of seven children born to Frederick and Benedicta Schimbeckler' 
Our subject remained on his father's farm till he reached the age of sixteen, 
and then for two years worked for others in the neighborhood, after which he 
engaged for eight years longer in dairies in the southern part of the German 
empire. In 1849, he came to this country, and for two years worked at car- 
pentering in Stark County, Ohio, after which he rented a forty-acre farm, ran 
it two years, then moved to eighty acres in the vicinity, and shortly after made 
a third location. In 1854, he came to Wells County, this State, worked a 
year at his trade, and in the spring of 1855, bought eighty acres of land in 
this township, on which he has ever since lived. May 13, 1849, in Stark 
County, Ohio, he married Mary Auer, a native of Germany, and to their 
union were born thirteen children, of whom nine still live, viz. : Mrs. Mary A. 
Walters; Fred, married; Mrs. Leh Clark; Mrs. Susan Kiefer; Frank, mar- 
ried ; Katie, Lizzie, Augustus and Emma. Mrs. Schimbeckler died in 
October, 1866, and our subject, in 1870, married Katherina Kaufman, who 
was born in Germany and died in the fall of 1873. 

HENRY VOGELEY was born in Canton Schaffhausen, Switzerland, 
March 20, 1836, one of six children born to Jacob and Anna (Wiirtenberger) 
Vogeley. The father, who was a farmer, died in his native land in 1857. Our 
subject left his father's farm at the age of twenty-four, and came to this 
country, expecting to return in at least three years. He landed in New York 
in May, 1860, and thence came directly to Stark County, Ohio, and went to 
work on the farm of Nathan Shaffer, and remained till the fall of 1862. The 
following spring he came to this township and bought eighty acres of partly 
improved land, on which he still resides. July 23, 1863, he was married to 
Catharine Smith in Stark County, Ohio. In 1870, he paid a visit to the land 
of his birth, and returned the year following. In politics, he is a Democrat, 
and held the office of Township Trustee from 1876 to 1880 ; and in the spring 
of 1882 was elected Assessor of Jefferson Township. 



402 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : 

MANFORD D. YONTZ was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, December 
30, 1847, one of four children born to William H. and Sarah (Chapman) 
Yontz, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Ohio. The father is 
a carpenter, and about the year 1867 came to Columbia City, where he still 
resides. The first three months after his arrival in Columbia, our subject, then 
twenty years old, worked in a saw-mill, then took a position in Mr. Bain- 
bridge's dry goods store, which he retained till 1872, when he took charge of 
a stock of goods belonging to Ulerich & Worth, and in 1875 again entered the 
employ of Mr. Bainbridge. In 1878, he was given charge of a store belong- 
ing to Mr. D. M. Bainbridge, in Forest, where he now lives. July 28, 1870, 
he married Peoria Rice, native of Peoria, 111., and to their union have been 
born two children — Ora N. and Cora B. He is a member of the M. E. 
Church and of I. 0. 0. F. Lodge, No. 176. He is a Democrat, was Treasurer 
of Columbia City in 1874, and in the spring of 1882 was nominated for County 
Auditor. He has always taken an active part in politics, and is looked on as 
one of the rising young men of the county. 

WILLIAM A. YOUNG was born in Summit County, Ohio, February 9, 
1844 ; he is the son of Samuel and Sarah (Shook) Young, and the eldest of a 
family of ten children. William was eight years old when his parents moved 
to Washington Township, this county, and he remained with them till twenty- 
three years of age — the last two in his father's saw-mill. After his father's 
death, in 1867, he bought his father's share in the mill, and in 1876 it was 
removed to Forest, where it is still in operation, in connection with the Forest 
Flouring Mills, which were erected by Young & Co., and which have con- 
tributed materially to the growth of the place. December 7, 1868, he married 
Mary E. Wince, who was born in Muskingum County, Ohio. This couple are 
the parents of five children, viz., Clara A., Ina I., Byron E., Samuel O. and 
Ora. Mr. Young received a good common-school education, and since his 
majority has voted with the Democratic party. 



THORN CREEK TOWNSHIP. 

ANDREW ADAMS was the third of a family of five children, two boys 
and three girls, born to James and Jane Adams, who were of Scotch descent. 
The father died in Ireland and the mother in Ohio. Our orphaned subject 
was left in charge of an uncle, with whom he remained till eighteen years old ; 
having in the meantime acquired a common-school education and learned to be 
a machinist, he spent some thirty-five years in Eastern and Southern cities, 
working at his trade and other kinds of labor, saving his earnings while single 
and buying with them 320 acres of land in this township. In Beaver County, 
Penn., October 8, 1854, he married Miss Elizabeth Elliott, daughter of George 
and Elizabeth (McDonald) Elliott, yet living in Beaver at the ages of eighty- 



THORN CREEK TOWNSHIP. 403 

seven and eighty-two years. Our subject began house-keeping here in the 
woods, but increased his land to 1,000 acres, and has owned as high as 1,200 
acres, all improved. He unites live stock raising with farming, and, when his 
sons were at home, handled 100 head of cattle, 300 to 500 head of sheep and 
hogs, and 8 to 10 horses per year. He at present grazes about 75 head' of cat- 
tle. He has assisted his sons in business, and reduced his real estate to 400 
acres. His son, John, is in commercial business at Columbia City ; Thomas 
C. is a merchant at Albion, Noble County ; and Andrew, Jr., resides in Cali- 
fornia. Our subject is an active Democrat, and has served a term of six years 
as County Commissioner ; he and wife are members of the Presbyterian 
Church. 

JOHN Q. ADAMS was born in Ireland November, 1826, son of James 
Adams, who was of Scotch descent. Subject spent his boyhood partly in New 
York and partly in Ohio. He received a common-school education and learned 
the machinist's trade, which he followed at various places till about twenty-two 
years of age, when he settled in Columbiana County, Ohio, as a farmer, aban- 
doning his trade on account of declining health. Here he married, September 
28, 1852, Christina Elliott, a daughter of George and Elizabeth (McDonald) 
Elliott, and born in Columbiana May 20, 1827. When they came to Whitley 
County, they located on 171 acres of partly improved land, known as the 
Grable farm, and after clearing twelve or fifteen acres, sold out and bought 
160 acres in this township, all in the woods, to which they have added till they 
now possess 800 acres, about 180 of which are cleared, and finely improved 
with frame dwelling, two good barns and all other needful outbuildings. Our 
subject, in 1866, was elected County Treasurer, and re-elected in 1868 ; he 
had also served as Justice of the Peace two terms of four years each. He is a 
member of Columbia City Lodge, No. 169, A., F. & A. M., and he and wife 
are members of the Presbyterian Church. He is the father of six children, 
as follows : George, John W., Charles, James McD., Andrew A. (at Jefferson 
College, Penn.) and Frank E. (at school at Valparaiso, Ind.). He has assisted 
in setting up his elder sons in business, and for the past ten years has 
devoted more of his attention to stock-raising than farming, and rears annually 
35 to 40 head of cattle, 30 to 35 hogs, 25 sheep and 6 to 8 horses. 

JOSIAH ARCHER is the son of Josiah and Nancy C. Archer, who 
emigrated from Ireland, their native country, to America, settling in Richland 
County, Ohio, where the subject was born August 27, 1846. His mother died 
there ; and his father, in 1849, went to California, and for about eighteen 
years past no intelligence has been received from him. Josiah Archer received 
the common-school advantages, and worked on a farm up to the time of enlist- 
ing in Company A, Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He saw four years' 
active service, and was with his regiment in the following engagements : Shiloh, 
siege of Corinth, Perryville, Stone River, Chattanooga, Chickamauga, Mission 
Ridge, Dalton, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, siege of At- 



404 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : 

lanta, battle of Jonesboro, Duck River, Tenn., and Franklin and Nashville. 
He was discharged at Victoria, Texas. December 28, 1871, Mr. Archer was 
married to Miss Alice A. Barney, daughter of Everett and Mary Barney, who 
came from York State to Allen County, Ind., where they located, subsequently 
removing to this township, where they died. Mr. Archer located on his present 
farm of 108 acres soon after his marriage, where he has since followed farming 
and live-stock raising quite extensively. Mrs. Archer is a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, and they have a family of five children — Chloe, 
Everett, Josiah, Bertha and Earl D. 

GEORGE BOWER was born in Licking County, Ohio, February 2, 
1828, and was the son of Jacob and Mary Bower, who were born in Pennsyl- 
vania, the father dying in Perry County, Ohio, and the mother living with her 
daughter in Van Wert County, active and hale at the age of eighty-four years. 
Our subject was married, in Perry County, February 13, 1845, to Miss Mar- 
garet Alabaugh, native of Rockingham County, Va., and daughter of David 
and Elizabeth Alabaugh, natives of the same county. In 1849, subject and 
wife came to this township, and on the 6th of October located on present farm, 
which Mr. Bower had purchased without first viewing, but which proved to be 
better than represented. To the first eighty acres he has added till he has 280 
acres, and has also presented another lot of eighty acres to his son. He has now 
210 acres under cultivation. April 2, 1878, our subject's dwelling was set on 
fire, between 11 and 12 o'clock at night, by which he lost house, clothing, 
furniture, his barn and straw rick, but has recovered them all. He and wife are 
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and have had nine children, viz. : 
William, married ; Jacob, married ; David, killed by a falling tree limb ; 
Samantha ; Charles, married ; Annie, Alice, Elmer and Samuel. 

THOMAS EGNER was born in Lancaster County, Penn., January 10, 
1811, and was the son of Peter and Susan Egner, who emigrated to Ohio in 
1827, and in that State died. Our subject resided with his parents till twenty- 
six years old; he married Rebecca Rush, September 22, 1841, in Richland 
County, Ohio; she died in October, 1854. He then married Mrs. Cynthia 
Elliott, a widow, and native of Virginia, who died in Wabash County in Octo- 
ber, 1859. January 12, 1861, he married Mrs. Elizabeth A. Goudy, a widow, 
and native of New Jersey. They came to this township in 1879, and pur- 
chased a farm, where they have ever since resided. Our subject's family num- 
ber twenty-four children, as follows : By his first wife — Emanuel, married and 
living in Wabash County; Eli, deceased; Charlotte, married and living in 
Thorn Creek; Martin; Susan; Samuel, in Illinois; Elizabeth, married and in 
Wabash County. By his second wife — Cynthia, married, and in Reno, Kan. ; 
Priscilla, married, in Wabash County. By his present wife — David, John W., 
Rebecca, Sarah (deceased), and Julia H., children of his present wife, by her 
first marriage — Willis, married; Maria, married; Jacob, married; William, 
single ; James, deceased. Children of his late wife by her first marriage : 



THORN CREEK TOWNSHIP. 405 

Emaline, married; Ruth A., married; Hile, George and Etna (the last named 
deceased). 

ADAM EGOLF, a native of Montgomery County, Penn., born August 
6, 1800, is the son of Henry and Polly Egolf, the former a native of Vermont 
and the latter of Pennsylvania. After the death of Henry Egolf, which oc- 
curred in Ohio, his wife moved to this State, where she afterward died. Adam 
Egolf lived in his native State until the age of nineteen, and there acquired a 
common education. He then went to Ohio with his parents, and assisted in 
clearing the home farm. He was married in Fairfield County, to Miss Susan 
Shriner, a native of Ohio, in October, 1823. Her father, Peter Shriner, native 
of Virginia, died in this State. Mr. and Mrs. Egolf, until they came to this 
township and settled in June, 1837, lived on his farm of eighty acres in Lick- 
ing County, Ohio. They were among the earliest pioneers here, and found the 
forests filled with Indians and wild animals. His first purchase included 240 
acres of land, and until he could raise a log cabin, he built a temporary dwell- 
ing of rails. Mr. Egolf cleared ninety acres of his farm and increased it to 600 
acres, and has given land to his children. His first wife died in 1841. They 
had eight children — Peter, a resident of Michigan; Elizabeth, deceased; Cath- 
arine, of Noble County ; Anna, deceased ; Henry, of this township ; John, of 
Michigan ; and Benjamin of this township. Mr. Egolf married his present 
wife, Mrs. Lydia Witham, in 1842. She was born in Washington County, 
Ohio, and is the daughter of Abel and Nancy Gates, the latter a native 
of Delaware. They died in Ohio. Mr. Egolf held the office of County 
Commissioner six years, and that of Township Trustee, six or seven years ; 
also served as Justice of the Peace one term. By his second wife Mr. 
Egolf had seven children — Rachel, George W. and Melissa, residents of this 
township; Jemima, of Columbia Township; Adam J., of this township; Har- 
vey M., an M. D. at Collamer, this county; and Lydia A., of Columbia Town- 
ship. Mr. Egolf, in his hunting experience has killed four hundred deer, and 
numbers of other wild animals. 

SILAS GOODRICH was born in Delaware County, Ohio, February 14, 

1835, the son of Price and Julia A. Goodrich, natives of Connecticut and New 

York. They came to Indiana in May, 1838, and located in the forests of 

Richland Township, this county, our subject being but three years old. Here 

he received advantage of all the school facilities available, and remained with 

his parents till November, 1856, when he married, in Troy Township, Miss 

Amanda E. Elder, daughter of Samuel and Annie Elder, who were of Scotch 

descent. Mrs. Goodrich died in 1862, the mother of three children — Olive 

(deceased), Addie (married), and Emma J. (deceased). Our subject's second 

marriage was to Adeline Cook, daughter of Henry and Catharine Cook, and 

took place in this township. During his first marriage, he resided in Troy, 

now Richland Township, on fifty acres of land, of which he had thirty under 

cultivation, and a year after his second marriage he sold out, then purchased 

w 



406 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

320 acres with steam mill, ran the same with a partner two years, sold, moved 
to Keokuk County, Iowa, remained there two years, returned to Troy Town- 
ship for two years, then purchased his present farm of eighty-one acres in this 
township, of which fifty-five acres are under cultivation. His second wife died 
in 1873, and was the mother of three children — Emma, Cora and Jennie, the 
last deceased. His third marriage was in Union Township, to Miss Addie 
Miner, daughter of Samuel and Mary Miner, who live in Columbia City. 
This lady has borne him two children — Esther and Leroy. Mr. Goodrich is a 
member of Columbia City Lodge, No. 176, I. 0. 0. F., and has served as 
Justice of the Peace since 1877. 

DANIEL HIVELY was born in Rockingham County, Va., October 15, 
1798, the son of Paul and Catharine Hively, who were natives of Pennsyl- 
vania, but died in Ohio. Our subject attended school in the latter State, and 
resided on his father's farm, and worked occasionally for neighbors until Dec- 
ember, 1824, when he married Catharine Egolf, native of Pennsylvania, and 
daughter of Henry and Mary Egolf, of said State, who died respectively in 
Ohio, and Thorn Creek Township, this county. Subject and wife began house- 
keeping on rented land in Ohio, and six years later purchased 120 acres in 
Licking County, cleared up and put thirty acres under cultivation, then sold, 
and in June, 1837, came to this township and bought eighty acres of his 
present farm, all in the forest. Here they lived under a wagon cover till a 
spot was cleared for a cabin, their nearest neighbors being more than a 
/ mile away, and very few in the township; but deer and other game were 
plenty, and a turkey could be killed at pleasure. Our subject subsequently 
added eighty acres to his farm, entered 160, and then purchased 160 and 320, 
of which he has given eighty acres to each of his seven sons, retaining eighty 
for himself. There have been born to him children, as follows : Mary (widow), 
Catharine, Henry (deceased), Jonathan, Mahala, Daniel, Elizabeth A., Samuel, 
Benjamin, George W., Isaac, Solomon and Sarah, all of whom are married. 
Subject and wife are members of the Lutheran Church, and are among the 
oldest settlers, and most respected members of the community. 

GEORGE W. HIVELY was born in Thorn Creek Township, September 
20, 1841, the son of Daniel and Catharine Hively, natives respectively of 
Rockingham County, Va., and Montgomery County, Penn. Our subject has 
always lived in Whitley County, where he was educated in the district schools, 
and helped his father on his farm. May 4, 1865, he married Miss Mary 
Miller, daughter of Solomon and Malinda Miller, and a native of this town- 
ship. They began housekeeping in the woods on 180 acres, which had been 
given to our subject by his father. He cleared up thirty-five acres, sold, and 
purchased his present farm of eighty acres, mostly improved, and fifty acres 
under high cultivation, a portion of which subject cleared, and on which he 
has built a good residence. He and Wife are members of the Baptist Church, 
and have two children — Lovina and Ira W. 



THORN CREEK TOWNSHIP. 407 

TURBET KEIRN was born in Kent County, Del., September 28, 1825, 
the son of Isaac and Elizabeth Keirn, natives of Maryland and Delaware. 
They came to this township in the fall of 1836, and here died. Our subject 
assisted his father on the farm, and on their first settlement here helped him to 
clear a road three miles east and three miles west of their home, by which to 
reach their nearest neighbors. When nineteen years old, he hired out for one 
year at $8 per month, together with washing and mending ; second year at $10, 
and two more at $12. He then bought forty acres in the forest, and cleared 
them up. July 16, 1849, he married Mrs. Sarah Hanes, a widow, and a na- 
tive of Pennsylvania. . They lived on the forty-acre lot till 1861, sold out and 
bought eighty acres, fifty-five of which he cleared and inclosed the whole. His 
wife died January 6, 1881, leaving nine children, viz. : Susan, Isaac S., Sam- 
uel R., Nathan J., Rebecca H., Jonathan W., Emmet G. T., Franklin M. R. 
and Ellen. 

GIDEON T. KLINCK was born in the State of New York March 23, 
1810, and was the son of David and Ruth (Smith) Klinck ; the father of Ger- 
man descent, and the mother native of Massachusetts. The father was a 
miller, and died in Fayette County, Ind., and the mother died in Shelby 
County. Our subject attended school in Connersville, Fayette County, and 
afterward learned saddle and harness making, serving an apprenticeship of 
four years, and working as a jouneyman off and on for ten years. In 1832 or 
1833, he was married, in Fayette County, to Miss Fannie Williams, a native of 
that county, and daughter of Jonas and Sallie Williams; born in New York, 
and died in Fayette County, Ind. Our subject first kept house in Shelby 
County, but soon returned to Fayette, where Mrs. Klinck died. In 1840, our 
subject married Miss Elizabeth Hornaday, a native of North Carolina. Soon 
after this marriage, he removed to Illinois, made a pre-emption, and then 
traded for eighty acres in this township, to which he removed in 1842 ; cleared 
twenty-five or thirty acres, sold, purchased eighty acres of his present farm, 
and added, by degrees, till he now owns 325 acres, 160 of which are under 
cultivation. He gives some attention to live stock, and sells annually fifteen 
head cattle, six horses, hogs fifteen, sheep fifteen to twenty. He has served as 
Township Treasurer one term. By his first wife he had one daughter — Olive, 
who is deceased ; and by his second marriage, three children, viz. : Horace 
(was taken prisoner at Chattanooga, exchanged, and there died), Anna and 
Sarah E., both married, and living in Thorn Creek. 

HENRY KNIGHT, Jr., was born in Stark County, Ohio, March 12, 
1831 ; the son of Henry and Mary Knight. The mother died in Stark County 
when our subject was two years of age, and the father, who came to Indiana in 
1841, died on the present homestead. Our subject attended the district school, 
kept in a 14x16 structure of round logs, with puncheon floor, and a single pane 
of glass for a window. He remained with his father until March, 1851, when 
he married Miss Nancy Witham, daughter of Elisha Witham, of Ohio. Our 



408 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

subject has always kept house on the present farm. The first land he purchased 
on his own account was in 1852, and constitutes part of the old farm. To this 
he has added from time to time till he now owns 280 acres in one lot, of which 
150 are under a high state of cultivation. He also gives considerable attention 
to stock-raising, and sells annually about 30 head of cattle, 60 of hogs, from 
60 to 120 head of sheep, and 5 to 8 horses. Mrs. Knight died in March, 1874, 
leaving nine children, viz., Cornelius, married and living in Kansas ; Sarah 
J., married and living in Thorn Creek; Mary, married, in Columbia City; 
Martha, married, in Thorn Creek ; James W. (deceased), William, Eliza, Clara 
and George, all single and residing with their father. 

HARVEY R. LAVERING was born in Knox County, Ohio, November 
6, 1819 ; the son of Jonathan and Anna Layering, natives, respectively, of 
Pennsylvania and New Jersey. They emigrated at an early day to Ohio, but 
subsequently removed to Missouri, where they died. Our subject received a 
plain, common-school education, and then served five years as apprentice to a 
millwright in Ohio. He followed the business two or three years, and then, in 
December, 1843, married Miss Rebecca Dye, whose parents, Andrew and 
Lucretia Dye, were born in Pennsylvania, and died in Morrow County, Ohio. 
Our subject kept house in Ohio over four years, and then came to his present 
farm in this township, in 1849, on which he has ever since resided. He bought 
160 acres wild land, cleared a spot on which to build, moved in October 8, and 
sowed his wheat November 9. He has now from sixty-five to seventy acres 
under cultivation. Mrs. Lavering was a member of the Disciples' Church, 
and died August 15, 1878, the mother of ten children, viz.: Charles, married, 
and living in Kansas ; Anna, Lucretia and Morgan, all married and living in 
this township ; Thomas, Sarah J., William and Franklin, all dead ; Mary, 
widow in Butler, Ind ; and John E., single and residing with his father. 

JOHN MAGLEY was born August 22, 1823, in Canton Berne, Switzer- 
land. His parents, Christian and Elizabeth (Flickinger) Magley, natives of 
Switzerland, emigrated in the fall of 1831 to Buffalo, N. Y., where they spent 
the winter, and in the spring of 1832, went to Fairfield County, Ohio. Chris- 
tian Magley was a clock-tinker by trade, and also followed farming in his 
native country. He died in Franklin County, Ohio, and his wife died during 
the winter after their arrival here. John Magley received a good education, 
both in German and English, and learned the carpenter's trade. In 1847, he 
visited his native country, and spent the time in traveling and attending school. 
In 1848, he returned to America, and was married at Columbus, Ohio, to Miss 
Elizabeth Magley, February 3, 1853. She is the daughter of Conrad and 
Mary Magley. They were born in Canton Berne, Switzerland, and Mary 
Magley died there. He came to America in 1846, and located in Licking 
County, Ohio. He is now living at Bluffton, Ind., with a second wife, who is 
a native of Switzerland, and crossed the ocean at the age of sixteen. Mr. and 
Mrs. Magley resided at Etna, Licking County, Ohio, until the fall of 1854, 



THORN CREEK TOWNSHIP. 409 

when they came to Indiana and settled in this township, where he had previ- 
ously purchased forty acres of land. Mr. Magley has taught school to some 
extent, and has served two terms as Township Trustee, being first elected to 
that office in 1878. Mrs. Magley is a member of the M. E. Church. They 
are the parents of nine children — Benjamin F., a resident of this township ; 
William H., in post office at Columbia City ; John W., clerking at same place ; 
Ella E., Lucy M., Adella (deceased), Alice (deceased) and Ida (twins), and 
Homer S. 

JAMES McKOWN was born near Trenton, N. J., June 25, 1818, and 
was the son of Henry and Elizabeth McKown, natives of Ireland and New 
Jersey, who died in Stark County, Ohio. Our subject spent his boyhood in 
Stark and Columbiana Counties, and never saw a schoolhouse till fourteen years 
of age. Six months would cover the whole of his school-days. He began life 
by working by the month, shaving shingles, digging wells, etc. His first land 
purchase was forty acres in Portage River bottom, Hancock County, Ohio. In 
this county, June 20, 1848, he married Miss Lydia Brenner, a native of Stark 
County, Ohio, and daughter of George Benner, a native of Germany. They 
kept house on the forty acres five or six years, then sold out and came to this 
township, where he bought eighty acres of wild land, which he has nicely im- 
proved. He has served as Constable eight months, and is a member of Colum- 
bia City Lodge, A., F. & A. M. His wife is a member of the Dunker Church. 
They have had a family of eleven children as follows : George (deceased), 
Amanda and Mary A. (both married and living in Richland Township), 
Melissa (deceased), Huldah, Luke (deceased) Celeste, Oscar, Minerva, Charles 
and Jacob. 

PETER MILLER was born in Pennsylvania November 11, 1811, the 
son of Adam and Mary Miller, natives of Germany, who came to America in 
1802. Our subject was taught to be a cooper, and in 1835 emigrated to Ohio, 
where he followed his trade for twenty-one years. In April, 1837, he married 
Sarah Snider, the daughter of John and Elizabeth Snider, of Pennsylvania. 
He farmed on his seventy-five-acre lot after marriage for a number of years, 
and then sold out and located on 217 acres in this township, which he has im- 
proved highly, and on which he has a fine frame residence. Mrs. Miller died 
April 1, 1880, leaving three children — Mary E., married, and living in Rich- 
land Township ; Samuel; and Henry W., who owns the old farm. Henry W. 
Miller was born in Clark County, Ohio, June 24, 1849, and came to Indiana 
with his parents. He was married, in Union Township, September 5, 1875, 
to Mary J. Spear, who died November 19, 1876. November 28, 1878, he 
married Elizabeth Zellers, a daughter of John Zellers, native of Pennsylvania, 
and began housekeeping on his present farm of 217 acres. By his first wife 
there were born to him two children — Elizabeth H. and Mary J., twins, and 
by his second wife one child, Alma H. 



410 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

SOLOMON MILLER was born in Perry County, Ohio, July 22, 1822, 
to George and M. Catharine (Humbarger) Miller, natives of Pennsylvania. 
The father died in Ohio, and the mother came to Indiana and lived on her own 
property till she became quite feeble, when she took up her residence with our 
subject, with whom she remained till her death. Our subject received the 
usual common-school education in Ohio, and also learned the gunsmith's trade, 
which he soon relinquished for farming on account of his health. June 9, 
1841, he married Miss Melinda Auspaugh, daughter of David and Sarah Aus- 
paugh, of German descent. Mrs. Miller was born in Perry County, Ohio, June 
19, 1822, and her parents ended their days in Noble County, this State. Our 
subject and wife began keeping house in Ohio, but in 1842 moved to this 
county and located in Thorn Creek, on a rented farm, where they lived eighteen 
months. Mr. Auspaugh then gave his daughter fifty-three acres of land, and 
our subject added twenty-seven and placed fifty-five under cultivation. This 
property he sold and bought 160 acres partly improved land, upon which he 
moved in 1860. Of this, he subsequently sold twenty-five acres. He now 
owns his homestead of 135 acres, a tract of twenty-four and another of forty, and 
two lots in Columbia City. Our subject and wife became parents of seventeen 
children, thirteen of whom are living, nine of them married. 

GEORGE T. PARKISON was born in Perry County, Ohio, August 12, 
1820. His parents, Jacob and Elizabeth, were natives respectively of England 
and Maryland. The father met his death in Ohio by a limb of a tree he was 
felling and the mother died in the same State. Our subject was married in 
Perry County, Ohio, to Miss Sarah Foster, in March, 1848. She was a daugh- 
ter of Benjamin and Margaret Foster, natives of Virginia. About two years 
after his marriage our subject came to this county and located on eighty acres 
in this township, cleared away a portion and put up a cabin. He has now 
about sixty acres in fine cultivation, and has improved his place with comfort- 
able frame buildings and has a good orchard. To his marriage there have four 
children been born, viz. : Jacob H., married and living in Kansas ; Mary E., 
married and living in Columbia City; Benjamin F., deceased; George W., 
married and living in Columbia City. 

VALENTINE PRESSLER was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, Sep- 
tember 4, 1830, son of John and Maria Pressler, natives of Ohio and Penn- 
sylvania. They moved from Ohio to this township, where the mother died ; 
the father is yet living, near Columbia City ; our subject was about sixteen 
years of age at the time of his coming to Whitley. March 6, 1855, he mar- 
ried, in this township, Miss Diana Dupler, a native of Perry County, Ohio, 
and daughter of Jonathan and Lydia Dupler ; this lady's mother died in this 
township, but her father is still living here. Our subject owns a pleasant home 
of 110 acres, 50 of which are under excellent cultivation. To this union 
have been born twelve children, all of whom are still living except the first- 
born, Elmira. The others were born and named in the following order : John 



THORN CREEK TOWNSHIP. 411 

A , Samuel D., Hannah E., Alfretta J., Jonathan H., Erner3on P., David C, 
Marion W., Eli W., Bayard M. and Charles H. Our subject enjoys the 
respect and confidence of his fellow citizens, and has served them in the office 
of Assessor ten or twelve years. 

JACOB A. RAMSEY was born in Lehigh County, Penn., April 22, 
1822, the son of Jacob and Catharine Ramsey, Pennsylvanians, who emigrated 
to Ohio, in which State they died. Our subject attended district school in 
Perry County, Ohio, and then learned shoemaking, at which he chiefly worked 
in winter, the summer being passed in farming and chopping cord-wood. 
April 25, 1847, he married Miss Mary A. King, in Perry County. Her 
father was a native of Germany and came to this country at the age of nine, 
and her mother was a native of Pennsylvania, and both died in Ohio, where 
Mrs. Ramsey was born. Subject and wife came to Thorn Creek in October, 
1847, and settled on his farm of 160 acres, then all woodland. He has now 
about 100 acres in a fine state of cultivation, with a good frame residence and 
all necessary substantial outbuildings. He raises about fifteen head of cattle, 
twenty hogs and four to eight horses each year, which are disposed of at fair 
prices. He has served as County Commissioner one term and as Justice of 
the Peace six months, resigning the latter office. He has a family of nine 
children, as follows : Lovina, David, Samuel and Henry, all married ; Mary, 
John, Amanda, Charles and William, all single. He is a member of the 
Lutheran Church while his wife is a Presbyterian. 

PETER SHRINER was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, April 19, 1820, 
the son of Peter and Mary Shriner, natives of same place. He attended the 
district school in his native county, and at the age of seventeen came to Indiana 
with his grandfather, his father having died in Ohio, where his mother is yet 
living. In 1837, when our subject came to the county, this township was 
almost a wilderness, and there were only three families in Thorn Creek. March 
17, 1853, he married Elizabeth Gradeless, daughter of Nathaniel Gradeless, 
and a native of Ohio. They began housekeeping on a rented farm, and the 
first land owned is his present farm of seventy acres, thirty-six of which are 
under fine cultivation. To his union with Miss Gradeless have been born four 
children — Mary (married and residing at the homestead), John (married, in 
Columbia City), Lucinda (married and living in the county), and Sarah (de- 
ceased). Mrs. Shriner, who was a member of the M. E. Church, died in 1873. 

SOLOMON SUMMERS was born in Shenandoah County, Va., in 1819, 
and was the son of Joseph and Elizabeth Summers, of German descent, and 
pioneers of Ohio, in 1826, in which State they died. Without parents, at the 
age of six, our subject was placed among strangers and apprenticed to the 
blacksmith trade. At the age of eighteen, he started for himself and followed 
the business two years, and March 7, 1839, married Phebe Bemer, daughter of 
Peter and Elizabeth Bemer, natives of Maryland, and who died in Tuscarawas 
County, Ohio. Mrs. Summers was also born in that county. Our subject, 



412 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

some time after marriage, sold his twenty-acre farm in Ohio, and located on his 
present farm in this township in 1846, and is one of the pioneers. Of his 120 
acres, he has eighty under cultivation and in good shape, and all acquired by 
honest industry. He has served as Township Trustee for two terms ; his wife 
is a member of the M. E. Church and the mother of seven children — Eliza- 
beth (married and living in this township), Catharine A. (married, in Columbia 
City), Matilda (married, in Missouri), Mary (deceased), Joseph (married, in this 
township), Olive (married, in Canton, Ohio), and John (dead). 

DENNIS WALTER was born in Peru Township, Huron County, Ohio, 
January 15, 1834. His parents, Francis V. and Monika Walter, natives of 
Germany, came to America in 1833, and died on their farm in Huron County. 
Our subject lived with them till nineteen years old, and then began clerking in a 
dry goods store in Monroeville, where he remained about eighteen months ; then 
attended a commercial college in Sandusky, and graduated in book-keeping ; 
started for California; went as far as Castillo, on the San Juan River, and 
returned ; then worked awhile on the farm, then clerked at various points in 
Iowa, then opened a store at Monroeville with a brother-in-law. October 27, 
1859, he was married at Toledo to Miss Mary A. Carabin. They started 
housekeeping in Monroeville, and, in 1863, removed to Columbia City, this 
county, and started distilling ; then engaged in the hardware trade, and then 
in a grocery and saloon, then purchased his present farm in 1868. He was 
elected Assessor and Appraiser in 1880. He and wife are members of the 
Catholic Church, and are the parents of ten children — Delia, Edward D., 
Louisa C, Jerome, Mary A., Cornelia, Julia E., Alpheus L., Charles F. and 
Josephine Z. (twins). 

WILLIAM H. WIDUP was born in Wayne County, Ind., July 13, 1820, 
the son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Lancaster) Widup, who were natives of North 
Carolina and came to Indiana respectively in 1816 and 1810, both dying in 
Kosciusko County. Our subject passed his boyhood in Wayne till sixteen, and 
then moved with his parents to Kosciusko County, in 1836, and remained 
with them till of age, when he came to Whitley County, and married Miss 
Mary Knight, who was born in Ohio, in October, 1819, the daughter of Henry 
and Susanna Knight, natives of Maryland. Our subject began housekeeping 
in Noble County, Ind., on eighty acres of unimproved land he had purchased 
of his father, cleared four acres, built a hewn-log house, sold out, and pur- 
chased eighty acres of his present farm in this township, on which he moved 
he moved in 1845. This farm he has cleared up, and has under cultivation 
sixty-five acres, with comfortable buildings. His children are seven in num- 
ber, viz.: Harry C, Cyrus S., Lizzie, Horace W., Parmenas F., Cora A. and 
Alice M. He is highly esteemed in the community, and in 1859 was Land 
Appraiser in Whitley, and has served as Justice of the Peace in this township 
for five years. 



TROY TOWNSHIP. 413 

EDMUND M. WILCOX was born December 1, 1828, the son of Jedediah 
and July A. Wilcox, natives of Pennsylvania, who emigrated to Allen County, 
Ind., in 1835. The father died in Union Township, this county, and the 
mother is living in that township with a son-in-law. Our subject was seven 
years of age when he came to the State with his parents, and is thoroughly ac- 
quainted with pioneer life. He assisted in clearing up the old farm, and went 
to school at Fort Wayne and in this district. At that day salt cost $24 
per barrel, and other necessaries were at a proportionate price. Our subject 
was married at Fort Wayne, December 20, 1853, to Louisa Ford, daughter of 
George and Mary Ford, all natives of England. They began housekeeping in 
Columbia City, and in 1857 he bought his present farm of eighty acres, and 
has since added sixty acres, making 140 in all, seventy-five of which are cleared 
and furnished with comfortable buildings. Our subject united with the M. E. 
Church in 1858 ; his wife is a member of the Episcopal Church. They have 
had five children, viz.: Charles, George (deceased), Rosina, Mary and Clara. 

BENJAMIN YONTZ was born in Washington County, Md., January 
14, 1817. His parents, Benjamin and Mary Yontz, were respectively natives 
of Maryland and Virginia, and both died in Fairfield County, Ohio. Our sub- 
ject's boyhood days were spent in his native State, and came with his parents 
to Ohio, where he assisted in clearing up a farm, and remained with them till 
he was married, February 8, 1837, to Miss Christina Watson, daughter of 
James and Rebecca Watson, natives respectively of Ireland and Virginia, and 
who died in Fairfield County, Ohio, where our subject was married. For 
twenty-four years, subject lived on his 120-acre farm in Ohio, and then came 
to this township, where he owns 160 acres, 115 of which are under cultivation 
and improved with comfortable buildings. He is a Democrat, and by that 
party was elected Justice of the Peace for this township, in which office he 
served eight years. He and wife have been members of the M. E. Church 
nearly all their lives, and he has always held some office therein. His family 
of children number seven, and were named as follows : Mary (deceased), 
James (married, and living in Columbia Township), Benjamin F. (deceased), 
Dillon (married, and living in this township), Jennie (married, and living in 
Columbia Township), John (in Thorn Creek), and Jacob, deceased. 



TROY TOWNSHIP. 

FREDERICK B. BARBER, born in Wyoming County, N. Y., in 1828, 
was the son of Harlow and Elsie Barber, natives of Connecticut. At the age 
often he was brought to this township by his parents, with whom he lived, at- 
tending the pioneer schools and helping on the farm until nineteen years of age, 
when he returned to his native county and engaged in lumbering for four years, 
then came back, and in company with his brother, E. L., and three others, 



414 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

started overland for California, returning after an absence of six years, by the 
way of the Isthmus and New York, arriving at home in the fall of 1858. From 
the profits of his trip he purchased his present home, on which was a small im- 
provement, but which he has converted into a well-improved farm of 180 acres. 
In 1875, he removed with his family to Larwill, to care for his aged father, and 
remained with him until his death in July, 1881. He was married November 
30, 1858, to Lucy J. Barns, daughter of Fielding Barns, and to their union 
were born five children. This lady died in July, 1878, and in 1879 our sub- 
ject married his present wife, Mrs. Maxia Noble, also a daughter of Fielding 
Barns. 

LEVI BELCH was born in Bedford County, Penn., in 1824, and was the 
son of John and Margaret Belch, natives of Pennsylvania, but of German de- 
scent. The father died when our subject was but a small boy, and in 1838 the 
mother moved with her only son to Oswego, Kosciusko County, Ind., and in 
1841 to the farm in this township, which they have since made their home. 
The land was in its primitive state when they first entered upon it, but by un- 
ceasing toil it has been redeemed and made a pleasant home. The mother for 
years spun the flax and wool for their clothing. Indians were their neighbors, 
and wild deer, turkeys, etc., were very plentiful. Our subject was married in 
1849, to Rebecca Firestone, native of Ohio, and daughter of Samuel and Eliz- 
abeth Firestone, natives of Maryland, and of German and Irish descent. By 
this marriage there were nine children, eight living, three sons and five daugh- 
ters. The subject's mother is now living with him, at the age of eighty-one 
years, and enjoying favorable health. Mr. Belch and wife are members of the 
Presbyterian Church, and he is an active home politician. 

JAMES BLAIN was born in Highland County, Ohio, in 1823. and is the 
son of Alexander M. and Mary (Logan) Blain, natives of Pennsylvania, and of 
Irish descent. They removed, in 1841, to that part of Noble County, Ind., now 
incorporated in Etna Township, this county. Our subject remained with his 
parents until he was of age, and the December following married Jane Scott, 
daughter of John and Elizabeth Scott, natives respectively of Kentucky and 
Tennessee, and of Irish and Scotch descent. The Scotts located in what is now 
Etna Township, in 1836. For the first few years of his married life, our sub- 
ject farmed on rented land ; then in the fall of 1847, he moved into a log cabin 
on the farm in this township, which he has since made his home. He had at 
his start in life but $50 in cash, but having secured a good education, he taught 
school nine successive winters, after coming to this State, and with his earn- 
ings therefrom, and with industry and economy on his farm, has secured a com- 
fortable home, consisting of 160 acres of well-tilled land, furnished with all the 
necessary buildings of frame. He is located on the banks of New Lake, which 
supplies him with an abundance of fish. He was elected Justice of the Peace 
in 1874, and has served faithfully the past eight years. He is the father of 
twelve children, eight of whom are still living, and he and wife have been mem- 
bers of the Baptist Church for over thirty years. 



TROY TOWNSHIP. 415 

GEORGE W. CUMMINS (deceased), was born in New York State in 
1807; at the age of ten accompanied his parents to Delaware County, where 
he was employed in using the ax a great portion of his time ; assisted in clear- 
ing up three farms in Ohio, and in July, 1853, located with his family on Sec- 
tion 22, this township, which was then a wilderness. By hard work and economy 
he wrought out a model farm of 160 acres, and during his later years dealt largely 
in live stock. In April, 1834, he married Catherine Faulkner, daughter of 
Joshua and Esther Faulkner, and to their union were born ten children, of 
whom eight are yet living. His eldest son, George, enlisted in 1862, in Com- 
pany B, Seventy-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, but died after being out 
but a short time. Seth W. (brother of George), also enlisted at the same time 
in the same company, and was honorably discharged in June, 1865. Our sub- 
ject was Republican in politics, and was a warm supporter of all home enter- 
prises. After experiencing all the privations incident to pioneer life, his last 
days were passed in retirement, peace and plenty, and the year 1876 closed 
his useful career. His widow, at the age of sixty-eight, resides with her young- 
est son, Orin L., who was but two years of age when he reached this township. 
Since then he has grown to manhood, and taken a prominent part in public 
affairs. At the age of twenty-six, he was elected Township Trustee, and then 
re-elected, receiving the largest majority ever polled in the township. In his 
adjustment of accounts, at the close of his second term, he turned over to the 
Treasurer upward of $200 interest money, minus the amount expended for the 
erection of tombstones over the graves of the poor, who died during his admin- 
tration. In the spring of 1880, he married Loretta Brown, daughter of Henry 
Brown. In 1882, he was elected Road Superintendent. Within the past few 
years, he has dealt in real^estate, and of the 1,400 acres of land he has owned 
and sold in the vicinity of his home, not one has ever had a mortgage fore- 
closed upon it. 

JACOB R. ELDER was born in Seneca County, Ohio, February 14, 
1827, and was the son of G. W. and Sarah Elder, natives of Pennsylvania, 
and of Irish and German descent. In 1838, the family came in ox teams to 
Section 17, this township, attempted the erection of a log house, 18x22 feet, 
but for want of help failed, and were forced to put up a smaller cabin. On 
the arrival of other settlers, however, they were enabled to complete the first 
structure. They reclaimed from the forest 160 acres of land, and succeeded 
in building up a comfortable home, reared a family of eight children, and there 
took their departure from this world in 1859 and 1864, aged fifty-seven and 
seventy years respectively. The subject was the eldest of the family, and re- 
mained with his father until his majority, and then began working out by the 
month on his own account, and pursued this course for eight years. He then 
purchased forty acres in this township, and soon after was married to Leah 
Coyle, daughter of William and Elizabeth Coyle, natives of Pennsylvania. 
There were born to this union three children — one son and two daughters. After 



416 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

clearing a part of his farm he sold it, made a few changes, and finally settled 
on his present farm of eighty acres, which by enterprise and industry he has 
transformed into a pleasant home. Mr. Elder is a follower of the Democratic 
standard, and has cheerfully assisted in every laudable undertaking in the 
township. 

ABRAHAM ELDER was born in Seneca County, Ohio, in 1834, and 
was the son of George W. and Sarah Elder, respectively of German and Irish 
extraction. The parents came to this township in the fall of 1838, and were 
among the first settlers, and redeemed from the forest the farm now owned by 
C. F. Marchand, which they made their home till their death. Abraham Elder 
was married November 19, 1855, to Mary Harpster, daughter of Henry Harp- 
ster, who located in the forest here in 1849, and carved from it a farm. After 
his marriage, our subject worked his father-in-law's farm till 1874, when he 
moved upon the farm where he now lives, which was entered by Joel Rhine. 
He greatly improved the place and erected new and substantial buildings, and 
now has a comfortable homestead of 140 acres. He had born to him three 
children, only one of whom is now living — Delbert S. Mr. Elder has served 
as Justice of the Peace three years, under appointment from the County Com- 
missioners, and he is an active Democrat. He is a Freemason and Granger, 
and an enterprising citizen, being foremost in assisting worthy undertakings. 
His father, George W. Elder, was one of the twelve men who served on the 
first jury impaneled in this county. 

JAMES C. ELLIOTT, deceased, was born in Greenbrier County, Va., 
December 17, 1806, one of seven children of Archibald and Phebe (Jameson) 
Elliott, of Scotch parentage. Our subject removed with his parents to Frank- 
lin County, Ohio, in 1819, and a few years later to Delaware County. He 
was a farmer and also a shoemaker. April 15, 1830, he married Candace 
Strong, who was born August 27, 1809, and died January 24, 1850. The 
fall of 1850, he came to this township, bought forty acres of land on Section 
14, returned home and married, April 14, 1851, Lydia S. Cunningham, who 
was born April 10, 1821, and in the summer of 1852 moved to his place in 
this township, which he had increased to 120 acres, where he passed his days 
till his death, February 11, 1879, followed by his widow January 26, 1881, 
both members of the Presbyterian Church. They were the parents of five 
children, viz.: Candace M., born February 24, 1852; Charles, born August 
21, 1853 ; Phebe E., born February 15, 1855 ; Samuel C, born November 
30, 1858, and died May 25, 1866 ; Emma J., born September 20, 1860. All 
the children living are residents of Columbia City, and received their educa- 
tion in Whitley County. The eldest, Candace M., married John R. Douglas 
October 21, 1873. This gentleman died September 7, 1881. They were the 
parents of one son, Ralph C, who died in infancy. Charles married Miss 
Ermina Trumbull February 5, 1880. He moved, the succeeding March, to 
Audubon County, Iowa, where his wife died February 2, 1881, leaving one 



TROY TOWNSHIP. 417 

daughter, Florence E., who died when eight months old. In March, 1881, he 
! returned to Whitley County, and since then has resided in Columbia City, 
engaged in undertaking and marble dealing in partnership with J. L. Ferguson. 
Phebe and Emma are both single. 

R. J. ELLIOTT was born in Greenbrier County, Va., in 1818, and when 
but a child was taken by his parents to Franklin County, Ohio, where he 
passed his life till twenty-six years of age. The third week after his marriage, 
in 1844, he and wife came to this township, and entered upon the possession of 
a farm of eighty acres he had purchased on a previous visit, and which was 
then in a state of nature, but has since been nicely cleared, and to which 120 
have since been added. His wife, to whom he was married September 3, 1844, 
was Catharine Jones, daughter of Washington and Sarah Jones, natives of 
Pennsylvania, and of English and German descent. By this union there were 
born three sons and three daughters. The subject is the son of Archibald 
and Phebe Elliott, natives of Virginia, and of Scotch and Irish descent. 

THOMAS A. ELLIOTT was born in Franklin County, Ohio, in 1820, 
the son of Archibald and Phebe Elliott, who were natives of Virginia, and 
who removed to Ohio in 1819, where they spent the greater portion of their 
lives. Our subject began working on his own account by hiring out to farmers 
in various parts, till, in 1842, he came to this township, bought forty acres of 
land, deadened a few acres, returned to Ohio, and December 15, of the same 
year, married Sarah Watters, daughter of John and Sarah Watters, natives of 
Maryland and of Irish descent. He again hired out for awhile at $12 per 
month, then came to his land in this township, the possesor of 12J cents cash 
and a few cattle and sheep. He put up a cabin, and moved in when it was 
without a door or stove, and but part of a fire-place, and his wife and child had 
to go to bed while the chimney was being completed. The family had many 
difficulties to contend with, but their property now comprises a farm of 130 
acres of well-improved land, acquired through hard work and close economy 
and shrewd trading. Our subject was the father of eight children, five of 
whom are yet living. He has served in the Republican ranks, and has held 
the office of Township Trustee and several minor offices. He and wife joined 
the Presbyterian Church in 1843, and have been faithful followers of that faith 
ever since. 

S. J. W. ELLIOTT was born in Franklin County, Ohio, August, 1823, 
the youngest of the eight children born to Archibald and Phebe Elliott. 
March 5, 1848, he married Nancy Finley born in Delaware County, Ohio, 
and daughter of William and Margaret Finley, natives of Virginia, and of 
Irish descent. There were born from this union seven children, of whom six 
are living. In 1855, our subject disposed of his home farm in Ohio and 
removed with his family to this township, and located on a farm of 160 acres, 
which he has since increased to 370 acres, besides presenting to several of his 
children a comfortable home. Our subject was formerly a Whig, but on the 



418 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

formation of the Republican party he joined its standard, and has since fol- 
lowed it closely. He is a strong anti-secret society man, and he and wife are 
members of the Presbyterian Church. 

G. H. GRANT was born in Sandusky County, Ohio, in 1834, and is the 
son of James and Eliza (Beard) Grant, natives of New York and Maryland. 
When a child he was taken by his parents to Geauga County, Ohio, and thence, in 
1839, brought to this township, where at intervals he went to the first school 
in Troy, taught by Miss Clarissa Blanchard, in a round-log hou3e with a fire- 
place that burned wood from four to eight feet in length. He remained with his 
father on the forest farm till twenty-two years old, and then, with $100, went 
to Iowa and farmed two years, then entered land in Kansas, but returned to 
this township in 1859, and went into the lumber business, running one of the 
first saw-mills built in Troy, and successfully conducting it till 1877, when he 
went to farming on a piece of land containing eighty acres, which he had pur- 
chased in 1865-66, and which he has brought to a high state of cultivation 
and furnished with good buildings. In 1856, he married Minerva Barnes, 
daughter of Fielding Barnes, a native of Kentucky. By this union he has 
had six children, three of whom are yet living. Although never an aspirant 
for office he has been selected by his townsmen to fill various trusts, and has 
served as Assessor two terms and Trustee one term. He is an Odd Fellow 
and quite prominent as a citizen. 

CHANCY GOODRICH was born in this township October 7, 1839, the 
son of Price and Julia A. (Black) Goodrich, and was reared on the home farm 
till fifteen, when he began working with his father at brick-laying, and has 
continued at the trade ever since, erecting some of the best and largest build- 
ings in this and adjoining counties, and superintending the construction of all 
the principal buildings in Columbia City, besides a number of dwellings for one 
hundred miles around, and by industry and thrift has provided himself with a 
comfortable home. In his early life, he was renowned as a hunter and fisher- 
man, and the abundance of game at that time afforded him sport of the first 
order. In 1861, he married Rhoda Noble, daughter of Z. T. Noble, who was 
among the early settlers of this township. To their union have been born two 
sons and one daughter. Mr. Goodrich for twenty years taught singing-school 
during the winter, and at intervals during the summer. In polities, he is a 
Democrat, and takes much interest in local and other elections, and has always 
been foremost in aiding home industries and enterprises. 

G. W. HALDERBAUM was born in Holmes County, Ohio, February 
18, 1842, the son of Adam and Anna Halderbaum, natives of Pennsylvania 
and Ohio respectively. The father moved to Wabash County, Ind., in 1849, 
and thence to Richland Township, this county, some years later, with his family, 
where our subject passed the remainder of his boyhood days. When but nine- 
teen years old, August 11, 1862, he enlisted in Company K, Eighty-eighth 
Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was honorably discharged in June, 1865, 



TROY TOWNSHIP. 419 

having participated in fourteen hard fought battles, among them Chaplin Hill, 
Stone River, Lookout Mountain and Chickamauga, and accompanied Sherman 
to the sea and thence to Richmond. After his return, he engaged for two years 
in selling nursery stock through this and Marshall Counties, then engaged in 
farming, and for the past seven years has been dealing in general agricultural 
implements and machinery at Larwill. He was married May 9, 1867, to Mary 
Shoemaker, daughter of Solomon and Mixinda Shoemaker, natives of Ohio, 
and to this union have been born two sons and one daughter. Through his 
industry and enterprise he has placed his family in comfortable circumstances 
and continues to do a thriving trade. He is quite an active politician in the 
Republican ranks. 

ANDREW KENNER was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, May 25, 
1834, and was the son of John G. and Christina M. Kenner, natives of the 
same country. In 1853, they emigrated to Hancock County, Ohio, started 
farming, and two years thereafter the father died, leaving a wife by a second 
marriage and five children, Andrew being the eldest of two, now living, by the 
first marriage. After the death of his father, our subject wooked a few years 
by the month, and then, in 1858, took passage for California, via New York 
and the ocean, landing in San Francisco and going 500 miles into the interior, 
stopping at Yreka, and farming for nearly four years. Thence he went to 
Idaho, where he followed mining and packing a few years. He then started 
across the continent, in July, 1864, and brought up at Columbia City, this 
township, where he purchased, with his earnings, the farm of 160 acres where 
he now lives. He was married, in October, 1865, to his brother John's widow, 
Mrs. Mary Kenner, daughter of Price Goodrich. This lady died in 1874, 
and our subject then married Jane Smith, native of Ohio, and daughter of 
John W. Smith, who came to this township about 1841. Mr. K. is the father 
of eight children ; is active in home politics and is a member of the I. 0. 0. F. 
His time is devoted to farming and the rearing of stock. 

CHARLES F. MARCHAND was born in Switzerland, December 23, 
1833, and when but two years old was brought to this country by his parents, 
who located in Holmes County, Ohio. At the age of twenty-one he rented a 
farm in Wayne County, his parents going with him, and remained there four 
years ; thence they went to Van Buren County, Iowa ; then to Appanoose 
County, same State, where he engaged in lumbering and ran a saw-mill for 
four years. Starting with nothing, he, nevertheless, realized $1,000, which 
he invested in real estate in Wayne County, Ohio, to which place he returned, 
and then, in 1860, came to this township, locating in 1864 on a part of the 
farm he now occupies. Here he has been lumbering, farming and dealing in 
live-stock. He has accumulated property consisting of 500 acres in this town- 
ship and 260 in La Grange County, besides Lima Village property. He was 
married in 1855 to Lodema Truman, daughter of Benjamin and Betsey Tru- 
man, natives of New York, and they have had four sons born to them. Mr. 



420 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Marchand was the son of Frederick and Sophia Marchand, natives of Switzer- 
land, but of French descent. The father was a soldier under Bonaparte when 
he crossed the Alps. The latter part of his life he passed with our subject, 
and was survived by his wife, who is aged seventy-eight years, and is also 
living with Charles F. Mr. M. is a Mason, an active participant in the public 
affairs of his township and a leader in home enterprises. 

BERRY MARRS (deceased), was born in Shelby County, Ohio, March 
2, 1832, and was the son of Samuel and Elizabeth Marrs, natives of Kentucky 
and Virginia respectively. In 1854, he married Sarah Russell, of Shelby 
County, Ohio, the daughter of Samuel and Delilah Russell, natives of Penn- 
sylvania, and of English extraction. To this union there were born two sons 
— Dennis R. and Samuel A. Berry Marrs came to this township in 1856, 
and started his home upon land purchased by his father in 1837, and succeeded 
in turning it into a cheerful home. He began in a log cabin, and in its stead 
there now stands a substantial brick dwelling. In the fall of 1862, he enlisted 
in Company B, Seventy-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was honorably 
discharged June 3, 1865. He participated in the battle of Chickamauga, 
where he was wounded in the forearm, when he was sent to the hospital and 
afterward detailed to the care of the sick and wounded. On his return, he re- 
sumed farming, which he continued until his decease in March, 1879. He was 
a member of the I. 0. 0. F., and he and wife attendants of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. The first industry practiced by his father, Mr. Samuel 
Marrs, was the cutting of cane for pipe-stems, which he sold to the Indians ; 
and a few years later sold eggs at 3 cents per dozen. He came to this town- 
ship in 1837 and purchased 713 acres of wild land, and is now still living 
here, enjoying good health at the advanced age of eighty-four, having been 
born in 1798. 

JONATHAN SATTISON was born in Lebanon County, Penn., in 1815, 
and was one of six children born to Adam and Elizabeth Sattison, natives of 
Pennsylvania, and of German descent. When nine years of age, his parents 
moved to Northumberland County, and then, three years later, moved to 
Niagara County, N. Y., where they cleared a farm, and there passed the 
remainder of their days. At the age of twenty-one, our subject began work 
on his own account, and in the fall of 1838 started West with $120 in search 
of a home. At this time he entered eighty acres of his present farm, and 
went back and forth on foot between it and his home in the fall of each year, 
making a little improvement each trip, till 1842. July, 1843, he was married 
to Mary Hofstater, daughter of George Hofstater, and a native of New York, 
and by this union had four children, two of whom are living — George H. and 
Scott. Mrs. Sattison died October 8, 1873, and Mr. Sattison was married to 
a widow, Mrs. Polly Beard, in March, 1875- She was the daughter of Michael 
Ensley, a native of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Beard came to the township in 
1843, settled on and cleared a farm, and reared seven children, five of whom 



TROY TOWNSHIP. 421 

are still living. Mr. Sattison has shown much enterprise and industry since 
his advent into the township ; his farm is all that could be desired, and he is 
active in advancing all home industries. Mrs. Sattison is a member of the 
Christian Church. 

D. M. SELLERS was born in Licking County, Ohio, in 1811, the eldest 
of six children born to William and Sarah Sellers, natives of Pennsylvania, and 
of German descent. He was married in November, 1837, to Miss Mary A. 
Prosser, a native of Pennsylvania, and daughter of John and Sarah Prosser, of 
Pennsylvania, and of Irish and German descent. Our subject became the 
father of nine children by this union, of whom seven are living. In 1845, 
Mr. Sellers sold his property in his native county, and moved with his family 
to this township, locating on the wild 105-acre farm where he yet resides, hav- 
ing redeemed it and subjected it to a course of thorough cultivation. During 
the early days of Troy Township, Mr. Sellers served as Trustee a number of 
terras. He had two sons in the recent war, William H., out over three years, 
and John W.; and he is always foremost in the advancement of the interests 
of his township on all occasions. 

JOHN SNODGRASS, a retired farmer, was born in Clark County, Ohio, 
October 22, 1807, and there lived till nearly twenty-eight years of age. His 
father having died in 1826, he was compelled to take charge of home affairs, which 
he did till 1833, when he was married, March 7, to Ann Cowan, daughter of 
Thomas and Jane Cowan, natives of Pennsylvania and Ireland, respectively. In 
1834, he started West, stopping awhile in Elkhart and in Kosciusko Counties, 
and in 1837 moved on his farm in this township, and has been living there now 
more than forty-five years. His farm of 164 acres is now in a fine condition. 
At the first election, in 1840, Mr. Snodgrass was chosen Town Trustee, and 
during his term in office assisted to lay out the first public road in the 
township ; to this office he has been since elected a number of times. He has 
always been active in the Democratic ranks, and has served as County Com- 
missioner to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. Mr. Snodgrass was the 
father of nine children, seven sons and two daughters. Three of the sons 
served as soldiers in the late war. Thomas is now sleeping at Little Rock, 
Ark., and John died at Indianapolis, Ind.; Joseph served during the latter part 
of the war, and is now a farmer in this township. Our subject was the son of 
John and Jane Snodgrass, natives of Pennsylvania, and of Scotch and Irish 
descent. They had a family of nine children, our subject being the only one 
living. He well remembers the soldiers of 1812, one of his brothers being 
among them. In the fall of 1881, Mr. Snodgrass was awarded, at the Old 
Settlers' Meeting in Troy Township, a gold-headed cane, in recognition of the 
fact of his being the oldest settler of Troy. 

HENRY SNYDER, Jr., was born in Richland County, Ohio, in Feb- 
ruary, 1836, and there worked on this father's farm and went to school till 
nineteen years old, when he came to Kosciusko County, this State, with his 



422 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

parents, Henry and Elizabeth Snyder. In 1856, he returned to his native 
place, and in 1857 married Mary Sowers, daughter of James and Catharine 
Sowers, natives of Huron County, Ohio. To this union were born three chil- 
dren, of whom only one son is now living. Mr. Snyder remained in Ohio, 
farming, till June, 1865, when he came to this township, locating on the farm 
where he now lives, which, through hard work, he has turned into a desirable 
home. Mrs. Snyder died in August, 1874, and in September, 1876, our sub- 
ject married his present wife, Lizzie Coplan, who has borne him one son. In 
1863, our subject became a Free Mason; he served as Township Trustee six 
years in Ohio, has always been an active member of the Democratic party, and 
was First Lieutenant in the home militia. 

MATTHEW TAYLOR was born in Erie County, Penn., in 1815, the 
son of Edward and Anne Taylor. During the same year, the parents moved 
to Wayne County, Ohio, where our subject resided (with the exception of one 
year, 1834, passed in Kosciusko County) until 1845. In December, 1836, he 
married Sarah Harpster, who bore him five children, all of whom are well 
settled in life. Mr. Taylor worked at job work until he came to this township, 
in 1845. He here, for the first four years, lived on his brother-in-law's place, 
and during this time erected a hewn-log house, with puncheon floor and ceil- 
ing, having passed the first winter in a cabin without a window. Mr. T. was 
often compelled, in those days, to walk to Columbia City, a distance of nine 
miles, and do a day's work in order to obtain groceries for his family's use. On 
his arrival here, he had but $18.75 in cash, and had a family of five to care for, 
and was compelled to procure food from the forest, in the shape of deer, wild 
turkeys, and other game. By perseverance and economy he has redeemed 
from the forest a fine farm of 160 acres, and has secured a competency through 
milling, lumbering, etc., and is now living retired upon the fruits of his early 
industry. 

WILLIAM THOMPSON was born in Red Lion Hundred, Delaware, 
October 16, 1827, and was the eldest of seven children born to George E. and 
Elizabeth Thompson, natives of New Jersey and Delaware, and of Scotch and 
English descent respectively. About 1836, they removed to Randolph Coun- 
ty, Ind., and cleared up a farm out of the native forest. Our subject, having 
acquired a very fair education, taught school a number of terms, and also 
worked by the month from his majority until 1852, in which year, August 19, 
he married Harriet P. Ward, and the September following the couple took up 
their home in this township, clearing away the trees, erecting a small log cabin, 
and moving into it before it was furnished with door, window or fireplace. 
They now own 160 acres of cultivated land and village property in Ridgeville, 
worth over $2,000. Our subject was drafted in the army in 1864, and served 
during the remainder of the war, and was one of the first to enter Fort Fisher 
at the point of the bayonet. He is a stanch Republican, and has served one 
term as Justice of the Peace. He is one of the oldest Free Masons in the 



ETNA TOWNSHIP. 423 

county, and is a charter member of three lodges. He is a Steward in the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, of which society his wife is also a member. Mrs. 
Thompson is the daughter of Job and Amy (Gray) Ward, who were among the 
first settlers of Randolph County, and by her union with Mr. Thompson two 
sons and one daughter have been born, all of whom are receiving a good educa- 
tion. 

AMBROSE M. TRUMBULL was born in Franklin County, Ohio, Febru- 
ary 26, 1820, and was the son of Moses and Amelia A. (Munson) Trumbull, na- 
tives, respectively, of Connecticut and Massachusetts. Subject removed with his 
parents, at the age of sixteen, to near Cold Springs, Noble County, this State. He 
assisted in clearing up his father's farm, and worked thereon till of age, when he 
hired out on his own account. March 10, 1842, he married Rebecca Hively, 
daughter of John and Mary Hively, of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. 
Shortly after, he removed to the farm where he now lives, in this township, re- 
deemed it from the wilderness, and now has a fine home farm of 180 acres, sup- 
plied with substantial buildings, and also owns a small tract in Iowa. In early 
days, our subject's nearest base of supplies was Michigan City ; their mill was 
twenty-five miles away ; lumber was a great want, and puncheon floors were 
used, and slabs, hewn from logs, served as planks for the first coffins. At the 
age of forty, our subject, being worn with hard work, found recreation in buy- 
ing and shipping stock, and in the capacity of dealer has traveled through six- 
teen States, and has met with abundant success. He avoids politics, but has 
frequently been chosen as guardian and maker of wills, and always acquitted 
himself in a satisfactory manner. He is parent of seven children, four of 
whom are now living. Two of the elder sons, Preston and Dwight, enlisted 
in August, 1861, at the ages of nineteen and seventeen, while at college at 
Fort Wayne. Dwight was taken prisoner at Chickamauga, and died a year 
later, at Andersonville. Preston died about nine months after going into the 
war. He was attacked with measles, which settled on his lungs, and he lies 
buried at Stone River. 



ETNA TOWNSHIP. 

STEPHEN S. AUSTIN, M. D.,son of Perigo and Sarah (Gray) Austin, was 
born in Onondaga County, N. Y., in 1821. His parents were natives respect- 
ively of Rhode Island and Massachusetts, and of Welch and French extraction. 
At the age of sixteen, Stephen Austin began teaching, and followed that voca- 
tion seven years, attending, during intervals of that period, the Onondaga 
Academy, school at East Troy, N. Y., and at Amsterdam. He also, in 1841 
took a course of six months at Caughnawaga, and old Indian fort on the Mo- 
hawk River. In 1843, he went to La Porte, Ind., and there attended medical 
college, acting as private tutor for a large class two seasons, and read medicine 



424 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

under Daniel Meeker and T. Higday. After receiving his diploma at the In- 
diana Medical College, in February, 1849, he removed to Noble County and lo- 
cated at Wolf Lake, associating himself with Dr. Elias Jones, one of the ablest 
practitioners of that county, the partnership lasting two years. In the month 
of August, same year, Dr. Austin located in Etna Township, this county, 
where he has built up an extensive and remunerative practice, having his head- 
quarters at Hecla. He owns several improved farms, and is an enterprising 
citizen. Dr. Austin was first married in 1847 to Mary J. Ranking, a teacher 
of mathematics, Latin and French, in the La Porte schools, and a graduate of 
the Oneida Seminary. She died in 1848, and he married Mrs. Lovina J. Mar- 
tin, his present wife, in 1852. She is the daughter of Capt. Abner Seelye, 
and widow of Stephen Martin. They have had six children, three of whom 
are living — Perry G., Mary J. and Nellie G. 

JOHN BLAINE was born in Cumberland County, Penn., 1792, and 
was married in 1816, to Elizabeth Blaine, born in Northumberland County, 
Penn., in 1791, and to their union six children were born, four of whom are 
now living. They removed to this county in 1836, and located on land which 
he at that time entered, and which they still occupy, thus becoming one of 
the first settlers in the township. They lived the first winter in a pole shanty, 
with only three sides enclosed and covered with bark, and experienced all the 
hardships of frontier life. They have succeeded, however, in establishing a 
pleasant home, and are now retired from active labor to enjoy the reward of 
their early toil through a married life of sixty-six years. 

BENJAMIN BOYER was born in Berks County, Penn., in 1814. His 
father, Jacob Boyer, was a native of the same State, and of German extrac- 
tion. His parents were poor people, and having no other available opportuni- 
ties than the subscription school, Benjamin's education was necessarily limited. 
At the age of thirteen, he was put out to work, his father receiving his wages 
until he was twenty-one, when he began learning the wagon maker's trade, fol- 
lowing the same eighteen months. In December, 1837, Mr. Boyer married 
Annie Ramer, of Berks County, Penn., daughter of Jacob Ramer, who was 
born in Pennsylvania, and descended from the Germans. In the fall of 1838, 
they removed to Fairfield County, Ohio, rented land and farmed eleven years. 
They then emigrated to this township, settling on a farm of eighty acres, where 
they now live. By the united efforts of Mr. Boyer and his wife in clearing 
the land, it is now well improved, and furnishes them a good comfortable home. 
They endured many privations, and first kept house with no other than home- 
made furniture. They have had eight children ; but half that number have 
been spared them. 

THOMAS HARTUP was born in Preble County, Ohio, in 1812, and 
removed to Wayne County, Ind., with his parents, James and Mary Hartup, 
in 1814. His father was a native of Delaware and his mother of Kentucky. 
In 1833, Mr. Hartup was united in marriage with Lydia A. Hollett, formerly 



ETNA TOWNSHIP. 425 

of Kentucky, and daughter of John Hollett. They had five children born to 
them — Eliza, Narcissa, Lewis (who was a soldier in the late war, and was bur- 
ied at Nashville), James A. (who also met his death while serving his coun- 
try), and John H. In the fall of 1846, Mr. Hartup came with his family to 
this township, and purchased the farm on which he now lives. It was then in 
its primitive state, but now ranks among the model farms. Its present improved 
condition is due the persevering efforts of Mr. Hartup, who had but fifty cents 
when he came here, but worked at clearing his farm of 160 acres, and by steady 
work has earned a competence for himself and family. Mr. and Mrs. Hartup 
belong to the Baptist Church, and are good citizens. 

FRANKLIN HUNT was born February 22, 1828, in Wayne County, 
Ind., where he resided until twenty-two years old. At that time he traveled 
West across the plains, going overland from St. Jo, Mo. After an absence of 
two years, he returned to his home, and in the fall of 1851 came to this town- 
ship, and began clearing the land where he now lives, which was the first farm 
cleared in that section. In 1853, he married Martha J. Long, of Ross County, 
Ohio, daughter of Thomas Long, who moved to this township in 1849. Mr. 
Hunt owns a fitfe improved farm of 275 acres, part of which was entered by 
his father in 1835 or 1836. He has served one term as Township Trustee, is 
an enterprising citizen, and was formerly a Whig, but now a Republican. Mr. 
and Mrs. Hunt belong to the Lutheran Church and are parents of twelve chil- 
dren, all of whom are living. Mr. Hunt's parents, Smith and Elizabeth Hunt, 
natives of North Carolina and Kentucky respectively, settled in Wayne County 
in 1806, and there spent the rest of their days. Smith Hunt received a Col- 
onel's commission in the home militia under Gen. Harrison. 

WASHINGTON JONES, is the son of Levi M. and Mary (Thomas) 
Jones, both of whom were natives of Virginia and of Welch descent. They 
were among the first settlers of Wayne County, Ind., locating there in March, 
1815, and for some time were engaged in running a hotel at Centreville, then 
the county seat. In October, 1823, Levi Jones died, leaving his wife with ten 
children, the eldest being only fourteen. She moved to the country, rented a 
farm, and by the hardest work and through many privations, she reared the 
family and lived to see them grown to maturity. For ten years she clothed 
herself and family with flax from the field and wool from the sheep. The sub- 
ject was born in Wayne County, Ind., December 8, 1816, and when nineteen 
started for himself by purchasing 160 acres of land in Madison County, Ind., 
and until this was paid for he lost only two working days. He began teaching 
school in 1838, and followed that six winters. January 23, 1845, he was mar- 
ried to Catharine Hunt, and in 1848 moved to Noble County, locating soon 
after on the farm of 320 acres where he now lives. Mr. Jones is a Republi- 
can, an anti-secret society and temperance man. Himself and wife are mem- 
bers of the Baptist Church, and have had five children, three of whom are 
living and have been assisted by their father in securing comfortable homes. 



426 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

The grandparents of Mr. Jones were in the Revolutionary war, and his grand- 
father, Thomas, served under Washington. The subject, upon leaving home, 
said to his brother, "'Tis hard to be driven from one's native country, but 
poverty is driving me, and if I do not secure a comfortable home in the future 
'twill be because I have died in the attempt." 

ELI R. JONES is a native of Wayne County, Ind., born March 17, 
1818, and the son of Levi M. and Mary Jones, who had a family of eleven 
children. One brother and two sisters of the subject are yet living. Eli R., 
when of age, began brick-making, and followed it summer seasons and worked 
in the woods during the winters, until he emigrated to this township in the fall 
of 1849 ; settling, three days after his arrival, in a log cabin on the farm where 
he has since lived. Through industry, Mr. Jones has amassed a comfortable 
fortune and 160 acres of land. He is a man of honor, and, once given, his 
promise is never violated. To this rare characteristic he attributes his success 
in life. October 29, 1840, he was united in marriage to Miss Annie Crow, of 
Wayne County, Ind.; her parents, Daniel and Elizabeth Crow, were born in 
the State of North Carolina and descended from the English. To Mr. and 
Mrs. Jones have been born ten children, eight of whom are living — Helen, 
Mary J., Annie, Edna, Sarah, Alice, Josephus and Charles. Subject and 
wife belong to the Baptist Church, and he is a firm Republican. 

JAMES W. LONG is a native of Northumberland County, Penn., where 
he was born July 14, 1803, son of John and Margaret Long, parents of 
twelve children, the subject being next to the oldest of six that are yet living. 
He moved with his parents to Ross County, Ohio, in 1816, and in 1836, with 
his family, went to Kosciusko County, near Leesburg, Ind., where he lived on 
rented land until he came to this township in the fall of 1837 ; built a log cabin 
and located on his farm, which was entered in 1836. The past nine years he 
has resided at Pierceton, Ind. Mr. Long recalls many incidents connected 
with pioneer life in the then wilderness of this county. On one occasion, when 
he went to Michigan City with wheat for the market, he was absent seventeen 
days ; his family were often frightened by the wolves and other wild animals 
that frequented the forests. For his wheat, Mr. Long would receive from 45 
cents to $1 per bushel, and for pork $1.25 per hundred, taking merchandise in 
part payment. He used often to defray his taxes with the money he pro- 
cured by selling wolf skins. He cleared a farm of 140 acres, often working 
after night to accomplish the slow and laborious task. Soon after the town- 
ship was organized, he was elected Trustee, and has held the office of County 
Commissioner two terms. Mr. and Mrs. Long have been church members since 
1828. They are parents of eight children, five of whom are living, and situat- 
ed in comfortable homes. Mrs. Long is the daughter of James and Jane Blain, 
the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Pennsylvania, and of Irish de- 
scent. 



ETNA TOWNSHIP. 427 

THOMAS P. LONG, son of John and Margaret Long, was born in North- 
umberland County, Penn., in 1806. His parents were natives of Ireland emi- 
grating to America and settling in Pennsylvania about the year 1790. In 1816, 
with their family, they moved to Ross County, Ohio. Thomas Long was reared 
a farmer, and when twenty -one he rented some land and farmed for himself un- 
til he came to this township and located, in 1849, on land entered by his broth- 
er, James, in 1840. It was situated in Section 33, and was then in Washington 
Township, Noble County. The farm is now cleared, and well improved, but to 
accomplish this, Mr. Long endured many privations and toiled unceasingly. In 
early days, his wheat was marketed at Fort Wayne. In 1830, Mr. Long and 
Miss Elizabeth Chichester, of Ross County, Ohio, were united in matrimony, 
and three children have been born to them. They united with the Presbyterian 
Church, prior to the year 1830, and have since been faithful members. Mr. 
Long has always ranked as an enterprising citizen in his township. 

JOHN A. MILLER is a native of Virginia, where he was born in 1816, 
and when about nine years old removed to Preble County, Ohio, where he 
lived until 1834, with the exception of a year or two passed in Darke County. 
When sixteen, he started out for himself, and, in 1834, went to South Bend, 
Ind., where he worked at sundry jobs and assisted in clearing the land where 
that city now stands. He crossed this county when there were few or no set- 
tlements within its boundaries. After a sojourn of three years in this State, 
Mr. Miller returned to Darke County, Ohio, and shortly afterward was mar- 
ried to Jane Hartup, daughter of James Hartup, of Wayne County, Ind. 
After farming several years on rented property, in 1846, Mr. Miller purchased 
eighty acres of his present farm for $200, and located thereon in 1849 with 
his family, and has lived there since, with the exception of four years spent in 
Pierceton, Ind. With no pecuniary assistance, he started out in life, and has 
acquired his property by his own efforts. He owns 108 acres of land, and has 
had a family of twelve children, four of whom are living — James, Levi, Becca 
and Susan. Mr. Miller cast his first vote for Gen. Harrison. Both of his 
sons were soldiers in the late war. Levi served three years, and James enlisted 
in 1864, remaining until the war closed. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are members of 
the U. B. Church. During the early times, their log cabin was used for hold- 
ing church services. 

WILLIAM H. PALMER, son of Samuel and Sarah Palmer, natives of 
New Hampshire and of English descent, was born in Franklin County, Vt. 
At the age of seven, he emigrated with his parents to Franklin County, Ohio, 
thence to Union County, same State, coming to this county in 1844, and set- 
tling on Section 4, Troy Township, where, for the third time, they began clear- 
ing a farm, and where they found a permanent home. Samuel Palmer died in 
1855 and his wife in 1872. William H. began, when of age, to farm for him- 
self, and after his father's death bought the old homestead, but sold it in March, 
1878, and purchased his present farm of 107 acres. While a resident of Troy 



428 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Township, Mr. Miller served as Trustee two terms, and has been twice elected 
Assessor in this township ; also has served as Real Estate Appraiser. He is a 
Republican and a Master Mason. January 14, 1850, he was married to Eliza- 
beth R. Campbell, and they are parents of one son and four daughters. Mr. 
Palmer is one of the most enterprising men of his township. His parents, 
when they came here, moved into a log house, 16x18, furnished with home- 
made furniture. Mrs. Palmer's parents, James S. and Jane Campbell, natives 
respectively of Pennsylvania and Tennessee, entered land and settled in this 
township in 1836, and there passed the remainder of ther lives. 

JOSEPH WELKER, the youngest of a family of sixteen children, five 
of whom are living, was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, in 1821. His 
parents, William and Catharine Welker, were natives of Germany and Penn- 
sylvania, respectively. Joseph Welker came to this township in 1844, settling 
on his present farm. When he came, he had $25 in money, and a deed for 
eighty acres of land. After cutting three miles of road, he reached his farm, 
and built a log cabin, and for a number of years experienced the vicissitudes of 
pioneer life. He hauled his wheat to Fort Wayne, it then being the nearest 
market-place, and received 25 cents per bushel. Mr. Welker was married in 
January, 1844, to Miss L. Huffer, whose parents were Isaac and Julia A. 
Huffer, the former a native of England and the latter of Pennsylvania, and of 
English and German descent. Mr. and Mrs. Welker have a family of seven 
children — I. W., who is a minister of the U. B. Church ; Julia A.; Matilda 
N.; J. W., a physician ; L. W., a lawyer ; Susie and Carrie. Mr. Welker is 
one of the prominent and influential men of this township ; he has served nine 
years as Constable and seven years in the office of Justice of the Peace. 




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Noble Co. Court House. 



PART II. 



History of Noble County. 



CHAPTER I. 

by weston a. goodspeed. 

Topography and Geology— Noble County Drift— Physical Description- 
Cranberry Marshes— Meteorology— Classification of the Mound- 
Builders' Works— Prehistoric Occupation and Remains of Noble 
County— The Mounds and Their Contents— The Miamis and Potta- 
watomies During the Border Wars— The Indian Reservation— Per- 
sonal Incidents — Customs of the Native American. 

THERE is no subject more intimately connected with the interest of man- 
kind than history. It is much more comprehensive, universal and vital 
than shallow thinkers are led to believe from imperfect study. Perhaps its 
most important feature is its exposition of its relations of man to his fellows, 
to the laws under which he lives and enjoys, and to past events. Comparative 
history is extremely instructive, as the lights and shades of human character 
are thrown in spectral relief for man's inspection. His hopes and fears, his 
ambitions and aspirations, his desires and passions, his frailties and accomplish- 
ments, and his conduct under an infinite variety of opposing influences are re- 
vealed and analysed. Knowing, as the race does, that the greatest study of 
mankind is man, it has become the universal judgment that he who discovers 
the means of doing the greatest good has crowned himself with the grandest 
distinction. Men in pursuit of fame and a name have ransacked the world 
for knowledge of the human race in a primitive state. Every subject has been 
scanned by Argus-eyed scholars, and a vast fund of perishing historic lore 
has been rescued from oblivion, and forced to serve the purposes of an advan- 
cing civilization. The secret chambers of nature have been unlocked by the 
skilled hands of genius and the invariable sequence of immutable law, and the 
plastic transformations of dumb matter have been held aloft for human in- 
spection and guidance. No avenue, however solitary, if of value or interest to 
the race, has been left untraversed. The sciences have been the natural out- 



6 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

growth of the evolution of thought, and have multiplied the sources of happi- 
ness and the knowledge of human character. 

Since the dawn of intelligence, no field of research has been more fruitful 
in affording bountiful evidences of the origin of animate and inanimate crea- 
tion than the testimony of the rocky structure of the earth and a knowledge 
of the natural laws which control the movements of the universe. Written in- 
delibly on the bright page of nature is the wonderful progress of evolution 
from the simplest combination of effects to the sublime mechanism that guides 
the circling spheres. The phenomena of nature are everywhere found to be 
under the control of unchangeable laws, many of which have been discovered and 
utilized by scientific men. The earth and its various surroundings are found to 
be a vast storehouse of knowledge. The theory is (and no intelligent man at 
present questions its correctness) that the surface of the earth through long and 
successive ages has been alternately above and below the waters of the sea, and 
that during the periods of submergence strata of earth have been deposited 
from the water. When the land was raised above the water, it became covered 
with various kinds of vegetation, and afterward again submerged, and the 
vegetable remains were transformed into coal. Many of the plants which grew 
on the earth ages ago, have been named and classified from the remains found 
in coal-beds. As the strata were formed under water, various marine animals, 
such as mollusks and fishes, were also thrown down, and casts of these are 
found at all depths where the spade has gone, to show the character of the 
animals that were living at different epochs or ages on the earth. 

While the geological features of Noble County are not unusual or striking, 
yet, in some important particulars, they differ essentially from those in other 
neighboring counties of Indiana. The subject of geology is ordinarily consid- 
ered of but little practical value or interest, though the reverse of this is the 
case when it gives rise to sanitary or economic questions, as it often does. 
No extended nor instructive examination has been made in the county, as, so 
far, excavations have not reached sufficient depth to pass through the heavy 
glacial and drift deposit which covers all Northern Indiana, sometimes to so 
great a depth that even wells bored several hundred feet have failed to pass 
through to the underlying rock. It must be understood that Indiana, in com- 
mon with all this part of the continent, was alternately above and below the 
sea during the geological ages prior to the glacial epoch, and that during these 
ages strata of sand, clay, slate and various varieties of rocks were superimposed 
upon other strata, until a thickness of thousands of feet had been reached. 
Through these ages, the lot of Indiana was almost identical with that of all the 
surrounding States, and, consequently, when the earth in this State is pene- 
trated to the proper depth, the same, or nearly the same, strata are found as in 
neighboring localities. They are not precisely the same, because it is found 
that while the sea was depositing sand or clay at one place, perhaps but a com- 
paratively few miles distant the conditions were such that limestone, sandstone 



HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 7 

or other stone could be formed. Yet even in a case of this character, the period 
was the same, as has been proved by fossiliferous evidences that are above rea- 
sonable doubt. 

Before entering upon a more specific description of the glacial drift in the 
county, a few points will be considered concerning the underlying rock. Of 
course, it cannot be known with absolute certainty, without actual experiment, 
■what strata would be met with in going downward in Noble County, after hav- 
ing passed through the drift. The only conclusion to be reached is an approx- 
imate one, from a knowledge of what rocks are found in neighboring localities. 
Geologists throughout the State agree in saying that the first rocks found in 
Northern Indiana, after passing through the drift, are, with few exceptions in 
localities, those of the Niagara group. The exceptions are perhaps some of 
the Hamilton or Corniferous limestones of the Devonian age. Excavations, 
such as wells, in various portions of Northern Indiana have established these 
facts beyond doubt. It will therefore be seen that all the formations above the 
Niagara group are lacking in this locality, with perhaps the exceptions above 
noted and probably all or a portion of the formations of the Quaternary period. 
Passing downward through the Niagara group, which is a member of the Upper 
Silurian era, the Hudson and Trenton limestones and the Potsdam sandstone, 
members of the Lower Silurian era, would probably be found. Next would 
appear metamorphic rock, which was formed by crystallization some time after 
its deposition from water, but usually from the cooling of the primitive surface 
of the earth or before the formation of strata was possible. To account for 
the absence of rocks above the Upper Silurian is not an easy task, if exact 
statements are required. All such rocks were formed from soil deposited while 
the surface was under water. This view leads to the conclusion that Northern 
Indiana, at least, was above the sea after the Silurian age, but was again sub- 
merged, probably in fresh water, during the Cenozoic time. There was then a 
long interval of ages, during which Northern Indiana, with the Niagara group 
on the surface, was above the water. The strata below the Niagara group 
found in Indiana present no unusual features where excavations have pene- 
trated them, and therefore that branch of the subject will be dropped to await 
future revelations. 

We come now to a consideration of the Drift deposit. Geologists suppose 
that during a period called glacial, all the earth's surface, north of about 40° 
of north latitude, was covered sometimes to the tops of the highest mountains 
with a vast body of ice, that is thought to have been formed during a period of 
some 12,000 years, when the north pole was turned farthest from the sun, owing 
to a peculiar variation in the direction of the earth's axis, through a period of 
about 24,000 years. At least, all the evidences show that the earth's surface 
north of 40° of north latitude was once, and for a long period, covered with 
vast fields of ice, and at other periods with heavy vegetation, even as far north 
as the 82d degree of north latitude. The southern portions of the ice field 



8 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

melted away under the heat of a tropical sun, and the result was that the ice 
farther north was forced gradually southward, pushing down the elevations of 
land, and slowly but surely grinding the rock into powder and gravel, and 
transporting them to latitudes further south. Glacial markings are found 
everywhere, and all indicate that the movements of the glaciers were southerly. 
In their movement south, the glaciers took or scooped up vast quantities of soil 
in northern localities, which became frozen in until the ice had reached the 
warmer sections and had thawed, when such soil was dropped upon the earth. 
This soil is now known as the " Drift" or " Bowlder deposit," and covers all 
Northern Indiana, including Noble County, to a depth of several hundred feet. 
Some entertain the idea that this soil in Northern Indiana was deposited directly 
upon the Niagara group, while others think that, inasmuch as just above the 
Niagara group are found several strata of clay, shale and sand, the northern 
part of the State was under the surface either of salt or fregh water, at stages 
succeeding the formation of the Niagara rocks. Animal and vegetable casts, 
found in these strata, will prove the character of the water from which they 
were deposited. Some geologists maintain that the " Drift " was not deposited 
by glaciers but by icebergs, which floated south, carrying large quantities of 
northern soil, and grinding over the rocks at the bottom of the shallow seas, 
thus forming the strice or " glacial markings." All, however, agree that the 
" Drift " was brought from northern regions through the agency of ice. No 
doubt both glaciers and icebergs were the means of transporting the soil south. 
The lowest formation of the Drift deposit is the " Bowlder clay," which varies 
in thickness from ten to one hundred feet. It is usually yellow or brown above, 
and blue below, and is underlaid by a water-bearing sheet of gravel and sand, 
cemented into an almost impenetrable hardpan. The pebbles contained in the 
Bowlder clay are generally small, sub-angular, scratched and planed fragments, 
either of indigenous or of exotic rocks, the former largely preponderating. 
Prof. J. S. Newberry, of Ohio, thinks that the blue and the yellow Bowlder 
clays were originally the same color, and that the latter is the leached and 
oxidized portion of the former. He also says : " The bowlder clay of Ohio, 
Indiana, Illinois, etc., may be said to be the entire grist ground by the glacier, 
which, never having been screened or sorted, contains both the bran and the 
flour, the latter being the clay, and the former the sand, gravel and bowlders." 
After the deposition of the bowlder clay came a period when the surface was 
above the water, and when a forest of arborescent and herbaceous plants sprang 
into life. The piece of sound wood found a short time ago about three miles 
northeast of Albion, was found in drift soil, about ninety feet deep, which 
answers the description of the " inter-glacial forest-bed," and was no doubt 
brought there from some forest farther north. It is supposed that these plants 
grew during an inter-glacial mild period, and their remains are not usually 
found as far south, in any quantity, as Noble County. This inter-glacial forest 
period was the time when the mammoth, mastodon, giant beaver and doubtless 



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HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 9 

many other animals, appeared upon the earth. Above these deposits, come 
various layers of sand, clay or gravel, intermingled with bowlders of various 
shapes, sizes and compositions. Geologists differ regarding the causes of the 
billowy appearance of the surface soil of Northern Indiana. Perhaps the most 
reasonable conclusion is, that such soil remains in much the same condition as 
when it was first deposited by the melting glaciers or icebergs. Such process 
would heap the soil in some places, while in others great cavities would be left 
unfilled, which afterward becoming filled with water would form the numerous 
lakes. The best authorities agree in saying that the great mass of the drift 
was deposited principally from indigenous rocks by means of glaciers ; but that 
icebergs also, more especially at the close of the glacial period, transported from 
the Canadian highlands a considerable quantity of soil, and large numbers of 
bowlders, which lie above the laminated clays, deposited previously by glaciers. 

This brings us to the more specific description of the physical features of 
the county. The number of depressed portions covered with water seems fab- 
ulous, and the quantity of swamp land is much greater than supposed, though 
both are being decreased rapidly by natural and artificial means. The effect 
of so much stagnant water and decaying vegetation is perceptible to those, 
more especially, who have not become acclimated to the influences of malaria 
and its kindred ailings, as engendered in the county and vicinity. Extra 
effort has been made from the earliest time to drain the water from the swamps, 
to fell the timber, and to let in the healthful and cheerful light and heat of the 
sun. The proceeding has been met with marked effect, as large numbers of 
the drier swamps have not only been thoroughly drained, but have been sub- 
jected to cultivation, and there is found no better farming land in the county. 

From the following statement may be learned, by townships, the number 
of lakes and large permanent ponds in Noble County : Perry, 4 ; Elkhart, 6 ; 
Orange, 13; Wayne 21 ; Sparta, 15; York, 11; Jefferson, 7; Allen, 3; Al- 
bion, 1; Washington, 16; Noble, 22; Green, 20; Swan, 3; total, 145. 

It is very difficult to correctly estimate the quantity of swamp land in the 
county. Some have placed it as high as 15 per cent of the county lands, but 
probably 10 per cent would come nearer the truth. Many of the smaller and 
shallower lakes are slowly filling by means of mosses, rushes, weeds, lily-stocks, 
etc., and undoubtedly some, which now are simply low lands, have been sub- 
jected to this fate. In several places in the county, some of which have been 
cultivated, there is found quite a dry soil for several feet on top, while under- 
neath the earth is an impure vegetable mold, and, in some cases, farther down 
there is found water, often in a considerable quantity, proving that the spot 
was once a lake or pond, which had been overgrown with a heavy and springy 
vegetation, which had likewise become covered with the surface soil by wash- 
ings through long periods of years. Every lake that has been examined in the 
county is underlaid with a more or less perfect stratum of bog iron ore, some 
being so rich in metal as to be of no trifling commercial value. None of these 

A A 



10 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

beds, with few exceptions, one being in York Township, has been worked. 
Iron can be obtained cheaper. Many curious natural formations are found, 
some of which have been incorrectly referred to the Mound-Builders. There 
are also many places in the county where beavers have thrown up embank- 
ments of surprising extent and appearance. Some lakes in the county are in 
the first stage after being filled with vegetation, one of these being beautifully 
situated near the residence of Michael Bouse, Washington Township. It is 
about six acres in extent, and has no known outlet, and over the surface the 
marsh moss, Spagnum, has become so heavily matted that persons find no 
trouble in walking over the marsh to gather the cranberries which usually 
grow there in profusion. There are many places in the county where these 
excellent berries are found, but they seem to grow most abundantly in the 
southern part — in the Tippecanoe swamps. This berry is a member of the 
Heath Family, and is known to botanists as Oxycoccus macrocorpus. The 
plant is a creeper, or trailer, with slender, hardy, woody stems and small ever- 
green leaves, more or less white underneath, with single flowers borne on slen- 
der erect pedicles, and having a pale rose carolla. The berries, which get ripe 
in autumn, are red, with some yellow, and are very acid. The stems are from 
one to three feet long, and the flowers are lateral, rendering easy the gather- 
ing of the berries. The conditions for the possible life of the plant are being 
slowly destroyed, and the berries are becoming less numerous. The moss, 
the name of which is given above, has the property of slowly dying at the 
extremities of the roots, thus making it possible for deep lakes to become filled 
with it. 

It seems proper in this connection to notice a few circumstances regarding 
the meteorological condition of this part of Indiana. The prevailing direction 
of the wind is from the southwest, and from that direction the greater number 
of heavy storms come. The annual mean barometer is close to 30 inches, and 
the annual mean temperature is not far from fifty-four degrees. The annual 
mean relative humidity is about sixty-seven degrees, and the total annual rain- 
fall, including melted snow, will exceed forty inches. The quantity of rainfall 
depends upon the direction of the wind, and upon the relative humidity of the 
air. A heated atmosphere will contain more moisture than a cold one, and is 
therefore more likely to precipitate rain, owing to the probability of meeting 
condensing currents ; while a cold atmosphere is likely to be dry, from the fact 
that it has probably passed through the state requiring a discharge of rain or 
snow. As the atmosphere in any locality becomes warm, the probability of 
rainfall is increased, for the wind containing rain-clouds is likely to set in 
toward that quarter. If the atmosphere is cold and growing colder, the proba- 
bility of rain is decreased, as clouds bearing rain must leave for warmer places. 
These facts are all relative, depending upon the season of the year. Of course 
in winter, the atmosphere being cold everywhere, will contain an amount of 
moisture which would be immediately precipitated in heavy rain in summer, 



HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 11 

and vice versa. Every farmer should have the means of telling the probable 
condition of future weather. 

Before entering upon the description of the ancient earth and stone works 
in Noble County, it seems proper to take a general and summary view of the 
evidences of a pre-historic people, who undoubtedly inhabited all this country 
in times which antedate all known records. According to the prevailing 
opinion among archaeologists, the Mound-Builders* were a race of people who 
occupied more or less of this continent prior to the advent of the Indian. The 
latter knew nothing of the Mound-Builder, save what few evidences were 
derived from his works, and, in consequence, his time is placed back, perhaps 
several thousand years, or contemporaneous with that of the ancient Assyrian 
and Egyptian nations. Several eminent writers maintain that the Mound- 
Builders were the descendants of Asiatics, who found their way to this country 
when civilization was yet in its infancy. This could easily have been done, 
either in boats or on the ice across Behring's Strait. Perhaps this view is as 
rational as any. The truth will probably never be known, as all we have from 
which to judge of their history, habits, modes of life, degree of civilization, knowl- 
edge of the arts of peace and war, mental and moral progress, etc., are the 
numerous earthworks and implements which have been found. 

The earthen structures or mounds have been divided and subdivided as 
follows : 



Mounds Proper. i 



Sepulchral. 

Scrificial. 

Templar. 

Memorial. 

Monumental. 

Observatory. 
f Animal. 
EAR 1 HWORKS. Effigies -j Emblematic. 

L Symbolical. 

Military. 

Defensive. 

Covered. 

Sacred. 

Festival. 



Enclosures. 



The greater number of these earthworks are found constructed of earth, a 
few of stone, and fewer still of earth and stone combined. Sepulchral mounds 
are usually conical, and some of them, notwithstanding the lapse of time, are 
seventy feet in height. The prevailing altitude is from three to eight feet. 
This class is most numerous, and was undoubtedly erected in which to bury the 
dead. They always contain one or more skeletons, often with implements or 
ornaments, supposed to have been placed there when the individual was buried 
forjise in the spirit land. It has been conjectured that the magnitude of these 

*0f course the natural name of these people is unknown. That such a race once inhabited this country was 
su^h peoteMound Build ^^ nUmber ° f earthworks or mounds, and, since then, scientists have united in calling 



12 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

mounds bears some relation to the prominence of the persons, in whose honor 
they were erected. Ashes and charcoal are often found in proximity to the 
skeletons under conditions which render it probable that fires were used in the 
burial ceremony. With the skeletons are often found specimens of mica, pot- 
tery, bone and copper beads and animal bones. Ordinarily but one skeleton is 
found, though in one case in Hardin County, Ohio, three hundred crumbling 
skeletons were taken out, and the mound opened by the writer in Elkhart 
Township contained twenty-eight, and the one in Washington sixteen. Templar 
mounds are few in number, and are ordinarily circular. They are invariably 
truncated, and are often surrounded with embankments, inclined planes or 
spiral pathways or steps leading to the summit. They are found round, square, 
oblong, oval and octangular, and rest generally upon a large base, but have a 
limited altitude. It is supposed that these elevations were surmounted with 
wooden temples, all traces of which have been removed by the ravages of time. 
They are thought to have been erected for religious purposes. Sacrificial 
mounds are ordinarily stratified, with convex layers of clay and loam above a 
stratum of sand. They generally contain ashes, charcoal, igneous stones, cal- 
cined animal bones, beads, stone implements, pottery and specimens of rude 
sculpture. Altars of igneous clay or stone are often found. Evidences of fire 
upon the altars yet remain, showing that various animals and probably human 
beings were immolated to secure the favor of the Great Spirit. These mounds 
infrequently contain skeletons, together with implements of war ; mica from the 
Alleghanies ; shells from the Gulf of Mexico ; differently colored varieties of 
obsidian ; red, purple and green specimens of porphery, and silver, copper and 
other metallic ornaments and utensils. Memorial or monumental mounds are 
of that class of tumuli intended to commemorate some important event, or to 
perpetuate the memory of some distinguished character. Most of the stone 
mounds belong to this class, and usually contain no bones, for the supposed 
reason that they were not used for sepulchers. They were similar in design to 
the Bunker Hill Monument. Mounds of observation were apparently designed 
for alarm towers or signal stations. Some writers have fancied that they 
" occur in chains or regular systems, and that many of them still bear traces of 
the beacon fires that were once burning upon them." They are often found 
built like towers from the summits of embankments surrounding inclosures. 

Effigies are elevations of earth in the form of men, beasts, birds, reptiles, 
and occasionally of inanimate objects, varying in height from one foot to six 
feet above the surrounding soil, and often covering many acres of land. Mr. 
Schoolcraft expresses the belief that this class of mounds was designed for 
4 ' totems " or " tribular symbols ;" while Prof. Daniel Wilson and other writers 
of distinction hold that they were erected in accordance with the religious be- 
lief of the various tribes of Mound-Builders, who worshiped or in some way 
venerated the animals or objects represented by the elevations. 

Military or defensive inclosures are irregular in form, and are always on 



HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 13 

high ground, in positions difficult of approach by a savage foe. " The walls," 
says the American Cyclopedia, " generally wind around the borders of the 
elevations they occupy, and when the nature of the ground renders some points 
more accessible than others, the height of the wall and the depth of the ditch 
at these weak points are proportionally increased. The gateways are narrow 
and few in number, and well guarded by embankments of earth placed a few 
yards inside the openings or gateways, but parallel with them and projecting some- 
what beyond them at each end, thus fully covering the entrances, which, in 
some cases, are still further protected by projecting walls on either side. These 
works are somewhat numerous, and indicate a clear appreciation of at least the 
elements of fortification, and unmistakably point out the purpose for which 
they were constructed. A large number of these defensive works consists of a 
line of ditches and embankments, or several lines carried across the neck of 
peninsulas or bluff headlands formed within the bends of streams — an easy and 
obvious mode of fortification to all rude peoples." Sometimes the embankments 
are miles in extent, reaching an altitude of more than twenty feet in some 
places. Covered ways or parallel walls are often found, either connecting dif- 
ferent inclosures or portions of the same. They were undoubtedly designed 
to protect those passing back and forth within. There are large numbers of 
sacred inclosures in the form of circles, squares, hexagons, octogons, ellipses, 
parallelograms and others, many of which were designed with surprising 
geometrical accuracy. They are sometimes found within military inclosures, 
and very likely were connected with the religious rites and ceremonies of the 
people, as small elevations are found within them, which were evidently used 
for altars upon which sacrifices of various kinds were offered. Some archae- 
ologists maintain that many of the so-called sacred inclosures were intended 
and used for national games and celebrations, and it is probable that those with- 
out the altar were used as such. 

The mounds and their contents afford abundant opportunity to speculate 
as to the character and customs of the ancient people, of whom nothing is left 
save their crumbling habitations. They were a numerous people, as is clearly 
proved by the magnitude and elaboration of their works. Their presence here, 
beyond question, antedates the coming of Columbus, and very probably extends 
back a thousand years or more. Many interesting and important considera- 
tions, too lengthy to be narrated here, have been discovered in comparing the 
customs of the Mound-Builders with those of ancient people in the East. The 
Mound-Builders were unquestionably subservient to rulers or superiors, who 
had power to enforce the erection of gigantic structures, which, considering the 
semi-barbarous condition of the people, their lack of suitable implements of 
labor and their imperfect and insufficient knowledge of mechanical principles, 
are surprisingly vast in extent and ingenious in design. Their works indicate 
that the people were warlike; that they were familiar with many mathematical 
and mechanical principles; that they were religious and probably idolatrous ; 
that they were skilled in the manufacture of bone and metallic ornaments and 



14 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

pottery; that they had attained no little degree of perfection in the working 
of metals, and that they were essentially homogeneous in customs, pursuits* 
religion and government. They, of necessity, were an agricultural people, 
being too numerous to live by the chase alone. They offered burnt and other 
sacrifices and oblations to both good and bad spirits. Dr. Foster says they 
worshiped the elements, such as fire, air and water, also the sun, moon and 
stars, and offered human sacrifices to the gods they worshiped. Yet many of 
these considerations are speculative, and have but little substantial evidence 
upon which to rest, and authorities are widely at variance in their views. But 
little can ever be known of the history of these people; yet throughout all the 
future the civilized world will look with awe upon the decaying remnants of 
their works and weave the bright fabric of romance about their mysterious 
lives. 

This much has been given on the authority of Schoolcraft, Wilson, Pid- 
geon, Smucker, Foster and the American Cyclopedia, to prepare the way for 
the classification and detailed description of the ancient earth and stone works 
in this county. No effort has been made in past years to gather together the 
pre-historic history of Noble County. No importance or value has been at- 
tached to disclosures of skeletons, the majority of citizens throughout the 
county regarding them as belonging to the Indians, and, consequently, the 
mounds which have been opened in years past in different parts of the county 
were not carefully examined, and no doubt much interesting, and, perhaps, val- 
uable, information has been hopelessly lost. The works and their contents can- 
not be too closely scrutinized, as very often nothing short of careful inspection 
will avoid overlooking important facts. About twenty-five years ago, a large 
mound situated on the old Jones farm, in northeastern Elkhart Township, was 
leveled down, or nearly so, as it was in the way, and several bones were found, 
which the owner supposed to belong to animals. Nothing further was discov- 
ered. They were, beyond doubt, the bones of Mound-Builders. On Section 2, 
Elkhart Township, on what is called Sanford's Point, there are several mounds, 
one of which was opened some eight or ten years ago by the neighbors, who 
expected to unearth some valuable trinkets. Quite a number of bones were 
found, and these were scattered around on the surface of the ground, where 
they were left. No trinkets were found. An inferior maxillary bone found is 
said to have been remarkably large and sound. The reader must remembe 1 ' 
that these are the bones of Mound-Builders, not Indians, and were certainly 
placed there at least five hundred years ago, and very likely longer. 

On the farm of Jeremiah Noel, Section 1, Elkhart Township, three mounds 
were found situated so as to form the corners of a triangle, whose sides were 5.5, 
42 and 30 yards, respectively. They were on the summit near the center of a 
semi-circular elevation that bounded a low marshy tract of land situated some 
forty feet lower, the concave face of the elevation lying toward the north. Two 
of the mounds were apparently about the same size, while the third was notice- 
ably larger, having a basial diameter of some sixty feet, and an altitude which ^ 



HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 15 

notwithstanding that the road had once passed within a few feet of it, and that 
it had also been cultivated over many years, was some three and a half feet above 
the general level of the elevation. As nearly as possible, the summit of this 
mound was found, and an excavation about a yard square was made, care being 
taken that all important disclosures should be noticed. The soil was a light, 
sandy loam with some gravel, and did not appear to be in layers. At the depth 
of about two feet, a small quantity of charcoal was found scattered through the 
soil, although no distinct layer of this material could be distinguished. Finally, 
at the depth of about three feet, unmistakable evidences of bone were disclosed. 
The shovel had struck through what afterward proved to be a human skull, and 
the thigh-bone — the femur — was broken, and a portion thrown up. The diam- 
eter of the excavation was considerably enlarged, and the work was continued 
with great care. The covering of earth was removed, and a number of the 
heavier bones of a human skeleton were taken out in a brittle and decomposed 
state. Not more than a third of the bones of this skeleton could be found, the 
others, no doubt, having long since returned to dust. In the meantime, portions 
of other skeletons had been thrown out, and, in order to get at the work better, 
the excavation was enlarged until it measured about seven feet in diameter. 
The work was continued, and, at the expiration of about ten hours, twenty-eight 
crumbling skeletons had been taken out. Some few of the skeletons were in a 
fair state of preservation, while the majority were ready to fall to pieces, and 
actually did. The skulls were usually found resting upon the vertebrae, ribs 
and pelvis, while the extremities were distinct from these. The evidences satis- 
fied those present that the bodies had been buried in a sitting posture, and they 
must have been packed in like sardines, as they were all found within a circle 
whose diameter was about seven feet. No skeleton was found entire, or, at least, 
it could not be distinguished from other bones with which it was mingled. The 
skulls were the only means of ascertaining the number of individuals buried, and 
this in a few instances was not absolutely reliable, as some evidences of addi- 
tional skulls were found. Eight or ten bodies, in addition to those counted, 
might have been buried in the mound, all traces of which had been removed by 
Time, the destroyer. Beyond question, the skeletons of three or four children 
were unearthed, as the small fragile skulls and diminutive bones clearly indi- 
cated. While many of the larger bone3 were almost wholly decayed, many of the 
smaller were in an excellent state of preservation. Many of the metatarsal and 
metacarpal bones were almost as sound as when first buried. The cuneiform, 
pisiform, trapezium, patella, scaphoid, os calcis, were found. The vertebrae, 
ribs and skulls of children were found. The skeletons of at least two women 
were among the number, one of the skulls being carried away by the writer. 
Not half the necessary number of bones could be found to complete the osseous 
structure of twenty-eight individuals. The teeth were generally sound, yet some 
of these were found badly decomposed. One bone — a femur — had undoubtedly 
been fractured or broken during the life of the individual, as around it about 
five inches above the knee joint was quite an enlargement. No trinkets nor 



16 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

implements of any kind were found. Growing upon this mound a few years 
ago was a yellow oak about fifteen inches in diameter, but this had been 
removed before the mound was opened. Those present at the opening 
were satisfied that the skeletons of men, women and children were taken 
out. One of the skulls and a few bones traced as belonging to it dif- 
fered materially from all the others, both in point of preservation and 
development, it having but little of that dark intermarking that pre- 
cedes decay. It was much higher than either of the others, having a splendid 
development at the organs of veneration and benevolence, and a noticeable 
lack of the animal developments at the base of the skull. All the bones of the 
skeleton were very thick and sound. This skeleton undoubtedly belonged to an 
importaut personage, and probably those buried with him were members of his 
own family, or his servants, or both. It was in truth a fine looking head for a 
savage — too fine a one to belong to a savage, or phrenology is at fault. The 
frontal development was not large ; it was rather small compared with the gen- 
eral formation of the cranium. He was probably the " Medicine Man " (if the 
Mound Builders had such a humbug). This skull may be seen among Mr. 
Watts P. Denny's collection at Albion. 

Three mounds, situated about half a mile south of Rome City, on the 
farm of John W. Teal, were also opened. They were also arranged to form 
the corners of a triangle, the sides being seventy, forty-three and thirty-five 
yards respectively. The first and largest mound was found to contain no evi- 
dences whatever — not even charcoal. It was probably a memorial mound, hav- 
ing been constructed to commemorate some important tribal event. Each of 
the other mounds was found to contain at least one skeleton, and one of them 
probably contained two, as bones were found at such a distance apart as to lead 
to this conclusion. Perhaps nine-tenths of each skeleton had entirely disap- 
peared, as but a few small fragments were found. A sufficient quantity was 
found, however, to prove its bony character, and to establish the fact beyond 
cavil that the bones were human. In each of the mounds containing skeletons 
was found charcoal, noticeably so in one of them, where a heavy stratum, 
including ashes and well preserved pieces of half-charred wood resembling ash, 
was found entirely covering the spot where the skeleton reposed. From this 
mound, in close proximity to the few crumbling bones, were found two small 
trinkets. 

One of the other mounds was opened, and about a peck of charcoal was 
found, from which was taken a small piece of charred bone, possibly being a 
portion of the tibia, but more probably belonging to some animal. In this 
mound distinct layers of clay and loam, alternating with those of sand, were 
clearly distinguishable. The charcoal was in a stratum which extended over 
some two or three square yards of surface, and was resting upon a hardpan of 
half-burned clay, which seemed to have been built in the form of a small trun- 
cated mound, a foot and a half high and some four feet square. Resting upon 
this was the charcoal and a few charred stones and the piece of charred bone. 










WSm 



i 8fc 







HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 17 

This mound belonged to the sacrificial class. One was a piece of mica, about 
two inches square, and a third of an inch thick, which after a few hours split 
into thin transparent layers. The other was a slate ornament, nearly four 
inches long and about half an inch wide, the edges being straight and one side 
smooth, while the other was oval, thus varying the thickness from a quarter of 
an inch at the ends to a half at the middle. Quite a large bowlder was taken 
from one of these mounds, and around its lower edge a small quantity of 
decayed bone-dust was found. 

A large mound in a cultivated field on Section 4, York Township, was 
opened, and portions of three skeletons were taken out. The skulls were well 
preserved, as were the ribs and some other parts. The customary charcoal was 
found, but no trinkets nor implements. The teeth were sound, and the bony 
base of the skull in two cases was taken out entire. Appearances seemed to 
indicate that the bodies had been buried either on the back or the side, as the 
vertebrae extended out in the sand some distance from the skull. The frag- 
ments of bone found in the mounds at Rome City were upright, and 
portions of the cranium found were some distance, perhaps a foot o 
more, above the bones of the lower extremities. The reverse was the 
case in northern Elkhart and York. No females' nor children's heads were 
found at Rome City or in York. Two large mounds were opened in the woods 
on Section 1, Sparta Township, but no bones, charcoal, nor ashes were found. 
The soil here was not as dry and mellow as is usually found constituting the 
mounds. It was a heavy sand and clay, there being a sufficient quantity of the 
latter to retain considerable water. If skeletons had been buried in such a soil, 
they would have decayed in a comparatively short space of time. The soil at 
the Noel mound was quite dry and mellow, more like the dust of the road. The 
members of the Davenport Academy of Sciences, discussing this question, say 
that " bones are often thrown into conditions that remain constant, and so will 
last for ages." They cite several cases coming under their observation to prove 
this, and even go so far as to mention the case of a mound opened in Louisa 
County, Iowa, where the stench was almost unendurable, showing that the 
fleshy portions had but just decayed. The mound in this case was undoubtedly 
pre-historic. 

On Section 1, Sparta Township, on a low piece of land which extended 
into a marsh which was still lower, evidences of what might be pottery were 
discovered. No pieces larger than some four inches square have been found. 
The land is in a cultivated field, and at every fresh plowing many small frag- 
ments are thrown out. The fragments are composed of a dark clay, and seem 
to have been pressed into the desired form and thickness of one-fourth of an 
inch, and then partially baked. Large quantities of small stones, discolored by 
fire and smoke, are found scattered over the ground. The writer at first 
thought that some old cabin had been built on the site, and that the stones and 
burnt clay might have composed the chimney ; but there are some strong ob- 
jections to this view of the case. The oldest settlers who have lived in the 



18 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

vicinity since the county was first organized knew nothing of such a cabin, and 
state that the earth and stone at the point were in early years much as they 
are at present. One thing is certain : The earth comprising the so-called pot- 
tery is totally dissimilar to that composing the land where it is found, and must 
have been transported there, either from the adjacent marsh or from some dis- 
tant lowland where such clay is found. These and other facts lead the writer 
to believe that the spot was used as a site for the manufacture of pottery, and 
the portions found are the cast-away fragments. This spot is situated about 
half a mile southeast of the mounds above referred to that were opened. Di- 
rectly east from the spot, distant perhaps ten rods, and on the same knoll, was 
found an ancient mound which was opened, but nothing noteworthy was un- 
earthed. 

On the northwest corner on the farm of Jacob Weigel, Washington Town- 
ship, and within twenty rods of the residence of Michael Bouse, a large mound 
in a corn-field was opened by the writer. This was opened in the usual way by 
making a perpendicular excavation at the summit. Great care was taken to no- 
tice everything. The soil and surroundings were very similar to those of the 
large Elkhart mound. A half dozen small pieces of charcoal were found about 
six inches above the skeletons, but no implements were found, save a fragment 
of pottery about three by four inches, one side evidently being the rim of an 
earthen vessel. This fragment did not seem to be among the bones, but was 
at least six inches above them. It is the opinion of the writer that it was a 
cast-away portioti of some vessel, and got mingled with the earth when the 
mound was built. It resembles, in every respect, the fragments found in north- 
eastern Sparta Township. Portions of sixteen skeletons were unearthed, as 
was proved by the skulls, though their preservation was less perfect than those 
of the Elkhart mound. In other respects they were very much the same. There 
was at least the skeleton of one child present, as was proved by the vertebrae. 
If female skeletons were present, such fact was not disclosed. The bones of 
the extremities were best preserved. The teeth were also quite sound, some 
being found where the maxillary bones had entirely decayed, save a small 
quantity of powder. Standing upon this mound was the stump of an oak 
about fifteen inches in diameter ; a small distance southeast of this a small 
sacrificial mound was opened, and as much as a bushel of charcoal was thrown 
out ; nothing else of importance was seen. A member of the historical 
force opened a mound in the Salem Church Cemetery, Washington Township, 
but discovered nothing save a considerable quantity of charcoal. Mr. Denney 
opened two mounds on the farm of Samuel Myers, Orange Township, both 
containing nothing but charcoal ; he also opened three more near there, on the 
farm of Otis Grannis, one of them being eight feet in height and about eighty 
feet in diameter at the base. Three quite well-preserved skeletons were taken 
from this mound, one of the skulls being almost entire, and having a much bet- 
ter frontal development than the average. On this mound was an oak tree four 
feet in diameter, and probably more than three hundred years old. This mound 



HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 19 

is probably the largest in the county. Two other mounds near it, of average 
size, contained a bed of charcoal each. Mr. Denny, assisted by his brother 
Orville, opened three more on the bank of Skinner's Lake, Jefferson Town- 
ship, and took from one a quantity of human bones ; but this mound had been 
opened a number of years ago by novices in the neighborhood, who used no 
particular care either to observe or preserve, and the number of individuals 
buried there is unknown, though there were several. The other two mounds 
contained charcoal. The most important mound opened was one west of In- 
dian Village, and as it is just across the line in Kosciusko County, but little will 
be said of it here ; it was undoubtedly a sacrificial mound, as, besides a bed of 
charcoal, there were found many fragments of charred human bones, as pieces 
of half-burned skulls and other prominent bones of human beings clearly 
proved. Turtle skulls and various other bones belonging to that animal and 
others were found among the remains, and perhaps half a peck of these half- 
burned fragments were unearthed. It has been told the writer, on very good 
authority, that a mound in Washington Township was opened a number of 
years ago, from which were taken, besides skeletons, a number of copper orna- 
ments or trinkets. It is unfortunate that no careful and extended examination 
was made of this mound, if the above report is true. Too many mounds are 
opened by inexperienced persons, for often the structure of the mound itself 
shows to which class it belongs. 

Noble County has an interesting Indian history, though unfortunately 
but little of it is known. The tribes living in the northern part of Indiana 
during the last half of the last century were more or less actively engaged in 
all the border wars with the pioneers in Eastern Ohio, Western Pennsylvania 
and Northern Kentucky. Beyond question, white prisoners who were captured 
were often brought, not only to Fort Wayne, but to the Indian village in Sparta 
Township. One of the settlers living in Sparta Township picked up, many 
years ago, a stone having the shape represented below, and the indicated in- 
scriDtion cut into the stone : 



I WAS TAKEN PRIS 
NER BEY THE IND 
IANS IN 1776 
ANDREW 
CLINTON 



20 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

The stone is undoubtedly genuine, and, so far as known, Clinton was the first 
white man in the county. Some other evidences of the early presence of white 
men have been found, one being an inscription on a tree. There is no township 
in the county in which temporary Indian villages did not exist in early times, 
either before or after the appearance of the first white settlers. Every stream 
and lake has its legend of the red men of the woods, which will live in song 
and story as long as romance and mystery are admired. J. Fennimore Cooper 
has woven a crown of beauty about the dark brow of the Indian, that will be- 
come more heavily jeweled with gems of fancy as time passes. By his pure 
images of manly character, and his vast knowledge of the native American, he 
has blended every redeeming trait of the Indian race in a living type that will 
bear the criticism of ages. Longfellow has rendered into immortal song the 
life and legends of the Indian tribes. Is there anything sweeter than the fol- 
lowing description ? 

" ' After many years of warfare, 
Many years of strife and bloodshed, 
There is peace between the Ojibways 
And the tribe of the Dacotahs.' 
Thus continued Hiawatha, 
And then added, speaking slowly, 
' That this peace may last forever 
And our hands be clasped more closelyi 
And our hearts be more united, 
Give me, as my wife, this maiden, 
Minnehaha, Laughing Water, 
Loveliest of Dacotah women ! ' 

" And the ancient arrow-maker 

Paused a moment ere he answered, 

Smoked a little while in silence, 

Looked at Hiawatha proudly, 

Fondly looked at Laughing Water, 

And made answer very gravely : 
' Yes, if Minnehaha wishes ; 

Let your heart speak, Minnehaha!' 

And the lovely Laughing Water 

Seemed more lovely as she stood there, 

Neither willing nor reluctant, 

As she went to Hiawatha, 

Softly took the seat beside him, 

While she said, and blushed to say it, 
'I will follow you, my husband!' 

"This was Hiawatha's wooing! 
Thus it was he won the daughter 
Of the ancient arrow-maker 
In the land of the Dacotahs! 

" From the wigwam he departed, 
Leading with him Laughing Water ; 
Hand in hand they went together, 
Through the woodland and the meadow ; 



HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 21 

Left the old man standing lonely 
In the doorway of his wigwam, 
Heard the Falls of Minnehaha, 
Calling to them from the distance, 
Crying to them from afar off, 
' Fare thee well, Minnehaha ! ' 

" And the ancient arrow-maker 
Turned again unto his labor, 
Sat down by his sunny doorway, 
Murmuring to himself, and saying, 
1 Thus it is our daughters leave us, 
Those we love, and those who love us ; 
Just when they have learned to help us, 
When we are old and lean upon them, 
Comes a youth with flaunting feathers, 
With his flute of reeds, a stranger 
Wanders piping through the village, 
Beckons to the fairest maiden, 
And she follows where he leads her, 
Leaving all things for the stranger!'" 

The tribes with which Noble County has to deal in history are those of 
the Miamis and Pottawatomies. As far back as the records extend — to the 
time when the French missionaries and explorers were extending their chain 
of missions and settlements along the great lakes and downward toward the 
Mississippi — these tribes occupied much or all of Northern Indiana. Here they 
were found by the French, and here they were found by early traders and 
captive white men. While perhaps these tribes were not so actively engaged in 
the border wars in Eastern Ohio as those living in that vicinity, yet many 
warriors, thirsting for war and ambitious of distinction, made incursions toward 
the East, and joined the hostile bands that were laying waste the frontier 
settlements. This state of affairs continued until the war of 1812, at which 
time the Indians here were badly defeated, and at the point of the bayonet were 
compelled to lay down the weapons of war, and sue for peace in the most abject 
manner. Their lands were ceded to the victorious whites, and they were con- 
fined to their reservations and to peace. A trading station had been early 
established at Fort Wayne, and this became a central point, where the Indians 
obtained their supplies and disposed of their furs, etc. In 1810, Tecumseh, 
one of the bravest, ablest and craftiest savages that ever lived, whose tribe had 
been given a tract of land by the Indians living on the Wabash, began visiting 
all the Western tribes with the secret purpose of inciting them to a concerted 
attack on all the frontier settlements. At the same time, when approached on 
the subject, he repeatedly avowed his friendship for the whites, and professed 
his desire for peace. But Gen. Harrison, then Governor of Indiana Territory, 
had no faith in the wily chieftain's professions, and continued his careful policy 
of handling the Indian question. Meantime, Tecumseh traveled among the 
various tribes, and by his craft and eloquence kindled them to the heat of war. 



22 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

At last, unknown to Tecumseh, and in direct opposition to his intentions, his 
brother, the prophet, attacked Gen. Harrison on the 7th of November, 1810, 
and was badly defeated at the battle of Tippecanoe. This immature movement 
on the part of the Indians was bitterly lamented by Tecumseh, who became 
terribly exasperated at his brother for the rash act, and threatened to kill him 
for thus foiling his schemes. But the Indian power was hopelessly broken, and 
the Miamis and Pottawatomies, who had taken an active part at Tippecanoe, 
buried the hatchet, and immured themselves within their assigned reservations. 
The writer has been unable to ascertain when the old reservation, which included 
a portion of Sparta and Washington Township, was assigned the above tribes ; 
but it was probably soon after the war of 1812, and prior to 1821. By the 
terms of agreement between the Indians and the Government, a large, square 
brick-house was erected at Indian Village on the reservation, to be used as the 
residence of the chief, Wawaassa, or " Flat Belly," as he was more generally 
known. This building, after being used several years as a combined council- 
house and residence, was blown down by a great wind, and was not afterward 
rebuilt. The early settlers utilized the brick in their chimneys, etc. The 
tribes mentioned occupied the reservation until the year 1839, when they were 
transferred to the Wabash, and afterward no Indians visited the county save 
occasional stragglers. The lands of the reservation were not thrown into market 
until the autumn of 1842, at which time many squatters were living thereon, 
some of them having made extensive improvements with the view of purchasing 
the land when it became marketable. Knowing that great hardships would be 
wrought the squatters unless something was done to protect them, the State 
Legislature made provision, that if their farms were entered by other parties, 
the improvements that had been made must be paid for by those who entered 
the land. This measure had in general the effect of deterring speculators and 
sharpers from their usual nefarious practices, though, in several instances where 
improvements made were insignificant, the squatter was obliged to leave his 
farm. The land of the reservation belonged to the State, and Logansport was 
the point where the entry had to be made. 

In 1837, "Flat Belly" died, and was succeeded by Mushquaw, who, the 
following year, got very "squiby" on poor whisky, and, while in that condi. 
tion, attempted to cross a small lake near the Indian village; but, as the effects 
of the alcohol rushed to his brain, he leaped up and began dancing in the canoe, 
but immediately upset it and was precipitated into the water, and being unable 
to help himself, was drowned. Matchagen was at this time Medicine Man at 
the reservation, and was called upon, after the manner of the whites, to pay a 
tribute to the memory of the deceased. He roughly pictured the condition of 
the drunken chief, and admonished his auditors to beware of the saddening 
effects of fire-water. He addressed the spirit of the dead Indian, and advised 
it not to get "squiby" while crossing the river of death to the spirit land, as 
it might fall into the water, where it would have to remain forever. Kymotee 



HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 23 

was elected chief after the death of Mushquaw, but he was killed soon after- 
ward under the following circumstances : Ashcum, a powerful young Indian, 
the son of a sub-chief, became enraged at a squaw, who was a relative of Ky- 
motee, and, in a paroxysm of anger, gave her a mortal wound with his knife. 
But her death was immediately avenged by Kymotee, who shot Ashcum, kill- 
ing him instantly. Ashcum had a very large brother, named Nagget, who was 
roused to vengeance by the death of his relative, whereupon he slew the brave 
Kymotee, but was himself immediately shot by another, who caught Nagget off 
his guard, and, with cocked rifle, said fiercely, with wrathful eyes, " Meanet 
Nagget, kina'poo" (very bad Nagget, me kill). The doomed Indian raised both 
arms above his head, turned his left side to the front and quietly waited for the 
fatal bullet. It came, and the brave chief fell dead upon the sod. Thus ended 
the chain of tragedies. 

There were about forty bark wigwams at Indian Village, Sparta Township, 
and just about the time the Pottawatomies left for the Wabash, and while they 
were temporarily absent from their town, a number of heartless settlers applied 
the torch and burned all their wigwams. These rude houses were standing 
where the cemetery now is. Prior to the time of their leaving the reservation, 
the Indians traveled on hunting excursions all over the county, mingling freely 
with the whites, and no trouble of note transpired. They would approach the 
settlers' cabins to beg, and in this important particular they rivaled the modern 
tramp in skill and expediency. They brought forward furs, game and trinkets 
to be traded for provisions, ammunition, etc. They established one or more 
temporary villages in almost every township in the county, and were thus 
brought in close proximity to the settlers. Many interesting anecdotes are 
narrated concerning them, which will be found in the chapters on the town- 
ships. The red man is gone, but he cannot be forgotten. His life will long 
be told as a bright romance of the past. 

"Ye say they all have passed away, 
That noble race and brave; 
That their light canoes have vanished 

From off the crested wave; 
That 'mid the forest where they roamed 

There rings no hunter's shout; 
But their name is on your waters, 
Ye may not wash it out." 

— Mrs. Sigourney. 



CHAPTER. II. 

by nelson prentcss. 

Early Organization and Statistics— General Growth and Development- 
Drought of 1838— The Internal Improvement Bill and the State 
Canal— Creation of the First Court— Trial and Execution of John 
Lechner— The County Seat Question— Public Buildings and County 
Officials— The Bench and Bar— Anecdotes— The Medical Profession. 

FIFTY years ago almost the whole of Northern Indiana, of which Noble 
County forms a part, was an unbroken wilderness. Its wide and 
tangled forests and its blooming prairies were the haunts of wild beasts and the 
home of roving tribes of Indians. Only here and there were to be seen any 
traces of civilization. At Fort Wayne, there was a trading-post where a few 
whites were gathered, and at South Bend a similar station. Little was then 
known of the country, save that it was considered as one of the Far West front- 
iers, on the outer verge of civilization, with only here and there a "cabin," 
whose inmates were destined to battle with the dangers and privations of front- 
ier life. The early French trader or the zealous missionary, as he urged his 
"pirogue" through the waters of the St. Joseph, the Wabash or Maumee, 
could sometimes see peering through the forest a few log cabins, and here and 
there a clearing, but these were mostly along the banks of the rivers, while 
back only a few miles was the vast wilderness interior, still occupied by its 
forest lords, whose hostile attacks were yet dreaded by the defenseless settlen. 
Bold and determined was the adventurer who at that early day made this West- 
ern wild his home. But those were found whose daring was equal to the emer- 
gency and who were well qualified for the task. Of such were the pioneers of 
Noble County. Kentucky and Ohio, which had recently been settled, amid all 
the hardships of border life and the alarms of savage warfare, were now pre- 
pared to furnish recruits for another crusade against barbarism, while from the 
sterile hills of New England the thrifty Yankee took his way westward, in the 
hope of finding a home where his honest toil should be repaid by better returns. 
But it was chiefly those who were inured to perils, and who had met the wily 
savage in his ambuscade, who first penetrated the wilds of Northern Indiana, 
and thus laid the foundation for the present happiness and prosperity of the 
citizens of Noble County. 

When Indiana was admitted into the Union as a State in 1816, the whole 
of Northeastern Indiana was included in Knox County, with the county seat at 
Vincennes. In 1818, the county of Randolph was created, including the county 
of Noble, with the county seat at Winchester. In 1823 or 1824 (both dates 
being given), Allen County was organized, taking in Noble County, with the 
county seat at Fort Wayne, and this continued until 1832, when the county of 




M. 



i^retsWsL. 



sd, a/o~ 



C?~*<^ 



JUDGE CIRCUIT COURT 




HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 27 

La Grange was organized by act of the General Assembly, the present county 
of Noble being included in the new county, the seat of justice being at Lima. 
The county of Noble was organized in 1836, by act of the Legislature, and an 
election was ordered to take place on the first Monday of June of that year. 
In consequence of the destruction of the records in the Clerk's office in 1858, 
it is impossible to give the number of votes cast at the first election, but we feel 
sure that there were but few, for, in 1838, according to the returns on the duplicate 
for that year, there were only eighty-two polls in the county. At this election 
the following officers were elected : Clerk and Recorder, Isaac Spencer ; Sheriff, 
James Hostetter ; Associate Judges, Elisha Blackman and James Latta ; Cor- 
oner, Henry Engle ; County Commissioners — Joel Bristol, Henry Hostetter, 
Sr., and Abraham Pancake. 

At this election two of the Commissioners elected lived in the same town- 
ship, why, I do not know. It may have been that there was no one in the Mid- 
dle District qualified to hold the office. However, Hostetter only held the office 
for a short time before he resigned, and Zenas Wright, of York Township, was 
elected. The county of Noble as organized was eighteen miles in extent from 
north to south, and twenty-four from east to west, containing 432 square miles. 
In 1860, upon petition of the citizens residing thereon, a strip two miles in 
width across the south side of Township 33, Range 8 (Washington Township), 
was attached to Whitley County, leaving in Noble 420 square miles. At the 
first session of the Board of Commissioners the county was divided into civil 
townships, corresponding to the Congressional townships, and were by the Com- 
missioners named, which names they still retain. The record of this action by 
the Commissioners was destroyed at the burning of the court house at Augusta 
in 1843, but the fact remains. Commencing at the southwest corner of the 
county, they numbered and named the townships as follows : No. 1, Washington ; 
No. 2, Sparta; No. 3, Perry; No. 4, Elkhart; No. 5. York; No. 6, Noble; 
No. 7, Jefferson ; No. 8, Orange; No. 10, Wayne ; No. 11, Allen; No. 12, 
Swan. Each of these townships was six miles square, and all remain so at 
present, except that two sections (18 and 19) were taken from Jefferson, and 
two sections (13 and 24) were taken from York, and these four sections were 
made Albion Township, No. 13. Before the organization of Noble County, and 
while it was a part of La Grange, there was but one township organization, and 
this included a part of what is now La Grange. This township was called Perry, 
and, at an election held at the house of John Hostetter in April, 1833, Jacob 
Wolf was elected Justice of the Peace, he being the first officer elected within 
the limits of Noble County. Mr. Wolf is still living where he located fifty 
years ago, advanced in life, but still in the enjoyment of a reasonable degree of 
health, and a fine representative of that spirit of genuine hospitality so common 
at that early date. 

The first settlement made in Noble County by white people was that made 
by Joel Bristol in April, 1827, in Noble Township. The family consisted of 

BB 



28 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

Mr. Bristol and his wife, and the orphan children of Mrs. Bristol's sister, six in 
number. The name of these children was Tibbott, and two of them, Isaac Tib- 
bott, Esq., of Wawaka, and Mrs. A. G. Gibson, are still residents of Noble 
County, and are both in comfortable circumstances, and are respected by all 
good citizens. Bristol and his wife have long since passed away. For several 
years after the settlement of Bristol, but few settlers stopped in Noble County, 
as the beautiful prairies lying to the north and west presented greater attrac- 
tions. John Knight settled in the county in 1829, and, in 1830, Isaiah Dun- 
gan, Levi Perry and Richard Stone came, and the next year the population was 
further increased by the arrival of Jacob Wolf, Henry Hostetter, Sr., and his 
family, Adam Engle and family, Jacob Shobe and family, and Henry Miller 
and wife, Joseph Smalley and family, Leonard Danner, and perhaps some few 
others whose names may have been forgotten. A few continued to come, and 
all were heartily welcomed by the settlers, and, at the time the county was 
organized, there were probably less than one hundred families in the county, 
more than half the number being within the present limits of Perry Township, 
where "Perry's Prairie" and the "Haw Patch" offered inducements not found 
in any other part of the county. The first land purchased of the Government 
in the county was in Perry, and was entered in 1831, and by an examination 
of the Tract Book it appears that the following lands were entered during that 
year: 

Name or Purchaser. Date. Description. 

Isaiah Dungan June 11, 1831 Northeast quarter of Section 33. 

Levi Perry June 11, 1831 East half of southeast quarter of Section 33. 

Jacob Shobe July 29, 1831 Northeast quarter of Section 31. 

Jacob Shobe July 29, 1831 '. West half of northwest quarter of Section 32. 

Jacob Shobe July 29, 1831 West half of northwest quarter of Section 33. 

Susanna Hagan August 2, 1831 West half of northwest quarter of Section 34. 

Adam Engle August 12, 1831 Southeast quarter of Section 28. 

Adam Engle August 12, 1831 East half of southwest quarter of Section 27. 

Henry Engle August 20, 1831 West half of southwest quarter of Section 27. 

Jacob Wolf August 20, 1831 Northeast quarter of Section 28. 

John lies August 20, 1831 East half of northwest quarter of Section 28. 

William Engle August 20, 1831 East half of northwest quarter of Section 34. 

Daniel Harsh August 22, 1831 West half of southeast quarter of Section 33. 

Joseph Smalley September 13, 1831 Southwest quarter of Section 28. 

Joseph Smalley September 14, 1831 Northeast quarter of Section 32. 

Joseph Smalley September 14, 1831 East half of southwest quarter of Section 33. 

Joseph Smalley September 14, 1831 West half of southwest quarter of Section 34. 

H. Hostetter November 1, 1831 East half of northwest quarter of Section 34. 

L. Danner November 21, 1831 Southeast quarter of Section 18. 

Henry Miller November 25, 1831 East half of southwest quarter of Section 34. 

All of said land being in Township 35 north, Range 8 east, in Perry 
Township. The foregoing entries embrace all the land entered in Noble 
County in 1831, and amount to 2,120 acres. In 1832, the entries amounted to 
3,320; in 1833, 2,820; in 1834, 5,860; in 1835, 18,222; and in 1836, before 
the county was organized, which was in March, 1,006 acres, making in all, of 



HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 29> 

land entered before the county was organized, 33,048 acres, or about one-ninth 
of all the land embraced within the limits of the county. There was, without 
doubt, more land entered in 1836 than in all the years that preceded it, for 
this was the time of the great rush to Northern Indiana. During all the season 
land buyers thronged the country, and all the talk was of section corners and 
quarter sections. Most of those who came were looking for future homes, and 
were cordially welcomed by those who were already here, and to them the 
"latch-string" was always out and every assistance rendered to assist them in 
making good purchases. But there was another class of land buyers, who met 
with little encouragement from the settlers. I refer to those who came here for 
the purpose of buying large tracts of land, not for cultivation, but to hold for 
the purpose of speculation. Frequently large tracts were bought up by these- 
men (land-sharks, the settlers called them), and held at prices that the poor 
man could not afford to pay, and hence the growth and development of the- 
country was crippled. A system of swindling was also practiced extensively 
about the land office at Fort Wayne by a set of sharpers, which was at once 
dishonest and cruel. When some honest farmer, who had selected and would 
apply to purchase the land he wanted for a home, one of these thieves would 
look him up, and say that he wanted the same tract, and threaten to bid on 
the land unless a compromise was made. Frequently considerable sums were 
thus stolen from the settler, when the rascal who pocketed his ill-gotten gains 
had no intention of buying the land, and, in fact, had never seen it. But not- 
withstanding all the difficulties and drawbacks that beset the early settlers,, 
much land was entered by men who at once took possession of it, erected their 
cabins, and, with willing hearts and strong hands, leveled the forests, cleared. 
the land, and, as soon as possible, started some crop to furnish the means of 
living for themselves and their families. In those early days, a large family 
of children was the rule, a small family the exception. The rule seems to be 
reversed in these later days, owing, probably, to the fact that the soil is not as 
productive now as it was at that early day. If a small patch could be pre- 
pared in season, it was planted in corn ; if too late for corn, then some pota- 
toes were put out; if too late for potatoes, the pioneer would try turnips; and 
if too late for turnips, some of the ground would be sown for wheat in the falL 
Most of the settlers of 1836 came too late in the season to raise anything for 
their support the first season, and had to depend upon buying from those who* 
had been here long enough to raise a surplus. Their chief dependence was 
upon those who had settled on "Perry's Prairie," in this county, and upon the 
prairies of La Grange, Elkhart and Kosciusko Counties, where the settlers had 
found the land already cleared and where many of the farmers had large and 
productive farms under cultivation. 

The lack of the "settlers during this year to raise enough to supply their 
wants created an unusual demand for the necessaries of life, and prices rose in 
proportion to the demand ; and as most of the early settlers were men of lim- 



30 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

ited means, and had invested all, or nearly all their means in the purchase of 
their land, it would not be strange if there occurred some cases of actual suf- 
fering for the necessaries of life. Let us hope that if such cases did occur that 
they were few, for it is painful to contemplate the possibility of such a state of 
affairs. To make matters more trying on the new settlers, there was consider- 
able suffering from fever and ague during the later part of the summer and 
the fall, and medicine and physicians were not to be had, and the only resource 
was such domestic remedies as were within reach of the settlers. Winter 
checked the ravages or the disease, and there was no difficulty in keeping the 
cabin warm and comfortable, for wood was about the only commodity that was 
plenty, and the greatest difficulty was to get it out of the way. The winter 
months were devoted to chopping and preparing to clear more land in the 
spring. Let it not be supposed that the settler of that day was selfish or un- 
social ; far from it. They had their social gatherings, their log-rollings, and 
their dances ; and if the young people of that day did not " Trip the light 
fantastic toe," under the direction of the French dancing-master, and to the 
music of a full orchestra, yet they did trip the toe, and that frequently a bare 
one, on the puncheon floor, as they danced the "Square French-four," 
shuffled through the " Virginia reel," or threaded the mazes of " Hunt the 
Squirrel," to the inspiring strains of the " Devil's Dream," " Silver Creek," 
or " Sally Johnson," ground out by the ancient fiddler on the fiddle which was 
his grandfather's delight in his young days. Then the people met upon a 
level ; they felt that all were equal ; they had no high, no low ; and to-day the 
old pioneers look back upon those days with feelings of regret and long for 
the days of "Lang Syne." 

All through the summer of 1836 the white covers of the emigrants' 
wagons could be seen winding along the crooked paths that had been cut 
through the timber — for we had not then any laid-out roads ; the first teamster 
cut out a track, and the others followed until the mud became too deep for 
travel, when another road was cut out, so that there were roads everywhere. 
This applies to the heavy timbered lands. On the openings, where the soil was 
•sandy, the roads were generally good, and when a new track became necessary, 
you could drive anywhere without hindrance, for at that day the country pre- 
sented a very different appearance from what we see at the present day. It was 
the custom of the Indians to burn the woods, marshes and prairies, each spring, 
and this annual burning kept down the under growth, so that on the openings 
nothing was left to obstruct the view, except the large trees scattered here and 
there. In many places, where to-day a second growth of timber completely 
covers the ground, the openings then were like an open prairie, with here and 
there a giant oak. 

No more enchanting scene was ever presented to the human eye than these 
•openings in the spring. As far as the eye could reach was spread out a scene 
of surpassing loveliness. The tender grass just springing up and spreading a 



HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 31 

carpet of green over the whole landscape, which was further beautified by 
flowers of every hue, and as you survey the scene, a herd of deer appear in 
the distance, or the impudent prairie-wolf approaches just near enough to be 
out of range of the trusty rifle — our inseparable companion in these rambles. 
Nor should we forget to bring upon the stage as a part of the picture the na- 
tive, who once held undisputed control over all this land, nor dreamed that the 
day would come when he would be driven from these scenes of his youth, and 
leave to desecration the graves of his fathers. Talk of your flower-gardens or 
your parks, or anything that man has made in his weak efforts to imitate na- 
ture ! To one who has seen the oak openings of Noble County, in all their 
pristine glory and loveliness, man's imitations are tame and insipid. The year 
of 1837 was not marked by anything peculiar, except that more settlers came 
than during any previous year. Many who entered land in 1836 returned to 
their former homes to settle their business, and in the spring of 1837 returned 
with their families to this county — their future home. 

The year of 1838 will be remembered by the early settlers as long as one 
is left; many settled here in 1837, and others came in the early part of 1838. 
The spring opened wet, and the season continued so until about the middle of 
June, when the rain ceased and no more fell during the remainder of the sum- 
mer and fall, and some wheat sown that fall did not germinate until after snow 
fell. The swamps and marshes were filled with water, and the heat of the 
summer was intense. As a consequence, the water in the swamps was rapidly 
evaporated, and the atmosphere became contaminated and poisoned by the 
noxious exhalations, and the whole country was transformed into one vast hos- 
pital, filled with suffering patients, but destitute of physicians, medicines or 
nurses. Never before or since has such a time been experienced in Noble 
County. There was scarcely a house in the whole county where all were well, 
and in many all were prostrated by disease. Physicians were scarce and diffi- 
cult to obtain ; nor were they exempt from the ravages of disease. Medicines 
could not be obtained, and the sufferings then endured will never be known. 
Many of the early settlers died during this season, and it is sad to think that 
probably some perished from lack of proper treatment. But let no one for a 
moment suppose that this lack arose from any willful neglect on the part of the 
settlers. A woman has been known to walk several miles along an Indian 
trail to wait upon a sick neighbor, and frequently she was compelled to carry a 
child in her arms. And this was no unusual occurrence. The people were 
kind and sympathetic, and warm and tender hearts throbbed beneath the buck- 
skin hunting shirt and the linsey dress. But there was a point they could not 
pass. Strong though they were, they must succumb to disease, and they could 
not attend to others when they needed the same attention themselves. In one 
house at Rochester, thirteen persons lay sick, and in the whole village only 
two people were able to go from house to house, and these two were busy day 
and night ministering to the necessities of the suffering with the most unselfish 



32 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

devotion. Their names deserve to be held in grateful remembrance as long as 
a pioneer or any of his descendants survive. They were Mr. Dorus Swift and 
Miss Achsah Kent. The frosts of autumn checked the ravages of disease, and 
health once more visited the settlers, although the effects of the season remained 
with some, and during the following fall and winter several old persons died. At 
the session of the General Assembly for 1836-37, a bill was passed called " The 
Internal Improvement Bill." By the provisions of this act, the State under- 
took a scheme of digging canals all over the land, and among the works con- 
templated was a canal from Fort Wayne to Michigan City. This was to enter 
Noble County in Swan Township, thence in a northwesterly direction through 
Swan, Green, York and Perry Townships, passing through Port Mitchell; and 
between Augusta and Albion, and into the Elkhart River west of the present 
residence of James J. Knox, in Elkhart Township. Here it was to enter the 
backwater of a seven-foot dam, to be built across the Elkhart River at Roch- 
ester. Thence it w-as to pass through Rochester and Ligonier, and follow the 
river to the west line of the county. Near the place where the canal was to 
enter the river, it was to be intersected by a navigable feeder from Northport, 
where a dam was to be erected to form a reservoir. There was also a reservoir 
to be made in Green Township to feed the canal at the Summit, which is in 
this township. Work was commenced in Noble County in Green, and also at 
Northport, the work on the summit which divides the waters flowing north 
into the Elkhart River and the waters flowing south into the Tippecanoe. 
Here the greatest amount of work was done, but there was considerable done 
in the vicinity of Northport, where the feeder dam was erected, and some of 
the canal excavated, and now, in passing from Albion to Rome City, the trav- 
eler passes along the bed of what was intended to be the navigable feeder, had 
this grand scheme ever been completed. But the State soon found that she 
had undertaken too much, and, being unable to meet her obligations, the work 
was suspended, and the amount expended became a total loss. The dam at 
Northport was built, but was subsequently washed out, and three persons who 
were on the dam at the time were drowned. Subsequently one of the bodies 
was found floating in a small pond below, but the others were never found. 
The State afterward rebuilt the dam, and donated the water-power to Noble 
County for the benefit of common schools, making the Board of Commissioners 
the custodians of the property. The Commissioners leased the water-power for 
a term of ninety-nine years, at an annual rental of $30. A grist-mill, a saw- 
mill, and quite an extensive woolen factory were erected and propelled by the 
water-power created by the dam. The factory was destroyed by fire, since 
which only the mills before referred to are run by the water from the reservoir. 
The affairs of the canal were closed up in the spring of 1840, and all that is 
now left of this magnificent enterprise is the dam, and some excavations here 
and there to mar the face of the country. Probably nearly $200,000 was 
expended by the State. 



HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 33 

From the first settlement of Northern Indiana the country was infested 
with a gang of desperadoes, and of these Noble County had her full share. 
These men were engaged in theft, robbery and passing counterfeit money, and 
it was at times darkly hinted that even murder was committed by them. 
Among them there appeared to be a passion for horses, and so far did this pre- 
vail that it made little difference to whom the horse belonged, and the settler 
frequently found his log stable empty in the morning, when it had the evening 
before been occupied by his horse. Horses were at this time (1839) scarce, and 
the loss of one a great calamity, as on the team depended to a great extent the 
support of the family. Hence, it is not surprising that curses deep and sincere 
were breathed by the settlers against these rascals, and it is probable that, had 
any of them been caught in the act, retribution swift and certain would have 
followed without waiting for due process of law. So many confederates were 
scattered through the county that pursuit was generally useless, for they had a 
regular organization, and stations where stolen property could be secreted in 
such a manner as to elude all search. Late in the fall of 1838, one of the 
gang, who had partaken too freely of "dead shot" or "tangle foot," became 
very communicative and confidential, and made propositions to one of the citi- 
zens who kept a small store to join them, urging, as an inducement, that he 
would have superior advantages for passing counterfeit money. The citizen, 
after consulting with neighbors, agreed to the proposition, intending to act the 
part of a spy, and when he had learned all he could to make it public, and try 
to break up the gang. To say the least, the undertaking was a hazardous one, 
and rendered doubly so by the desperate character of the men he sought to 
entrap, but before he had made any progress in the matter, two horse-thieves 
were arrested in the Haw Patch, and a stolen horse found in the neighborhood, 
where they had turned it loose, having stolen a blind horse by mistake. The 
news soon spread that horse-thieves had been captured, and were at Stone's, on 
the Fort Wayne & Goshen road. The whole country was aroused, and the 
men from far and near gathered at the place, and it required all the efforts of 
the officers, backed by the conservative element among the citizens, to save 
their lives. Nor is this to be thought strange. The settlers had suffered so 
much from their depredations, and had seen them escape so easily when arrested, 
that they determined to take the law into their own hands and mete out con- 
dign punishment upon the heads of the offenders. Being assured that the 
thieves should be dealt with according to law, they desisted from further hostile 
demonstrations, and assisted the officers in executing the process of the court. 
Warrants were issued for about twenty persons, many of whom were arrested, 
but some having had warning left the county and never returned. The trials 
were held at Stone's tavern, three miles south of Ligonier, before Nelson Pren- 
tiss, a Justice of the Peace of Sparta Township, and lasted ten days. There 
were present at these examinations all the settlers for a circuit of many miles, 
many of whom remained all night to prevent any attempt at a rescue of the 



34 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

prisoners. No such attempt was made, and the trials proceeded in an orderly 
manner. There were no attorneys in Noble County at that time ; hence counsel 
had to be procured elsewhere. The prisoners were defended by Hon. Charles 
W. Ewing and Robert Breckenridge, Jr., of Fort Wayne; and an attorney 
from Piqua, Ohio, happening to be passing that way was employed by the peo- 
ple to prosecute. The cases were ably prosecuted, and the accused properly 
defended. Nine were held to appear at the next term of the Circuit Court, 
and all failing to find bail, seven of the number were sent to Fort Wayne and 
two to Goshen to be imprisoned, there being at the time no jail in Noble 
County. The two sent to Goshen were released upon a writ of habeas corpus 
for some pretended irregularity in the papers, while the seven sent to Fort 
Wayne released themselves by breaking out of the old jail at that place, and 
thus ended the first raid on the blacklegs of Noble County, but the people had 
rest for a season. But few settlers came to the county in 1839. The sad 
experiences of 1838 sent many back to their former homes, and the reports of 
the hardships that they had endured so alarmed others that few had the courage 
to risk the chances of a home in Indiana. There is little of general interest to 
write concerning 1839 more than what has already been said. During the 
year of 1840, more settlers came than in the previous year. It began to be 
ascertained that people could live in Noble County, and several who had 
remained began to gather about them not only the necessaries, but also some of 
the conveniences of life, and the settler who had battled manfully with adverse 
circumstances began to look forward to a time of greater enjoyment, when he 
could sit beneath '• his own vine and fig-tree," and enjoy the fruit of his honest 
toil. 

During this year there was perpetrated in the county a brutal murder. 
On the 16th day of May, 1840, at the village of Rochester, a number of per- 
sons were engaged in drinking poor whisky and shooting at a mark, a pastime 
quite common in those days. The natural consequences followed ; some be- 
came drunk and quarrelsome, and fit for any act of violence. Among the 
number were John Lechner, a German, and John Farley, an Irishman. Both 
were under the influence of liquor, and Lechner, when drunk, was quarrelsome 
and abusive. A dispute arose, angry words passed and blows were exchanged; 
but Farley, who was a small man, was not able to cope with his burly antago- 
nist. Farley escaped from Lechner and started to run, when Lechner seized his 
rifle and fired at Farley, missing him ; Farley ran a short distance when he 
climbed upon a fence, when a few words passed between them ; Lechner then 
took a gun from the hands of his nephew, and taking deliberate aim shot Far- 
ley dead upon the spot. He then attempted to escape but was arrested and 
brought before Esquire Daniel Harsh, and was by him committed to jail in 
Goshen, there being no jail in Noble County. At that time there were but 
two terms of the Circuit Court in each year, in September and March. The 
cause came up for trial at the September term, before John W. Wright, Presi- 



, 





CLETRK CIRCUIT COURT 



HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 37 

dent Judge, and Thomas H. Wilson and Jacob Stage, Associate Judges. The 
prosecution was conducted by Lucien P. Ferry, Prosecuting Attorney, of Fort 
Wayne ; and the court assigned as counsel for the prisoner Hon. Charles W. 
Ewing and Robert Breckenridge, Jr. The records of the courts of that date 
having been destroyed by fire, Some matters in connection with the trial can- 
not be given, and the names of the jurors who tried the case have been forgot- 
ten. The evidence was clear ; in fact, there was not one extenuating or 
palliating circumstance. The guilt of the accused was established beyond 
a doubt, and although both Breckenridge and Ewing put forth their best efforts, 
they were of no avail. The speech of Judge Ewing on that occasion was probably 
the strongest appeal ever made to a jury in the county. Lechner was found 
guilty by the jury and the punishment fixed was death. He was sentenced to 
be hanged November 3, 1840. The sentence was executed on that day about half 
a mile west of Augusta, by Mason M. Meriam, Sheriff of the county. A large 
concourse of people were present, not only from Noble, but also from adjoining 
counties. This is the only judicial execution that has occurred in the county. 
After the sentence was executed, Lechner's body was taken in a wagon and 
driven rapidly to the western part of the county and privately buried, and few 
are now living who know the place. Farley, the murdered man, was buried in 
the old cemetery at Ligonier. The parties in the tragedy were both drunk, 
and the crime can be charged to nothing but alcohol. Perhaps it may not be 
out of place to remark that, up to this time, political differences had not dis- 
turbed the settlements. At the first election, in 1836, men of both political 
parties were elected ; Spencer, Bristol and Pancake were Democrats, while the 
two Hostetters and Engle were Whigs ; and in 1838, when a convention was 
called to nominate officers, men of both participated in the same meeting, the 
chief object being to find good men willing to serve. But in 1840, things were 
changed, for the. wave of " Tippecanoe and Tyler, too," struck Noble County. 
Political tricksters now make their appearance, and demagogues perambulate 
the county, anxious to sacrifice themselves for the good of the dear people, and 
communities which once moved and acted in concert are rent to fragments, and 
arrayed in hostility to each other. During all the preceding years, while the 
tide of emigration was pouring into the county, there existed among the people 
a strong sympathy with each other, and strife and contention were strangers. 
There was no dividing up into classes ; all were friendly, for all were poor. 
And now the old pioneer of Noble looks back with regret to many things that 
were common at that early day, but have passed away never to return. The 
year 1841 was not marked by anything unusual in the development of the 
county, unless it be by increasing prosperity among the settlers. Emigrants con- 
tinued to come and the country was fast filling up, better dwellings were erect- 
ed, more land was cultivated, and better implements of husbandry were 
used, and it may be said that the most sanguine hopes of the settlers were 
realized. 



38 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

During this year, there occurred a sad circumstance, that should not be 
passed over without notice, as it may be that in the future some light may be 
thrown upon what is now, and the last forty years has been, dark and mysteri- 
ous. On the 2d day of June, Mr. Aaron Noe, who resided on the farm now 
owned and occupied by Charles Weade, about two and a half miles southeast 
from Cromwell, started with his team to Elkhart County to mill. He left 
home early in the morning, and when near home, having just started, he ob- 
served his son, about three years old, following the wagon. He stopped 
and directed the child to go back to the house, and then proceeded on his 
journey. No further notice seems to have been taken of the child's absence 
for some time. There were several children belonging to the family, and the 
mother probably supposed that it was with them. The other children returning 
to the house without the boy, Mrs. Noe commenced to search for him, but was 
unable to find him. Becoming now alarmed, she and the older children con- 
tinued the search. They found the little tracks in the road where it was last 
seen and for a short distance beyond, going from the house and in the direction 
taken by the father with his wagon, when the nature of the ground prevented 
any further traces of foot-prints. Having searched for several hours in vain, 
the now distracted mother sent word to her nearest neighbors, and they, in 
turn, to others, and before night seventy-five or one hundred of the settlers 
were gathered, ready to render any assistance in their power. The woods 
along Solomon's Creek, where the child was lost, were swampy and afforded a 
retreat for the large timber-wolf, and there were many at that time in the 
county. There were droves of half-wild hogs, scarcely less savage and dan- 
gerous than wolves. The child had on only one garment, a loose slip or gown, 
and thus unprotected, if it should escape from the animals, it was probable 
that the insects, with which the woods were swarming at that season of the 
year, would torment it to death before another morning. It should be ob- 
served, that during the day a small body of Indians had passed the place, trav- 
eling in an easterly direction. It was surmised that they might have kidnaped 
the child, and it was determined to send some persons after them to learn 
whether such was the fact. Accordingly. Mitchell McClintock, Oliver Wright 
and Harvey McKinney, all old frontiersmen, were selected for this service. 
They left Noe's a little before sunset, and, following the trail, found the Indi- 
ans encamped on the bank of Bowen's Lake, in Green Township. On coming 
in sight of the encampment, they concluded to take the camp by surprise, lest 
they should escape with the child, if they had it. Mounting their horses, they 
dashed at full speed into the midst of the sleeping Indians. Amidst the con- 
fusion, some of the Indians escaped to the woods, but they returned in a short 
time, and all denied having had or even seen the child. In this, it is probable, 
they told the truth, for they had been seen by several persons during the day, 
after they passed Noe's place, and no white child was seen with them. The 
party sent out returned the same night and reported their failure, and it was 



HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 39 

then agreed to make thorough search and, if possible, find the little one alive, 
or if dead, to discover some traces that should disclose the fact of when, where 
and how it died. The next morning the search commenced. Lines were 
formed, the men walking within a few feet of each other, and traveling the 
country in every direction for several miles, and this was continued for eight 
or ten days. The search was made as thorough and complete as possible. 
Every swamp was explored, every pool of water was dragged, every hollow log 
found was torn to pieces. All business was suspended and the great heart of 
the community went out as the heart of one man, in sympathy with the be- 
reaved ones: but it was all in vain. No trace of the missing one was ever 
found. Whether, indeed, the little wanderer was picked up by Indians and 
brought up among them as one of their tribe; whether it met its death from 
some savage beast, or died from the more lingering torments of hunger and 
fatigue, are subjects upon which we may speculate, but which we shall probably 
never know. 

From this time forth, the growth of the county has continued until the 
present. The first census taken in Noble County was in 1840, when the pop- 
ulation was 2,702. This census was taken by Isaac Spencer. In 1850, Hiram 
S. Tousley took the census, which was now 7,946. In 1860, John C. Rich- 
mond was Deputy Marshal, and found 14,915. In 1870, the population was 
20,389, and in 1880 it was 22,804. When the first census was taken, in 1840. 
Noble County, in population, was the seventieth ; in 1850, it was the fifty- 
ninth; in 1860, the forty-first, and in 1870, the twenty-eighth, a position that 
she still holds. 

During the time that the steady stream of population was pouring into the 
county good prices were obtained for all agricultural products, but when the 
settlers had so improved their lands that a surplus began to accumulate, prices 
began to decline, and, for several years, all products raised by the farmer were 
very cheap. Wheat, after being hauled to Fort Wayne, was worth about 40 
cents; corn, 12 J ; pork from $1 to $1.25 per 100 pounds. Labor was corre- 
spondingly cheap, and day laborers' wages from 31 to 40 cents per day. This 
was in consequence of a lack of transportation to the sea-board. Railroads 
were then unknown, and, for a time, all produce had to reach the lakes, either 
at Toledo or Michigan City. In 1843, the Wabash & Erie Canal was opened 
from Fort Wayne to Toledo, and this had a tendency to give better prices, 
though wheat was then worth only about 60 cents at the most favorable times, 
but the construction of railroads has created a good market, and now the 
farmers of Noble County are receiving good prices near home for all their sur- 
plus products. 

The records of the Auditor's office having been destroyed in 1843, it is 
impossible to ascertain the valuation of property in the county prior to that 
time or the total amount of taxes paid each year; but from the Auditor of 
State the taxes paid to the State prior to that time have been ascertained, and 



40 



HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 



by computation we may reach very nearly the number of polls in the county 

for each year. There appears to have been no taxes paid to the State until 

1838, and that year Noble County paid $301.35. In 1839, $385.50 ; in 1840, 

$381.72 ; in 1841, $870.59, and, in 1842, $1,515.44. This only includes the 

State taxes, and we can only approximate the total taxes for all purposes, bi*t 

it is safe to say that three times the State tax would make the entire duplicate. 

Again the number of polls is .not given prior to 1843, but we arrive at a result 

that is nearly correct by calculation, and find the following : 

In 1838, we had eighty-one polls, and the duplicate was $ 904 05 

In 1839, we had ninety-nine polls, and the duplicate was 1,150 50 

In 1840, we had ninety-nine polls, and the duplicate was 1,145 16 

In 1841, we had two hundred and ninety-seven polls, and the duplicate 

was 2,611 77 

In 1842, we had five hundred and twenty-two polls, and the duplicate 

was 4,546 32 

The effects of the scourge of 1838 are plainly seen in the two years that 
follow it. The following table is from the records : 



TEAR. 



1843.. 
1 *44., 
1845. 
1846. 
1847. 
1848. 
1849. 
18-"0. 
1851. 
1852. 
1853. 
1854. 
1856. 
1856. 
1857. 
1858. 
1859. 
18-50. 
18'. 1. 
1*62. 



VALUATION. 



6 558,386 

564,718 

582,828 

732,080 

649,822 

656,478 

706,085 

733,572 

1,381,913 

1,391,329 

1,556,615 

1,758,778 

1,901,190 

1,893,474 

1,882,375 

1,995,678 

2,809,335 

2,881,594 

2,847,979 

2.874.874 



DUPLICATE. 


POLLS. 


7,477 


22 


611 


9,320 


01 


699 


7,500 


99 


848 


17,415 


24 


949 


13,049 


40 


1,027 


13,959 


57 


1,024 


8,633 


76 


1.236 


13,073 


30 


1,313 


17,333 


31 


1,475 


16,560 


73 


1,512 


16,576 


04 


1,560 


25,833 


31 


1,638 


25,019 


55 


1,790 


25,155 


99 


1,840 


25,973 


75 


1,998 


26,799 


54 


2,132 


36,395 


35 


2,372 


37.720 


43 


2,362 


39,041 


82 


2,517 


41,018 


36 


2,620 



TEAR. 



1863. 

1864 

1865. 

1866. 

1867. 

1868. 

1869. 

1870. 

1871. 

1872. 

1873. 

1874. 

1875. 

1876. 

1877. 

1878. 

1879. 

1880. 

1881. 



VALUATION. 



,088,978 
,7<»9,157 
.108,295 
,558,495 
,643,428 
,910,492 
.767,630 
,702,445 
,747,295 
731,695 
,948,432 
323,026 
,959.098 
(127,103 
,903,424 
,984,795 
,877,715 
,295,625 
,027,103 



DUPLICATE. 



$ 49,640 72 

63,193 28 

173,828 82 

67,500 97 

68,129 28 

72,138 50 

81,486 87 

69,486 06 

82,191 64 

101,539 11 

163,967 73 

113,485 15 

114,882 05 

118,830 54 

106,255 68 

105,917 50 

113,680 80 

114,775 62 

not comp'd 



2,491 
2,457 
2,314 
3,013 
3,270 
3,334 
3,324 
3,318 
3,398 
3,199 
3,239 
3,359 
3,365 
3,588 
3,681 
3,728 
3,704 
3,750 
3.778 



Thus, from the insignificant amount of about $1,000, the total amount of 
taxes paid in 18 : i8, there is now collected over $100,000. And in consequence 
of the increased wealth, the taxes are now paid with less trouble than in early 
times. The railroad corporations in the county pay taxes on over $1,000,000 
valuation, thus paying one-ninth of the entire taxes paid. The increase in the 
material wealth is amazing. In 1843, there was but one man in the whole 
county that was assessed with personal property to the amount of $500. In 
that year, Joseph Galloway, of Washington Township, returned that amount, 
and now a farmer who has not that amount, or more, is considered poor, while 
many of the tax-payers are assessed with over $100,000 of personal property, 
and this assessment as a general thing is not more than one-half the real value. 
In 1843, the entire school tax collected in the county was $8.50 ; in 1844,. 



HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 41 

3125.54 ; in 1845, $139.51 ; in 1846, $204.80. There is now expended annu- 
ally in the county over $50,000, a large part of which is raised by taxation, 
which the people pay willingly, being convinced that intelligence is essential to 
the best interests of the State. 

In the matter of county seats, Noble has had her full share. At the ses- 
sion of the Legislature in March, 1836, George A. Fate, R. McDonald and 
Eli Penwell, were appointed Commissioners to permanently locate the seat of 
justice for Noble County, and on the 3d day of May, 1836, reported as follows : 

To the Honorable the Commissioners of Noble County, and State of Indiana : 

The undersigned Commissioners, appointed by the Legislature of this State to fix the per- 
manent seat of justice of the county of Noble aforesaid, have, after being duly sworn as the law 
directs, fixed the permanent seat of justice and drove the stake for the same on Section Twenty- 
four in Township numbered Thirty-four north, of Range numbered eight east, in said county, 
on the land of Isaac Spencer and Reuben Jackson Dawson. And beg leave to submit the fore- 
going report with the donation bond for $3,000, payable A. D. 1839. George A. Fate, 

R. McDonald, 
Noble, May 3, 1836. Eli Penwell. 

The bonds of Spencer and Dawson, with Simpson Cummings as surety, 
was filed the same day, and was approved by the Locating Commissioners, 
the Commissioners of Noble County not having been elected, nor were there 
any until the June following. This location was in Sparta Township, on the 
old Fort Wayne and Goshen trail, and on the farm now owned by Nary Fry. 
Although this was near the western part of the county, yet at the time it was 
probably very nearly central as to the population. No public buildings were 
ever erected at Sparta, and the county seat remained there only a short time. 
Other parts of the county began to be settled and the people objected to the 
erection of buildings at a point so far from the center of the county ; and which, 
although a very desirable location in some respects, yet had no water-power or 
other natural advantages. Hence, a petition was presented to the Legislature 
asking for a re-location, and an act was passed and approved February 4, 1837 
appointing Oliver Crane, of Elkhart ; Levi L. Todd, of Cass ; John E. Hill, of 
Allen ; Samuel F. Clark, of Miami ; William Allen, of La Porte, and Greene T. 
Simpson, of Henry, County Commissioners to re-locate the seat of justice. 
On the 3d of July, 1837, all the Commissioners, except Allen and Simpson, 
met at the house of Patrick C. Miller, at Wolf Lake, and proceeded to ex- 
amine the different points offered. Several ambitious towns which had been 
laid out were anxious for the distinction. Sparta was, of course, in the mar- 
ket, also Van Buren, near the Blackman farm in York ; Wolf Lake, the first 
town laid out in Noble County ; Augusta and Port Mitchell — all entered the 
race, and each made munificent offers to secure the coveted location. The 
Commissioners having looked over the ground and considered the offers of dona- 
tions, agreed upon Augusta, a point two miles west of Albion. The people 
appeared to acquiesce in the location, and a court house and jail were built 
there, the county officers removed thither and the town gave considerable evi- 
dences of growth ; two hotels were built, several stores started and various 



42 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

mechanical interests were represented. There is but little doubt that the county 
seat of Noble County would have been at Augusta now, had not the court 
house been accidently destroyed by fire. This occurred early in the year of 

1843, and by the burning of the building the books belonging to the offices of 
the Auditor and Treasurer were lost. This was a great calamity, and in en- 
deavoring to prepare an authentic history of the county, we sadly miss those 
records. Port Mitchell had never been happy over the location at Augusta, 
and now made an effort for another permanent location. Another act of the 
Legislature was passed January 14, 1844, for a re-location, and Charles W. 
Heaton, of St. Joseph ; Lot Day, also of the same county ; Ephraim Seeley, 
of La Grange, and John Jackson and Allen Tibbitts, of Elkhart, were appoint- 
ed Commissioners. They met at Augusta on the first Monday of March, 

1844, and drove the stake and permanently located the seat of justice at Port 
Mitchell. Here brick offices were built and a temporary building was erected 
for a court house. The people of Port Mitchell were happy, and visions o 1 * 
the coming greatness of the town floated before them. But their triumph was 
of short duration. The seat of justice was a movable institution and neither 
a permanent location nor driving the stake could hold it. 

Soon after, at the session of the Legislature for 1845-46, an act was 
passed providing for a re-location by a vote of the people. The act provided 
that an election should be held on the first Monday of April, 1846, at which 
the voters should write on their ballots the name of the place where they 
wished the county seat to be located. Another election was to be held the first 
Monday of June, at which time only three places should be voted for ; that is, 
the three highest on the list voted for in April, and the final vote was to be 
taken between the two highest at the June election, on the first Monday of 
August in the same year. The contest was a spirited one, as there were sev- 
eral places in the county that were ambitious to be county seats. Speeches 
were made, and at least one campaign song was composed for the occasion, and 
a club of singers organized. At the election in April, votes were cast for Port 
Mitchell, Augusta, Rochester, Ligonier, Springfield, Lisbon, Northport, Wolf 
Lake, and the " Center," as Albion was then called. It may be that votes 
were cast for other places. At this election, the three highest on the list were 
Port Mitchell, Augusta and the Center. At the June election, Augusta fell 
two votes below Port Mitchell, and was left out. The contest was now between 
Port Mitchell and the Center. The friends of Augusta were indignant, and 
generally voted for the Center, and it received a majority and was declared the 
county seat. It has remained here since, although several efforts were made 
to remove it. The construction of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad through 
Albion, in 1874, has settled the question, and Albion will, without doubt, 
remain the county seat. 

The first buildings erected by the county were at Augusta, where a frame 
court house was built, which was done by the proprietors of the town as a part 



HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 43 

of the donation to the county, in consideration of the location of the county 
seat at that place. The building would be considered a cheap affair at this 
time, but when it was erected it was the pride of the people, as it was much 
better than any in the adjoining counties. This was completed in 1840, and the 
next year a wooden jail was built. There is still left a part of the cells of the 
old jail remaining, which is the only memento left to remind the traveler of the 
former greatness of Augusta. The temporary buildings erected at Port 
Mitchell have disappeared, and most of the town plat, as well as all of the town 
of Augusta, is now devoted to agricultural purposes. After the final vote on 
the location of the county seat, the Board of Commissioners, on the 14th day 
of October, 1846, made the following order : " Ordered, that James L. Worden, 
County Agent, proceed to advertise the letting of a court house at the new county 
seat of Noble County, and that he receive sealed proposals for the same until the 
second day of the next December term of the board, at 8 o'clock A. M." At the 
December term, James L. Worden reported that the lowest and best bid for the 
building was by Harrison Wood, William M. Clapp and David B. Herriman, 
and the job was accordingly let to them. They sublet to Samuel T. Clymer, 
of Goshen, who completed the building in 1847, and, on the 16th day of Sep- 
tember of that year, the Commissioners ordered the removal of the offices and 
records to the new court house. A jail at Albion was built in 1849. The 
court house was built ot a cost of $4,045. The cost of the old jail at Albion 
was about $1,300. This court house was burned in January, 1859, and the cir- 
cumstances surrounding the catastrophe leave little room for doubt that it was 
the work of incendiaries. The present court house was built in 1861, at a cost 
of $11,000, and was built by George Harvey, who now resides in Albion. 
In 1875, the present jail was built at a cost of over $25,000, and is as safe as it 
could be made, and is doubtless the finest building in the county. It contains 
rooms for the jailer and his family; has twelve cells, the top, bottom and each 
side wall being composed of a single stone eight inches in thickness, all four 
securely fastened together. These cells are surrounded by a hall composed of 
stone similar to the cells, and it would seem to be a bootless undertaking to 
attempt to break out. The court house is a plain, substantial building, but 
large enough to accommodate our courts ; but the day is not distant when 
better accommodations will be required for the county officers, and more room 
for the records. 

For several years after the organization of the county, the poor were sup- 
ported in the several townships, and those who were permanent paupers were 
sold out to the lowest bidder annually. This continued until finally the Com- 
missioners purchased a farm one and a half miles east of Albion, upon which 
was a house which, with some additions, was used as an asylum for the poor, 
and here all the paupers of the county were collected, and a superintendent 
chosen by the Commissioners. This continued until at last the Commissioners 
exchanged this farm for 160 acres, to which they have since added ninety-eight 



44 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

acres. In 1871, a brick building was erected on the farm capable of accommo- 
dating one hundred paupers. The contract price for the building was $20,500, 
but a record of the allowances shows that the actual cost was several thousand 
in excess of the contract price. The Commissioners have been fortunate in the 
selection of superintendents, and at the present time the farm is self-sustaining. 
The building is over one hundred feet in length, and fifty -four feet wide, and is 
two stories above the basement, and has also considerable room above the second 
story under the mansard roof. The foregoing comprise all the public buildings 
belonging to the county. It has already been stated who were elected county 
officers at the first election. The following persons have held the office of Clerk 
of the Circuit Court by virtue of election : Isaac Spencer, Westley White, 
William F. Engle, Nelson Prentiss, Samuel E. Alvord, James Haxby, Hiram 
S. Tousley, Joseph S. Cox. And Horatio M. Slack, Fielding Prickett, Luther 
H. Green and George B. Teal have held the office by appointment. Of those 
who have held this office, Westley White, William F. Engle, James Haxby and 
Joseph S. Cox are dead. Mr. Alvord, who was first elected in 1855, has been 
re-elected twice since, and now holds the office. 

The persons elected as Sheriff are : James Hostetter, John Humphreys, 
Mason M. Meriam, Harrison Wood, William E. Bowen, Isaac Swarthout, David 
S. Simons, Solomon Crossley, Robison Ramsby, Moses Kiser, David Hough, 
Nathaniel P. Eagles, Richard Williams and William W. Riddle, the present 
incumbent. Of these, Hostetter, Humphreys, Meriam, Simons and Bowen are 
dead ; the rest, so far as is known, are living. Humphreys did not serve, but 
sold his claim on the office, after qualifying, to Mason M. Meriam for a shot- 
gun. Let it be remembered that in 1838, the date of Humphrey's election, that 
offices were not as valuable as at the present time. And it may be that the con- 
sideration for the transfer was adequate. At the organization of the county, 
the Clerk was Recorder and Auditor as well as Clerk, and no Recorder was chosen 
until 1842, when Peter Becher was elected, who died before the expiration of 
his term. Since that time, Henry H. Hitchcock, Henry Heltzel, John P. Mc- 
Williams, David S. Simons, James Greenman, John Baughman and James J. 
Lash have been elected. All the above except Becher, Heltzel and Simons 
are living ; and all except Hitchcock live in Noble County. He resides in 
Goshen, in Elkhart County, and is cashier of the First National Bank at the 
latter place. The first person to collect the taxes was Henry Heltzel, who was 
elected in 1839, and was called tax collector. He had no office at the county 
seat, but went through the county and called on each tax-payer. John A. Col- 
erick, was the first person who was elected Treasurer by that title. Since 
that time the following persons have been elected and served as County Treasur- 
ers : John McMeans, William E. Bowen, Daniel S. Love, James M. Denny, 
Lewis Iddings, Isaac Mendenhall, James J. Lash, John D. Black, Daniel 
Keehne and Julius Lang. All these except Heltzel, Colerick and Bowen, who 
are dead, reside in the county. The office of Auditor has been held by the f'ol- 




: 




^fa^t^/t^***^ 



YORK TP 



HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 47 

lowing persons, to wit: Anson Greenman, William M. Clapp, William E. Love- 
ly, John Young, Horace W. Baldwin, Daniel S. Love, Eden H. Fisher, 
James C. Stewart and William S. Kiser. Of these, Greenman, Lovely, Bald- 
win and Clapp are dead, all having died in this county, and the rest are still 
living here. 

The following is a list of Commissioners : Northern District — Abraham 
Pancake, Henry Hostetter, Sr., Jacob Wolf, John T. Broth well, James Smal- 
ley, John Childs, J. W. Learned, Charles Law, Jacob Wolf (second election), 
William Imes, George W. Mummert. Southern District — Joel Bristol, Oliver 
L. Perry, John Fulk, Otis D. Allen, Rufus D. Keeney, II. C. Stan- 
ley, James W. Long, 1). W. C. Denny (appointed), George Ott, James 
H. Gregory, J. C. Stewart, Samuel Broughton, John P. McWilliams. Mid- 
dle District — Zenas Wright, Thomas H. Wilson, Vincent Lane, Elihu Wads- 
worth, Leonard Myers, F. A. Black, Samuel Ohlwine, Orlando Kimmell, 
F. A. Black (appointed), William Broughton, John A. Singrey — mak- 
ing in all thirty-three different persons who have held the office in the 
county. Of these, fourteen are dead, thirteen still reside in the county 
and three have left the county, to wit : Myers, Gregory and Long. Long is 
living in Whitley County. The residence of the others is unknown. The 
foregoing list contains the names of all the persons who have held the offices 
referred to. There were some other offices of minor importance that have not 
been referred to, such as Coroner, School Commissioner, etc., in which the 
public would feel little interest. There is, however, one other county office, 
which at an early date did not amount to much, but which has since become 
second in importance to none in the county, and that is what is now called 
"County Superintendent of Schools," but was formerly known as "School 
Examiner." The Examiner at the time the county was organized was ap- 
pointed by the Circuit Judge, and this power remained with the Judge until 
the adoption of the present constitution in 1852. The first appointment was 
made in 1837, when Westley White, Justus C. Alvord and Nelson Prentiss 
were appointed School Examiners. The duties were not arduous and there 
was no compensation provided for. After that time, and up to 1852, various 
persons were appointed, but as the records of the court have been burned, it is 
not possible to get all the names, but the following other persons are remem- 
bered as having officiated in that office: Finley Stevens, G. W. Sheldon, 
Stephen Wildman, Samuel E. Alvord, T. P. Bicknell, D. W. C. Denny, Dr. 
0. J. Vincent and probably others. One thing is certain, and that is, Mr. 
Prentiss remained one of the Examiners from 1837 until 1868 continuously, 
and after retiring from the position in 1868 was again elected in 1879 and 
in 1881, and now holds the office, having held it for thirty-three years, and, at 
the age of sixty-eight years, is discharging his duties in an acceptable manner. 

After the organization of the comity in 1836, and after the first election, 

Hon. Samuel C. Sample, of South Bend, was sent to organize the Circuit 

cc 



48 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

Court and start the machinery of justice. As all the records in the Clerk's 
office were destroyed by fire in January, 1859, it is impossible to gather any 
information from that source, and hence many things that would be interesting 
are necessarily omitted. Judge Sample informed the writer that this meeting 
was in September, 1836, and that a grand jury was impaneled, who met 
under a large oak tree and transacted some business. On the first grand jury 
were Seymour Moses, William Wilmeth, George Benner, George T. Ulmer, 
Isaac Tibbott, Abraham Pancake and William Caldwell, and on the petit jury 
were Asa Brown, Henry Hostetter, Andrew Humphreys, Richard Bray, John 
Knight and Gideon Schlotterback. There may be others known to the old 
settlers who were on one of these juries, but the fact has not been made known. 
The grand jury returned two bills of indictment, one against Hugh Allison for 

assault and battery and one against J and Mc for larceny. Allison 

being present, was placed on trial and a verdict of "not guilty" was returned, 
when Allison treated court, jury and attorneys. The other case was not tried 
at that term, nor was it tried until nearly a year after. David H. Colerick, of 
Fort Wayne, was employed by the defendants, and being gifted as an advocate 
and having the ability to shed the "briny tear " at the proper time, so wrought 
upon the feelings of the jury that a verdict of "not guilty" was returned. 
But let it be remembered that the charge was stealing hogs, and every one 
knew that a pioneer would not steal pork unless he was hungry. This was the 
only court presided over in this county by Judge Sample. He was flanked on 
the right hand and on the left by Hon. James Latta and Elisha Blackman, 
Associate Judges. Since that time the following persons have held the office 
of Circuit Judge: Charles W. Ewing, Judge Chase, John W. Wright, James 
W. Borden, E. A. McMahon, James L. Worden, E. R. Wilson, Robert Lowry, 
James I. Best and Hiram S. Tousley, and the Associate Judges have been 
Elisha Blackman, James Latta, Jacob Stage, Thomas H. Wilson, Edwin Ran- 
dall and David S. Simons. The office of Associate Judge having been abol- 
ished, none have been elected for many years. The office of Probate Judge 
has been held by Henry R. Burnam, Horatio M. Slack and Harrison Wood, 
and our Judges of the Court of Common Pleas have been Stephen Wildman, 
James C. Bodley, Sanford J. Stoughton and William M. Clapp. 

While upon the subject of the judiciary, it is proper to speak of the distin- 
guished members of the bar who have been in former times, and are now, mem- 
bers of the bar in Noble County. Daniel E. Palmer, now residing in Angola, 
was the first practicing attorney who located in the county, and subsequently 
William M. Clapp, John W. Dawson, Horatio M. Slack and James L. 
Worden. Hon. Stephen Wildman located here soon after. Before any 
attorneys located in the county, the business was done by attorneys 
from La Grange, Allen and Elkhart Counties. John B. Howe, of La 
Grange, David H. Colerick, Henry Cooper, William H. Combs, Robert Breck- 
enridge, L. P. Ferry and Hugh McCulloch, of Allen, and E. M. Chamberlain, 



HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 49 

Joseph L. Jernegan and Thomas G. Harris, of Elkhart, were the principal 
practitioners in the court of the county prior to the year 1842. Among the 
distinguished attorneys who have practiced in the courts since 1842 may be 
mentioned ex-Gov. Samuel Bigger, Judges John Morris and Robert Lowry, of 
Fort Wayne ; Hon. W. A. Woods, of Goshen, now one of the Judges of the 
Supreme Court; Hon. James I. Best, of De Kalb County; Hon. John B. 
Niles, now deceased, formerly of La Porte ; Hon. John H. Baker, Member of 
Congress for six years from this district, and his partner, Capt. J. A. S. 
Mitchell, and many others. The present bar of Noble County is composed of 
the following gentlemen : Fielding Prickett, Henry G. Zimmerman, Thomas 
M. Eells, James M. Denny, James S. Campbell, L. W. Welker, Thomas B. 
Felkner, Frank Prickett, John C. Swetc, Luke Wrigley and Nelson Prentiss, 
all of Albion ; G. W. Best, D. C. Van Camp, Daniel W. Green, Frank P. 
Bothwell and Harry Reynolds, of Ligonier ; and A. A. Chapin, Robert P. 
Barr, Lucius E. Goodwin, Vincent C. Mains and Thomas L. Graves, of Ken- 
dallville. Among the early Judges who served in this county are to be found 
marked ability and the strictest integrity. Charles W. Ewing, the first Circuit 
Judge for this circuit, was a brilliant lawyer. He had much more than the 
usual mental endowments, and a thorough education, supplemented by extensive 
reading and study, had so developed his powers that he was a star of the first 
magnitude in his profession. He died comparatively young, and under circum- 
stances peculiarly painful, and by his own hands. What prompted the act is 
not known, but it is highly probable that under some severe mental strain his 
mind became alienated and he thus committed the act. 

Judge Chase only served one or two terms, and was but little known irt 
the county. John W. Wright, or, as he was familiarly called, "Jack," served 
several years, and was considered a good Judge. He was social and affable in 
his intercourse with all, and yet when on the Bench he maintained the dignity 
of the place, and some of our courts of to-day would be improved by following 
his example. When among the boys, he was as much of a boy as any. At a 
session of the court, a blackleg bought a horse of " Charley Murray," and paid 
for it in counterfeit coin. The word spread, and a squad was organized for 
pursuit. The Judge adjourned court, mounted his Indian pony, and joined in 
the chase, which lasted all night. The Elkhart River was crossed several 
times, but there were no bridges, and "Jack" was with the foremost. The 
counterfeiter was captured, his case given to the grand jury, and the Judge was 
ready to try the case. A man having imbibed too freely, and becoming bois- 
terous, Jack ordered the Sheriff to stop the noise, but the offender would not 
desist. "Take that man to jail," said the Judge. "There is no jail," 
replied the Sheriff. " Then," said the Judge, "take him away so far that he 
will not disturb the court and tie him to a tree." The order was obeyed, and 
quiet was restored. Judge Wright, at the time he presided over our courts 
lived in Logansport, and at this time is engaged in some business connected 



50 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

with the Government at Washington. Judge Borden presided here for several 
years, and gave general satisfaction. He was a politician, and has written sev- 
eral articles, which evince a thorough study of the principles upon which our 
institutions are founded. He now resides in Fort Wayne, and, during most of 
the time he has been a resident of Northern Indiana, has held some official posi- 
tion. Judge McMahon, who succeeded Borden, was at the time a resident of 
Fort Wayne, and discharged his duties acceptably. He was the very soul of 
probity and honor, and the judicial ermine was not soiled in his hands. He 
was a good lawyer and an impartial Judge. If living, he is in Minnesota, 
whither he emigrated many years ago. 

Of Judge James L. Worden little need be said. He was one of the early 
resident attorneys of Noble County, and is well-known to most of our citizens. 
From the time he first pitched his tent here, until the present, his course has 
been steadily upward, and to-day he holds the position of the leader of the 
Supreme Court. His decisions are quoted wherever the principles of the 
common law prevail. He is quiet and unassuming in his manners, calm and 
deliberate in his judgment, and is generally correct in his conclusions. 

E. R. Wilson, who succeeded Judge Worden, was a young man at the time 
of his election, residing at Bluffton. He was the reverse of Judge Worden in 
some respects ; he was impulsive and quick to form his conclusions, and yet 
the fact that his decisions generally stood the test in the Supreme Court, is the 
best evidence that he was correct. He was a popular officer, and yet from his 
peculiar temperament, was liable to make warm friends or bitter enemies. He 
resides at present at Madison, in this State. Judge Lowry resides at Fort 
Wayne, and is at present Judge of the Superior Court. He commenced the 
practice of the law at Goshen at an early day, and has steadily progressed un- 
til he is now recognized as one of the best attorneys of the State. Judge 
Tousley is now, and has been since 1848, a resident of Albion, and is prob- 
ably as well known as any one living here. He has been identified with the in- 
terests in the county. At the present time he is suffering from disease. James 
I. Best, of De Kalb County, was elected Judge of this circuit, and discharged 
the duties of the position in a manner at once creditable to himself and acceptable 
to the people. His business, however, required his attention at home, and he re- 
signed the office. He was subsequently employed by the Lake Shore & Michi- 
gan Southern Railroad Company, as attorney for that road, but was selected 
as one of the Commissioners to assist the Judges of the Supreme Court, which 
position he now holds. All who have held the office of Associate Judges are 
dead, all having died in this county. They were all good men, and their lives 
and influence have had their effect upon the community. Harrison Wood is 
the last of the Probate Judges living. He resides at Ligonier, and is justly 
esteemed as a good citizen and an honest man. Judge Wildman is the last left 
in the county of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas, Clapp and Bod- 
ley being dead, and Stoughton, if living, is probably in Kansas. It would be 



HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 51 

pleasing to take up and give a brief pen-portrait of each of the early attorneys 
who practiced here, but space forbids. For the present, a few reminiscenses 
of early days must suffice. We have before spoken of two indictments re- 
turned by the grand jury at the first court held in the county, one of which 
was disposed of; the other, for larceny, was continued, and a warrant issued for 
the defendants. The larceny charged was that of some hogs belonging to a 
Mr. Spangle. The defendants had been arrested before this time upon a war- 
rant issued by Jacob Wolf, Esq., the first Justice of the Peace of the county, 
who discharged the prisoners, the evidence not being sufficient to sustain the 
charge, in the opinion of the Justice. Hence, the case was brought before the 
grand jury. At a subsequent term of the Noble Circuit Court, held at the 
house of Richard Stone, in Sparta Township, the case was tried before a jury, 
and David H. Colerick was employed by the defendants. Colerick, it is said, 
charged $25, which, in 1837, was considered a large fee. It is true 
that he had to travel forty miles on horseback to attend court, and the 
condition of the roads made it a two days' journey. It was said that Colerick 
gave some instructions to the one defendant, who was considered most guilty, 
as to his conduct pending the trial, which was about one year after the indict- 
ment was returned. During this time, no razor was permitted to be used on his 

face, and before the trial came on, J had a most magnificent beard, giving 

him quite a patriarchal appearance. The case was called, the jury impaneled, 
and the evidence introduced, and the Prosecuting Attorney made his plea. 
Colerick made one of his best efforts ; he was a good advocate, and if any man 
could enlist the sympathies of the jury, he could do it. Colerick presented the 
legal aspect of the case and claimed that, under the testimony, it was uncertain 
whether the offense, if any was committed, was in Noble or Kosciusko County. 
Having disposed of the legal question, •'Uncle Dave" went in on sympathy. 
He drew a graphic picture of the anguish of the families of the prisoners, at 
the mere suspicion of the crime, and pointing to J , who sat there the pict- 
ure of injured innocence, he said : " Gentlemen of the jury, look at that hon- 
est old Dunker who sits before you — honesty written on every line of his face — 
and then say if you can that he is guilty of hog stealing." Tears flowed freely 

from Colerick's eyes, the jury were affected, and even J himself gave 

evidence that he began to think that he was innocent, and wiped his weeping 
eyes on the skirt of his buck-skin hunting shirt. The jury returned a verdict 
of "not guilty," and the defendants were happy. It is said that the case 
stood as follows : Spangle lost his hogs, found where they had been killed and 
skinned, followed the track of a sled to the cabins of the defendants, and un- 
der the puncheon floor found skinned pork, and upon these slight circumstances 
accused the defendants of the larceny of his hogs. But those days are past, 
and we now require stronger proof before making such grave charges. 

Henry Cooper, also of Fort Wayne, was probably one of the best lawyers 
who came to this county. His books were his idols, and he came as near 



52 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

mastering the elementary works as any one could, and yet he never boasted 
of his knowledge. A young man, who had just commenced the study, once 
asked Mr. Cooper how long it would require for him to master the law. 
"I do not know," said Mr. Cooper; "I have been hard at work upon it for 
about fifty years, and just begin to see how little I know about it." A char- 
acter in the early days of the county was George Powers, or, as he was gen- 
erally called, " Old Powers." He was a pettifogger of the most offensive type, 
and knew little about law, but was quite a talker. Cooper thoroughly despised 
anything like quackery, and hence had no respect for Powers. Cooper was 
not a ready or fluent speaker, but was a strong logician. Meeting Powers in 
the hall of the court house at Augusta, he was addressed by Powers in this 
language: "Cooper, if I had your head, or you had my tongue, what a man 
would be the result." Cooper replied, " Powers, if you had my head you would 
know enough to keep your abusive tongue silent." Cooper was at one time a part- 
ner of the Hon. Reverdy Johnson, and might have stood at the head of the legal 
profession, but he yielded to the seduction of strong drink, and died a sad wreck of 
his former self. He was kind-hearted, and, in his last days, did not lack friends. 
Samuel Bigger, whose name has been heretofore mentioned, died in Fort Wayne 
in 1847. In 1840, he was the candidate on the Whig ticket for Governor, and 
his competitor was Gen. Tilghman A. Howard. Both were gentlemen, and 
together they canvassed the State, and each treated the other with the greatest 
courtesy. When they visited Noble County, they spoke at the house of Adam 
Engle, on Perry's Prairie, and stayed there overnight. In the evening, Bigger 
discovered a fiddle, and, taking hold of it, drew forth some fine music, which 
highly pleased Mr. Engle. Bigger was elected, and, after serving the State 
during his term, located at Fort Wayne and practiced in the courts of Noble 
County. At a term held at Port Mitchell, in 1845 or 1846, as the Gov- 
ernor was passing along, he met Engle, whom he recognized, and, ap- 
proaching him, extended his hand, saying, "How do you do, my old friend?" 
Engle, who was quite old, did not recognize him, and replied, "Who be you? 
I don't know you." "My name is Bigger," was the reply. "Bigger, Big- 
ger ; I don't know you," continued Engle. Bigger replied, " I stayed at your 
house in 1840, when I was a candidate for Governor. Do you not remember 
me?" A sudden light seemed to break in, and, grasping the outstretched 
hand, Engle said, "Oh, yes; I remember. You are that fiddler." The joke 
was too good for Bigger to keep, and so he told the story. One more partic- 
ular mention must close these reminiscenses of the legal profession. E. M. 
Chamberlain, of Elkhart County, was a regular attendant at our courts at an 
early day. He was a man of strong intellectual powers, and as stern and in- 
flexible in his devotion to the interests of his clients as it was possible for any- 
one to be. He respected true merit, but dishonest practices were his abhor- 
rence, and woe to the man who should attempt, by bribes or threats, to lead 
him from the path of rectitude. In person, he was tall and commanding ; his 



HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 53 

countenance was stern, and reminded one of that old hero, Andrew Jackson. 
In the management of his cases, his comprehensive mind at once grasped the 
strong points, and to these he clung, and cunning or sophistry could not drive 
him from his position. All who were present at the time will remember his 
last appearance here. It was after the burning of the court house at Albion, 
and the court was held in the Lutheran Church. An old man had fallen into 
the hands of a set of sharpers, who had succeeded in swindling him out 
of over $10,000. Chamberlain was employed to unearth the dark trans- 
action. He spent much time in the preparation of the case, and had obtained 
a full history of the facts, which he had embodied in complaint. Two of the 
defendants were present when he commenced the presentation of the case to the 
court. 

As he proceeded to expose the transaction, and as link after link of 
the chain was unfolded, and as Chamberlain, warming with his subject and 
aware of the righteousness of his cause, hurled against them his charges, 
couched in such words as only he could string together, though all felt that 
they deserved exposure and punishment, yet all felt pity for the trembling cul- 
prits who were his victims. As if aware of the fact that he had them securely 
in his grasp, like the cat who sports with her prey, he would for a time relax 
his coils, giving them a short respite, then again tightening his hold, until at 
last he broke forth in a torrent of invective, at once so withering and over- 
whelming, that one of the defendants, unable to endure the mental torture, 
left the church and did not return until Chamberlain had closed. He was at 
one time a member of Congress from this district, was for many years Judge of 
the Circuit in which he resided, and held many offices of trust, and no official 
corruption was ever laid to his charge. To his family he was kind and indul- 
gent, and the tenderness and affection of woman were as much his character- 
istics at home as was sternness and inflexibility in the discharge of his public 
duties. He died at his home in Goshen in the spring of 1861. 

It is not certain who was the first physician who settled in the county. 
This distinction lies between Dr. Victor M. Cole, who located at Wolf Lake, 
and Dr. Dudley C. Waller, who came to Rochester about the same time. Both 
came in 1837, but it is uncertain which was first in the county. They were 
both considered good doctors, were both men of good hearts, and when called to 
minister to the suffering never asked whether they were sure of their pay. In 
fact, much of the service rendered by them was never paid for, and both died 
poor many years ago. Waller left the county in 1839, and returned to his 
former home in Vermont, where he died soon after. Cole is buried at Augusta, 
and it is uncertain whether the place can be identified. Dr. W. H. Nimmon 
was also one of the early physicians, having settled at Rochester in the latter 
part of 1839. He died in 1879, at Wawaka. Before any physicians settled 
here, Dr. Johnston Latta, of Goshen, practiced in the county, and Dr. S. B. 
Kyler, of Benton, and Dr. E. W. H. Ellis, of Goshen, were frequently called. 



54 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

Dr. John H. G. Shoe lived at the Indian village, and though some said he was 
not much of a doctor, yet it must be admitted that he was 'a good singer, and 
that he was careful not to give medicines that would injure any one, as he never 
kept any on hand. 

Jacob Wolf, Esq., of Perry Township, who settled here in 1.831, says that 
the first sermon preached in the county was in the summer of 1832, and that 
it was preached on Perry's Prairie, by a Presbyterian minister from South 
Bend, but is unable to give his name. Rev. Robinson, of the M. E. Church, 
and Rev. Plumstead and Christopher Cory, Presbyterians, preached here at a 
very early day, and a Presbyterian Church was organized as early as 1836 on 
the Haw Patch, but whether it was in Noble or La Grange is not settled. 
Members of the church lived in both counties, and services were held at the 
house of William McConnell, in La Grange, and also at Isaac Cavin's and Sey- 
mour Moses', in Noble. In 1837, Mr. Cavin and Mr. Moses built a log cabin 
near the place where the Salem Chapel now stands, which served the double 
purpose of a church and schoolhouse. This was the first building in the county 
used for these purposes aside from private houses. In this house, humble 
though it was, the fathers and mothers met to worship God, and with sincere 
hearts gave devout thanks that they had even such a temple. Here Seymour 
Moses taught a school. From this small beginning, what results are seen ! 
From the log cabin, erected at a cost of only the labor of a few pious settlers, 
we have now within the limits of the county fifty-four churches, erected at a 
cost of over $200,000. If genuine piety and religion have advanced in pro- 
portion, what a power for good would now go out from Noble County ! 

The first marriage in the county was that of Lewis Murphy to a sistej of 
Isaac Tibbott. The bride was one of the children brought here by Joel Bristol 
in 1827, and at the time Noble County was attached to Allen, and the marriage 
license was procured at Fort Wayne. The next was that of Gideon Schlotter- 
back to Miss Mary Engle, in 1833, when this county was called La Grange. 
After the organization of Noble County, the first marriage was that of Jacob 
Baker, who died last spring. Schlotterback is still living, and is hale and hearty. 
Murphy left the county a long time ago, and whether living or dead is not 
known to the writer. 

There has been some conflict of opinion as to who was the first white child 
born within the limits of Noble County, but it seems to be settled now that it 
was a son of Henry Miller. Miller came to the county in November, 1831, 
and on the 31st of December of that year his wife gave birth to a son, who 
lived but a few days or weeks, this being, so far as is known, the first birth as 
well as the first death of a white person in the county. The father died three 
years ago; the mother is still living. On the 8th day of August, 1832, Simon 
Hostetter, son of John and Mahala Hostetter, was born on the Haw Patch, and 
he is still living, being the first white child born in the county that lived to 
maturity. 




'■.Y, 



- 





'{H^Mzax^ 



YORK TP. 



HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 57 

The first post office in the county was established in 1833, and, at the sug- 
gestion of Jacob Wolf, was named " Good Hope." Henry Miller was the first 
Postmaster. The mail was carried from Fort Wayne to Niles once in two 
weeks. John G. Hall carried the "bag" on a spotted ox or some other kind 
of masculine bovine. The receipts of the office were from $1.25 to $1.50 per 
quarter, hence there was not much strife for the place. Miller became tired of 
handling the mails and resigned, and Jacob Shobe became Postmaster, and the 
office was kept at the old Shobe farm in the southwest part of Perry Township. 
Subsequently the office was removed to Stone's Tavern, and thence to Ligonier, 
and the name changed from Good Hope to Ligonier. 

The first house for a residence was built by Joel Bristol in Noble Town- 
ship, but there was a brick house erected by the Government on Section 30 in 
Sparta, the exact date of which is not certain, but was some time between 1816 
and 1821. A fuller account of this house will appear in the history of Sparta. 
The first hewed log house was built by Jacob Shobe in 1833, and the first brick 
residence was built by Jacob Wolf. 



C HAP TEE, III. 

BY WESTON A. GOODSPEED. 

Early Roads— Manner of Viewing, Improving and Sustaining Them— Mail 
Routes and Stage Lines— The Plank Road— Railroads and County 
Stock— Noble County Agricultural Society— Stock Rearing— The 
Seminary Fund— The County. Press— The Blacklegs and the Regu- 
lators. 

THE first traveled highways which extended across Noble County were the 
Fort Wayne and Goshen road and the Fort Wayne and Lima road, 
each having been surveyed prior to the organization of the county in 1836, 
pursuant to special acts of the State Legislature. The precise time when these 
enactments were approved cannot be learned, but was probably about the years 
1832 or 1833, as, at that time, both the roads were quite well traveled by set- 
tlers who lived in the older localities, at the extremities of the road distant 
from Fort Wayne. At that time, there was quite a large settlement at Lima, 
in La Grange County, while few, if any, settlers had located along the road in 
Noble County. The same is true of the Goshen road, save one settlement a 
few miles southeast of Wolf Lake. Both roads, at that early day, were mere 
winding paths through the woods, twisting around on the higher lands and 
abounding in mud-holes that apparently (if the statements of old settlers are to 
be believed) went through to China. It is stated that, when the pioneers first 
began to locate along the main roads, they would often keep a team of oxen 
or horses, and the necessary rails, to assist in extricating unfortunates from 
mud-holes, charging the modest sum of 25 cents to $1 for the trouble. Soon 



58 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

the worst places were bridged over by rude log bridges, that were swept away 
by every freshet, and the long places of swampy road were corduroyed with 
rails, logs and brush. It was the custom, when a new road was petitioned for, 
to appoint competent "Viewers," who were to traverse the route, and report 
upon the practicability of opening the road. If the Viewers reported favor- 
ably, the State authorities ordered the clearing and working of the road, so as 
to make it passable for all sorts of teams. The Lima road, although surveyed 
about the year 1833, was not opened throughout its entire length until about 
1837 ; but, if reports are correct, the Goshen road was opened about the time 
the county was organized. Previous to that time, neither had been worked, 
save here and there where some benevolent settler had seen proper to expend a 
few days to mend some bad break. Even after the roads had been opened, great 
trouble was experienced in keeping them in repair, and very often they were 
almost impassable. Probably, the third road in the county was the one branch- 
ing from the Goshen road north of Cromwell and running north, through what 
is now Ligonier, to the State line, in the direction of White Pigeon. This was 
ordered surveyed not far from the year 1838, and perhaps a year or two earlier, 
and came into existence largely through the influence of citizens living on 
"Perry's Prairie," who had petitioned the Legislature for the road. In 1843, 
the State road, extending from Columbia City to Augusta, was ordered sur- 
veyed, and John Hively and Joel Bristol were appointed special Road Com- 
missioners to establish this highway. They employed Thomas Washburn as 
Surveyor. The road was eighteen miles long, ten being in Noble County. 
The same year, another road was ordered built from Columbia City to a stake 
in the Goshen road, on the line between Townships 34 and 35 north, of Range 8 
east, the whole road being twenty-two miles long. The special Road Commis- 
sioners were Stephen Martin, Ross Rowan and John Prickett. The following 
explains itself: 

To the Commissioners of Noble County : In pursuance of an act of the twenty -seventh session 
of the General Assembly of the State of Indiana, appointing the undersigned Commissioners to 
locate a State road, from the forks of the roads near Isaac Tibbott's in Noble County to the county 
seat of La Grange County, said Commissioners hereby report that they met at the beginning 
point on the 12th of June, 1842, and after being sworn to faithfully discharge the duties of said 
appointment, and after employing the necessary number of hands, proceeded to survey and 
mark said road. We believe it will be a road of great public utility, and return it for public 
use. For a further description, we beg leave to refer you to the following field notes, all of 
which are respectfully submitted. John L. Stienberger, 

[Field notes subjoined.] Abraham Brown, 

William F. Beavers, 

Commissioners. 

This road was 33 miles in length, 12 T {b miles being in Noble County, and 
20tW miles in La Grange County. In 1843, a State road was constructed 
from Kendallville to Perry's Prairie, the Commissioners being Mr. Trow- 
bridge, Jacob Sparbeck and Daniel Bixler. Previous to about the year 1844, 
all roads which touched more than one county were built at the expense of the 



HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 59 

• 

State ; but, at that time, this procedure was altered, and the counties were 
required to construct their own road, being authorized to levy, under stipulated 
conditions, the necessary tax for that purpose. Immediately after this, the 
Commissioners entered upon an active and much-needed system of constructing 
public highways, and the citizens were quite heavily taxed to secure the neces- 
sary funds. From that time until the present, scores of roads have come into 
existence. 

Some time about the year 1847, a company of wealthy men at Fort Wayne, 
and along the Lima road, associated themselves together, with a capital stock 
of about $70,000, for the purpose of transforming the old Fort Wayne 
and Lima road into a plank road. Pursuant to the law of the State, 
this road was leased* by the company for a term of years, and saw-mills were 
erected all along the line to furnish three-inch oak plank, which was to be laid 
down on suitable sills, at right angles to the direction of the road. The planks 
were sawed and laid down in 1847 and 1848, and toll-gates were established 
from six to ten miles apart, and superintendents of sections, living along the 
line, were employed to keep the road in repair. The plank road was fifty 
miles long, and, in some places, deviated from the old Lima road. A few 
small dividends were struck, but the road failed to repay the stockholders for 
the outlay of construction, and the stock steadily depreciated in value. Many 
of the largest stockholders at Fort Wayne and along the road were wise enough 
to get rid of the stock to Eastern capitalists, upon whom much of the burden of 
failure fell when the enterprise collapsed. Toll was collected on portions of 
the road until about 1858, when the route was turned over to the County 
Commissioners. 

There were well-established mail routes along the Lima road and the 
Goshen road several years before the county was organized, the mail being 
carried on horseback, or, as in the case of John Hall, the carrier along the 
Goshen road, on the back of a male bovine of gentle disposition. These con- 
tinued to be the principal mail routes for much of Northeastern Indiana, for 
many years. From time to time, branches were established at various points. 
As early as 1844, a route was established from Wolf Lake, on the Goshen road» 
via Port Mitchell and Albion, to Lisbon, on the Lima road. Another early 
mail route is said to have extended from Good Hope, on the Goshen road, to 
either Rome City or Lima, on the Lima road, passing via Rochester and Spring- 
field. Several other routes were established for the convenience of localities, 
but not by the Government. The Lake Shore Railroad did away with many of 
the old routes, and new ones were established from stations on this road to the 
various towns in the southern part of the county. Finally, the presence of 
other railroads rendered these routes unnecessary, and now they have about all 
disappeared. The vast improvements that have been made in the means of 
overcoming labor, save such as is necessary for exercise to preserve the health 

* The real conditions as to how the company got control of the road are unknown to the writer, but from con- 
versation with men prominently connected with the project, the facts appear to be as stated in the text. 



60 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

and spirits, have driven many irksome and burdensome tasks from the obstacles 
to be met by human endeavor. 

The Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway Company was formed, in 
1869, by the consolidation of the following four railroads, each of which had 
previously been formed of two others : Michigan Southern and Northern In- 
diana, Cleveland & Toledo, Buffalo & Erie and Cleveland, Painesville & Ash- 
tabula. The Michigan Southern was projected in 1837, through the southern 
part of that State, from Monroe on the east to New Buffalo on the west ; but 
was not continued on to Chicago until 1852. Of the Northern Indiana Rail- 
road, the Chicago Times, of 1877, has this to say : " In 1835, John B. Chap- 
man, of Warsaw, Ind., a member of the State Legislature, introduced a bill 
for the incorporation of the 'Atlantic and Pacific Railroad.' He was ridiculed 
out of this ambitious title, and finally consented to come down to ' Buffalo and 
Mississippi Railroad,' but would not yield another mile." Work on the road 
was begun in 1835 ; but in 1837 came the financial crash that doomed the rail- 
road to a sleep equal in duration to that of Rip Van Winkle. An effort at 
resuscitation was made in 1847, culminating, finally, in the road's passing to the 
Litchfields, under the name of Northern Indiana Railroad. The work went on 
slowly until at last, in 1855, the Michigan Southern and the Northern Indiana 
were consolidated with a union of those two names. The road was completed 
through Noble County early in 1858. Under the presidency of the Vander- 
bilts, the road is paying its stockholders dividends. So far as known, the citi- 
zens of the county contributed nothing toward the construction of the road. 

The corporation first known as the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad 
Company was duly incorporated and organized by articles of association, bear- 
ing date January 18, 1854, with power to construct, maintain and operate a 
railroad from the town of Hartford, in Blackford County, Ind., to a point 
on the north line of the State, in the direction of Grand Rapids, Mich. 
Afterward, by various articles of consolidation and incorporation with other 
roads, it assumed the above corporate name in June, 1857, and at that time had 
a declared capital stock of $2,800,000, including large tracts of valuable tim- 
ber land grants in Northern Michigan ; but the paid-up capital of the company 
was so small that it was found impossible to meet the expense of constructing 
the road, in which case, the land grants, after a certain date, would revert to the 
Government. To prevent this, various expediencies were resorted to, and at 
last extension of the time for the completion of certain portions of the road was 
obtained. Work was resumed under several contracts, one of which was with 
George W. Geisendorff, of Rome City, dated December, 1864, to build and 
equip fifteen miies of road, understood to be between the latter town and La 
Grange, Ind.; $19,000 paid by Mr. Geisendorff to the company were ex- 
pended on the road north of Grand Rapids. Still the company found itself 
unable to continue the completion of the road, and a new executive administra- 
tion under the old organization was effected, that some relief might be obtained. 



HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 61 

Confidence was partially restored, and the citizens along the road in Noble and 
La Grange Counties subscribed about $200,000 in aid of the work, the most 
of which was payable conditionally, and hence was unavailable until the con- 
ditions had been complied with. Soon, after considerable difficulty, another 
extension of time to January 1, 1868, was obtained. The Pittsburgh, Fort 
Wayne & Chicago Railroad was solicited for help, and furnished it conditionally 
by indorsing certain stipulations on fifteen hundred $1,000 bonds of the issue 
of January, 1860. But this seemed to afford only temporary relief, as, in 
April, 1869, a number of responsible parties living in New York, Philadelphia 
and Pittsburgh, and known as the Continental Improvement Company, obtained 
such control of the Grand Rapids Company that the completion of the road 
was rapidly pushed forward, with the aid of a declared capital of $2,000,000, 
owned by the last-named corporation, until, in December, 1873, the road, con- 
structed and completed in accordance with the contract, was turned over to the 
Grand Rapids & Indiana Company. Thus it was, that after a long, distressing 
struggle for life, the road, at the price of large profits, was placed upon a per- 
manent running basis. It is of incalculable value to La Grange and Noble 
Counties ; although the trade in some localities has been divided, but the 
counties on the whole have been greatly benefited. Kendallville has been in- 
jured in some respects, and benefited in others. Avilla has found a decided 
improvement. 

For some years prior to 1872, the Chicago & Canada Southern Railway 
Company announced its intention of passing across the northern part of Noble 
County, provided suitable aid was secured from the citizens along the 
route. The townships through which the road was to pass were called 
upon to vote aid ; but all did not respond. The question of levying a small 
tax for this purpose was submitted in each of the townships, and carried 
in Perry and Wayne only. The tax to be paid by Perry amounted to $19,000 ; 
and that of Wayne to $20,500. Of these amounts about $1,000 were paid ; 
but the citizens were then relieved by legislative enactment from any further 
payments, and the $1,000 was returned to the tax-payers. Thus was severed 
all connection with the road. The Eel River Division of the Wabash Railway 
passes across the extreme corner of the county, and was constructed and 
equipped in about the year 1872. 

Early in 1872, the townships Allen, Jefferson, Albion, York and Sparta 
were called to vote a tax to aid the present Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. Allen 
refused such aid, although she would undoubtedly receive greater benefit than 
any of the others. The vote in Jefferson was 187 for, 75 against ; the tax 
amounting to $3,078.60. That in Albion 103 for, none against; tax, $3,- 
380.80. That in York 131 for, 19 against; tax, $2,793.95. That in Sparta 
115 for, 25 against ; tax, $3,796.15. Total tax voted, $13,049.50. of which 
$12,322.99 have been paid to the company. The grain buyers at the stations 
on this road report that, on account of direct transportation to Baltimore, an 



(52 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

Eastern sea-board, the other roads not having such direct transportation, a 
higher price can be paid for grain by them than by buyers on the other roads. 
Farmers confirm this statement, and govern their sales accordingly. 

The Noble County Agricultural and Horticultural Society had its origin in 
1855, in accordance with an act of the Legislature, providing that the citizens 
of a county might institute the necessary conditions for a county fair. In 
response to notices posted up or published at the time, a meeting of the citizens 
was called to effect such an association, and some thirty or forty persons 
appended their names to a code of by-laws, and paid $1 each, after which 
the necessary officers were elected to carry into effect the measures adopted 
by the membership. A fair, with a few premiums offered, was announced 
to be held on the farm of Mr. Bassett, a few miles northwest of Albion, 
during the fall of 1855; and on that occasion there was a respectable 
display of county products, notwithstanding that the premiums offered were 
few and made proportionally small, contingent on the failure of the receipts to 
meet the obligations of the society. The gate-money was not far from $60. 
Horse-races were witnessed around the quarter-of-a-mile track ; but the time 
made need not be mentioned. The fair continued to be held annually on Mr. 
Bassett's land for some four years, when it was removed to a ground of five or 
six acres, owned by Mr. Clapp, a portion of which is now covered with houses, 
being the northern part of the county seat. In 1865, by sharp management on 
the part of Ligonier, it was voted to remove the fair to the latter place, where 
Mr. Harrison Wood had offered a nice ground with a half-mile track to the asso- 
ciation without charge for the first year, and $30 for each subsequent year. 
This movement was opposed by most of the citizens at Albion, several of whom 
grind their teeth at the recollection even to this day. The fair was held on 
Mr. Wood's land for twelve years, and was then removed to the present ground, 
about a mile west of Ligonier, which at that time was purchased by an associa- 
tion of stockholders for $1,700, there being about twenty-three acres. The 
stock (about eighty-five shares) is owned by some forty-five individuals. These 
stockholders rent the ground to the association. The receipts were largest 
about two years ago, being not far from $1,600 ; of late years they 
reach on an average about $1,000 annually. They probably did not exceed 
$100 prior to the removal of the fair to Ligonier. The directors are usually 
elected, one from each township, and from these the officers are chosen. 
The usual premiums are paid for all varieties of live stock, products 
of the farm, manufactured implements and ornaments, plants and flowers, fruit, 
wearing apparel, kitchen products, etc., etc. The Agricultural Society is in a 
fairly prosperous condition, although there have been times in its history when 
the outlook was decidedly unpromising. So it is with all enterprises that tend 
to bind society closer, or remove the films from the eyes of humanity. The 
present officers of the society are : W. W. Latta, President ; J. H. Hoffman, 
Secretary ; John Weir, Treasurer ; J. C. Zimmerman, Superintendent. In 



HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 63 

1866, there was organized at Ligonier a " Live Stock Association," which is 
yet in existence, and has for its object the making of money through that decid- 
edly laudable means — the improvement in stock, or, more specifically stated, the 
improvement in horses. Three magnificent Clydesdale stallions were purchased 
at a cost of $7,200. There are about twenty stockholders in this association, 
four of whom own the greater portion of stock, as follows : John Morrow, Har- 
rison Wood, Dr. Palmiter and William Hays. 

There is one subject which can be as well mentioned in this chapter as in 
any other. Reference is made to what was known in early years as the "Semi- 
nary Project." Not far from the year 1840, the State Legislature passed an 
act authorizing the County Commissioners to levy a tax for an amount not to 
exceed a certain figure, the same to be applied toward the erection of a seminary 
for the education of youth. This the Commissioners of Noble County did ; 
and Elisha Blackman was made " Seminary Trustee and Treasurer," to whom 
were paid all funds for this project. Money flowed in, while the county-seat 
was at Augusta, until the amount reached nearly $2,000, when, for some reason 
which the writer, after patient inquiry, could not learn, the whole scheme col- 
lapsed, and the money collected was either turned over to the tax-payer, or 
placed with the school fund, upon what terms are unknown. Thus the experi- 
ment died. 

From the time of the earliest settlement until about the year 1858, Noble 
County (and, indeed, all Northern Indiana, Southern Michigan and Northwest- 
ern Ohio, besides other localities) was so infested by horse-thieves, burglars, 
highwaymen, counterfeiters, manufacturers of bogus coin, murderers and out- 
laws and desperadoes of every description, that no honest man with money or 
valuable possessions could say with assurance that either himself or his property 
was at any time safe from their attack. The entire period was one long mild 
reign of terror and apprehension. About the time that Noble County was first 
settled, or from 1830 to 1840, the notorious counterfeiter of Summit County, 
Ohio, James Brown, a man of great natural ability, and one of the most daring, 
audacious and successful "blacklegs" in all the country at the time, managed 
by adroitness and cunning to so surround himself and his company of kindred 
spirits with secrecy and mystery, that all efforts to shatter the organization were 
for many years defeated and baffled. It will be seen by the reader that many 
of the most notorious blacklegs of Noble County came from Summit County, 
Ohio, or vicinity, and received their first instruction in the school of the infa- 
mous James Brown. The entire system of outlawry in Noble County undoubt- 
edly sprang from that in Summit County, Ohio, and vicinity ; as the dreadful 
business here was first inaugurated by men either directly or indirectly from 
that locality. It is not the design in this volume to enter into the details from 
which a large book might be entirely written. Nothing but an outline can be 
given. From the fact that scores of men, now honored and respected residents 
of the county, were connected with the blacklegs, either in the capacity of 



64 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

thieves, or as manufacturers or passers of bogus coin and counterfeit bills, it is 
thought best to mention as few names as possible in this brief narrative. The 
children and grandchildren of James Brown are yet living near Akron, Ohio ; 
and, without exception, are all upright and law-abiding citizens. And yet they 
all feel that their father's infamy is a dark blot on the family name and honor. 
So it is in a score of instances in Noble County. Hundreds of the best citizens 
are connected by ties of consanguinity with blacklegs, whose names have become 
synonymous of disgrace and dishonor. Prudence would dictate, then, that in 
this volume the subject should be treated generally, that the feelings of delica- 
cy and shame in the hearts of descendants may be spared, and the family name 
and honor be cleared of infamy. 

New countries are alwavs the haunts of criminals and outlaws. There 
they find security, secrecy and that lack of law which specially favors their 
atrocious deeds of villainy. Noble County at once became the headquarters of 
scores of convicts and criminals, and soon gained national repute as a perfect 
hot-bed of sagacious crime. In California, after the gold excitement had 
somewhat subsided, any man, it is said, who announced himself as coming from 
Noble County, Ind., was regarded with suspicion and distrust. So it was 
as far east as Maine, and as far south as Florida. Peace officers all over the 
United States and Canada heard of Noble County, and wondered why the gang 
of blacklegs was not broken up and dispersed. While it is true that horses, 
merchandise, money, and, in short, any property wanted by the blacklegs, were 
taken from the citizens of Noble County, yet it was not done to that alarming 
degree as to rouse the people of the county to a concerted effort against them 
until about 1856. A large, well-organized band of criminals made Noble 
County, among other places, the headquarters where counterfeit bank bills were 
made, where bogus coin was minted, and where stolen property of all kinds 
was secreted until the ardor of pursuit had abated, and the property could be 
disposed of. Criminal action was not comfined to the county, nor to Indiana ; 
but spread into all the neighboring States, and even West into the Territories. 
This is what, more than anything else, rendered the name of Noble County 
odious and detestable. It was the harbor of all villains. It was where they 
found sympathy and encouragement, security and assistance. Here they could 
dispose of stolen property. Here they obtained counterfeit bank bills and bogus 
silver coin. Here they were secreted from irate owners of stolen property and 
from pursuing peace officers. All this assistance, security and protection were 
furnished by resident blacklegs, men of seeming integrity, who were often 
wholly unsuspected by their nearest neighbors of having any complicity in the 
nefarious practices. Further than this, the very men secretly engaged in assist- 
ing criminal procedure were elected to the most prominent official positions in 
the county. The County Sheriff at one time (and perhaps others) was a noto- 
rious blackleg. It was next to impossible to secure a jury of honest men. 
Lawyers were blacklegs. Constables in almost every township were corrupt 





* 



YORK TP. 



HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 67 

and criminal. For these reasons, the laws were ineffectual and powerless. In 
all law-suits other than against blacklegs, the demands of justice were strictly 
complied with as far as the blacklegs were concerned, as it was to their interest 
to appear honest and law-abiding. But, when horse-thieves or passers of coun- 
terfeit money were charged with crime and arraigned, it was found next to im- 
possible to convict them. They usually managed to escape on one pretext or 
another. 

It is necessary to begin at the earliest settlement of the county, and trace 
the growth both of crime and of the efforts made to curtail or terminate it. As 
early as 1836, Alpheus Baker, residing in the eastern part of the county, lost 
three valuable horses the morning after his arrival. As many as a dozen other 
horses were taken during the same year ; and, prior to 1840, there must have 
been at least fifty horses " pulled " from residents of the county. No township 
or locality was spared. Men dared not keep fine horses, and many were wisely 
contented with animals too worthless to be bothered by thieves. In 1839, the 
first real movement was made against the blacklegs. This will be found narrated 
in the chapter written by Mr. Prentiss. Some twenty were arrested, against 
nine of whom bills of indictment were found, but all managed to escape the 
punishment they no doubt deserved. In about 1842, William Mitchell and 
Asa Brown, who had assisted in the arrest of horse-thieves from Ohio, two men 
who had fled to Noble County for protection, were repaid for the act by the 
burning of their barns. About the same time, stores at Rochester and other 
places in the county were broken open, and considerable property was taken by 
burglars. Men were attacked in their own cabins, and compelled at the muzzle 
of pistols to hand over their ready money. Peddlers were stolen from in much 
the same manner, and widespread apprehension of robbery and even murder 
was felt. About this time, a public meeting was called for the purpose of 
organizing a society for the protection of property, and for raising the necessary 
funds to pay for detecting and capturing thieves and other criminals. This 
meeting is said to have been held at Kendallville. With startling audacity and 
presumption, the very men who habitually protected and harbored criminals, 
were loudest in their denunciations of all blacklegs, and most earnest in their 
declarations that something must be speedily done to check the alarmingly 
prevalent commission of crime. They thus became perfectly familiar with all 
the schemes to detect and capture blacklegs ; and of course were enabled to 
completely baffle all such attempts. The results of the meeting were thus 
rendered abortive. 

While every township had its blacklegs and rascals, perhaps the most 
notorious place was in the northeastern part of the county, in and around Rome 
City, and a little farther north, at a spot known as " The Tamarack." In this 
vicinity, several of the most notorious leaders of the blacklegs resided. The 
physical features furnished excellent facilities for the secretion of stolen property 
of all kinds. It was in this vicinity that, so far as known, the only bogus coin 

DD 



68 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

was manufactured in the county, except, perhaps, in Noble Township. In the 
latter place, while it is clear that the necessary implements for manufacturing 
bogus coin were found, yet there is no conclusive evidence that such coin was 
minted there. Men lived there who dealt largely in the coin, buying it for 
about 25 cents on the dollar of those who did manufacture it, and passing it at 
every opportunity to travelers and others. There is reasonably conclusive 
evidence that counterfeit bank bills were engraved and printed in Noble Town- 
ship. It is related that one of the oldest and most prominent citizens of Noble 
Township audaciously admitted to every one that he had any amount of bogus 
coin. He is said to have answered a man who wanted to borrow money of him, 
" Yes, come over ; I have plenty. I know it's good, because I made it myself." 
It is also stated that he bought a piece of land of the Government Agent at Fort 
Wayne, paying for the same with bogus silver coin. Speaking of this transaction, 

he said, " The money was so d d hot it burnt my fingers." An engraver 

of bills resided in Noble Township ; also a signer of the same. 

The Tamarack was a notorious place. Both counterfeit bank bills and 
bogus coin were manufactured in this vicinity. Hundreds of men were induced 
to pass bad money, who would not assist in the manufacture. Hundreds of 
men would buy and secrete stolen property, who would have nothing to do with 
stealing. Hundreds of young men were led into a more or less guilty com- 
plicity in criminal practices. This was one of the principal reasons why rascals 
could not be detected. So many were in some manner connected with 
the blacklegs, that neighbor dared not trust neighbor, and all concealed the 
truth. A certain chivalrous dignity became attached to the term "blackleg," 
that adventurous young men could not resist. They were thus gradually led 
into crime. It must be understood that, while there was no boldly open and 
concerted opposition to the execution of the laws in the capture and conviction 
of criminals, yet the efforts of honest officers were avoided and the require- 
ments of the law frustrated. Honest men were not wanting ; they lacked 
unity and secrecy of action. All their plans became at once known to the 
blacklegs, and they were thus for many years outwitted and misled. Perhaps 
no one individual among the honest men of the county was responsible for the 
lack of unity and secrecy in the conviction of criminals; and yet it is strange 
that, during all the long years of guilt and fear, no united and determined 
effort was made to end the "reign of terror." It cannot be said that there 
was not a sufficient number of honest men, as the criminals were comparatively 
very few. The execution of a few horse-thieves or counterfeiters by " Judge 
Lynch" would have ended the reign of crime in its infancy. It is a matter of 
wonderment that something of the kind was not done. What could the honest 
men have been thinking about ? Are they altogether free from blame ? 

During the period from the earliest settlement until the power of the 
blacklegs was broken, many criminals were made to suffer the penalty of their 
misdoings. Six or eight persons, several of whom yet reside in the county, 






HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 69 

were sent for short terms to the penitentiary. The blackleg leaders could not 
be caught by the mild efforts made ; neither could the gang be broken up. At 
last, lawlessness had become so widespread, that the State Legislature, in 
1852, enacted a law authorizing the formation of companies of not less than 
ten nor more than one hundred persons, with all the rights and privileges of 
constables, in the detection and apprehension of criminals. Strange as it may 
seem, no movement in pursuance of this law was made in Northern Indiana 
until 1856, at which time the "La Grange County Rangers" came into being. 
Within the next three years, thirty-six other companies were organized in 
Northern Indiana. The following were those formed in Noble County: Al- 
bion Rangers, Jefferson Regulators, Lisbon Rangers, Noble County Invincibles, 
Port Mitchell Regulators, Perry Regulators, Swan Regulators, Sparta Guards 
and Wolf Lake Sharpers. Perhaps there were several others. About five 
hundred men belonged to the companies organized in Noble County. The 
Lisbon Rangers numbered eighty-one members, the Swan Regulators sixty- 
one, the Port Mitchell Regulators sixty and the Perry Regulators seventy- 
nine. While the kv\v undoubtedly brought these companies into existence, 
some of them went beyond the stipulated legal authority conferred upon them. 
The law gave them no right to try, convict or execute criminals. The author- 
ity conferred was confined to the detection and arrest of law-breakers. Any 
company that went beyond this was acting without proper legal authority. 
Each company adopted a constitution and by-laws, setting forth the various 
objects of the society. Any person making application for membership was 
required to bear an untarnished name, to make a solemn pledge of secrecy, 
and to subscribe his name to the constitution and by-laws. The deliberations 
of each company were kept in profound secrecy until the contemplated arrests 
were made. Any man against whom suspicion rested, unless he cleared himself 
to the satisfaction of the regulators, was denied membership in any company. 
This state of affairs soon completely overthrew the power of the blacklegs. 

During the autumn of 1857, the first shot was thrown in the ranks of the 
enemy. " The first public demonstration was a grand parade of the regulators 
on the 16th of January, 1858, at an old settlers' meeting at Kendallville. 
Soon after the arrival of the morning train, and just before the organization of 
the meeting, about three hundred men on horseback moved down in majestic 
strength through the streets of the town, bearing mottoes and banners of every 
description, one of which contained a representation of the capture of a crim- 
inal with the words, i No Expense to the County.' After a full display through 
the principal streets, they repaired to the common near the Baptist Church, 
where several speeches were made, severely denouncing the blacklegs, and 
setting forth the intention to forthwith end their infamous deeds. This, to 
Noble and adjacent counties, was the star of hope — the omen of better days in 
Northern Indiana."* Many blacklegs were in town, who saw with fear that thev 

* From History of the Regulators of Northern Indiana, by M. H. Mott, Esq., of Kendallville. 



70 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

could no longer control things as they had formerly done. Early on the fol- 
lowing day (Sunday, the 17th of January, 1858), a posse of fifteen or twenty 
members of the Noble County Invincibles, from Ligonier, proceeded to Rome 
City, and arrested nine (afterward five more) of the most notorious blacklegs, 
one of them being Gregory McDougal, all of whom were taken to Ligonier and 
placed in confinement to await investigation. A separate and private confer- 
ence was had with each man, and an opportunity afforded him to make a full 
confession, after which he was returned to confinement to await the action of 
the Regulators. In most cases confessions were volunteered, but, in a few 
instances where they were refused, a rigid means of extorting them was 
adopted. In this manner a more or less complete confession was obtained from 
each blackleg arrested.* From the time of the arrest until the 25th of the 
same month, thousands of people went to Ligonier to see the rascals and 
watch the movements of the Regulators. Every train brought in men who 
had been stolen from, and who had come forward to ascertain from the confes- 
sions where their property could be found. Scores of witnesses appeared from 
all quarters, even from the Eastern States, with damaging testimony against 
the culprits. In every confession, men were implicated who had previously 
borne an irreproachable character. This led to many additional arrests. One 
of the rascals had stolen thirty-six horses, besides a large amount of store 
goods. Every confession was a continuous and shocking recital of theft, bur- 
glary, assault, counterfeiting and other crimes. A committee of five of the most 
prominent Regulators was appointed to decide what was to be done with the 
blacklegs. This committee heard the confessions, questioned the prisoners, 
and examined witnesses. A few arrested parties were dismissed for want of 
damaging testimony. All the others, except McDougal, were turned over to 
the legal authorities. 

The career of McDougal had been much more infamous than any of the 
others. By his own confession, he, with the assistance of others, had stolen in 
less than a year thirty-four horses ; had broken two jails ; robbed four stores 
and two tanneries; taken the entire loads of two peddlers, besides a large 
amount of harness, saddles, buggies and other property, and had passed large 
amounts of counterfeit money. He publicly boasted that no jail could hold 
him, and that he feared neither God, man, nor the devil. The Deputy United 
States Marshal of Michigan stated to the committee, under oath, that in 
Canada a reward had been offered for the arrest and conviction of McDougal, 
who was charged with robbery, jail-breaking at Chatham, and murder. The 
Marshal (a Mr. Halstead) also testified that he went to Canada to investigate 
the matter, and there learned that McDougal had killed a jailer's wife in order 
to free his brother from confinement. The testimony of a confederate of Mc- 

* Prominent men at Ligonier, who were Regulators, and who participated in the examination and punishment 
af the blacklegs, informed the writer that several of the criminals refused to confess until they were threatened with 
lynching. Ropes were brought in and even placed around the necks of the villains; this generally brought them to 
their senses. It is said that one man was actually suspended by ihe nock for a few minutes, and then let loose, after 
which his confession was given without further ceremony. 



HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 71 

Dougal confirmed this evidence of murder. It was also testified by the same 
witnesses, and others, that McDougal had robbed and murdered a school teach- 
er on the ice in Canada. One witness also testified that McDougal and several 
others had tortured an old Scotchman with fire to compel him to hand over his 
money. All this evidence satisfied the committee, and the Regulators gen- 
erally, that McDougal was guilty of murder. The testimony was carefully 
considered ; the whole subject was calmly and impartially scanned and dis- 
cussed, and the committee finally, on the 25th of January, unanimously 
adopted the following report : 

We, the committee appointed by the Noble County Invincibles, to collect and investigate 
the evidence in the case of Gregory McDougal, now pending before this society, ask to make the 
following report : After having made a full and fair investigation of all the testimony, and 
having found during said investigation evidence of an unmistakable character, charging the said 
Gregory McDougal with murder, do recommend that the said McDougal be hung by the neck 
until dead, on Tuesday, the 26th of January, 1858, at 2 o'clock P. M. 

Soon afterward the following resolution was passed : 

Resolved, That the captains of the several companies of Regulators in Noble and adjoin- 
ing counties notify the members of their companies to appear at Ligonier on the day of execu' 
tion, at the hour of 12 M., and that each captain be requested to escort his own company into 
the village in regular file and good order. 

The above report, recommending the hanging of McDougal, was submitted 
to the large assemblage of Regulators present, and on motion was received and 
adopted. It should be noted by the reader that, while the whole country was 
roused up at the prospect of the execution, and while Ligonier was filled to 
overflowing with excited men, the investigating committee was calm, just, de- 
liberate and rational, and the great body of Regulators thoughtful and deter- 
mined. All felt the responsibility of executing the sentence of death upon 
a fellow-mortal ; and the decision was only reached after nearly two weeks of 
impartial investigation. McDougal, no doubt, had as impartial a trial as he 
could have received in a regularly authorized court. Of course, the Regulators 
had no legal right to put him to death. But it has been the custom the world 
over from time immemorial, when the law is inadequate to afford protection to 
life and property, for the people to arise and calmly put offenders beyond 
further power of committing crime. In a case of this character, when a fair 
and impartial trial is afforded the accused, when competent men are appointed 
to defend (as in the case of McDougal), when all proceedings are deliberate, 
wise and just, and the law cannot afford that protection guaranteed by the 
constitution, society recognizes the right of the people to punish criminals, 
even to the extent of taking life. This was precisely the state of affairs in the 
trial and execution of Gregory McDougal. It may be presumed that the in- 
vestigating committee knew what they were about when they recommended his 
execution. While McDougal confessed multitudes of crimes, he never admitted 
having committed murder, even when standing on the scaffold. 

Soon after the decision to hang McDougal was reached, he was informed 
for the first time of the doom that awaited him. Prior to this, he was careless 



72 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

and defiant. He declared he could not be frightened, and made profane and 
insulting remarks to those around him. When he was officially told that he 
was to be hung at 2 o'clock on the morrow, he became confused and affected, 
and made some wandering remarks. He asked for a clergyman, and also 
desired that his wife be sent for. This lady and her little child — the child of 
McDougal — arrived at 7 o'clock the next morning, and learned for the first, 
from the lips of her doomed husband, of his impending fate. She was com- 
pletely overcome with frenzied sorrow. McDougal, though perfectly composed, 
wept freely, and lamented his fate. The poor wife wept violently and bitterly, 
and the little child, catching the reflex of sorrow, cried with its parents. 
McDougal firmly denied that he had committed murder ; and his wife, on her 
knees, with streaming eyes, implored the Regulators to wait until her husband's 
innocence could be established. She begged that his execution might be 
delayed until some one could visit Canada ; but her prayers were unheeded. 
The final separation was hard ; but McDougal resolutely kissed for the last 
time the sweet faces of his wife and child, and was hurried away. He was 
placed in a wagon which contained his coffin, and driven to near Diamond Lake, 
accompanied by a large crowd. Here a rope was fastened to the limb of a tree, 
a plank was extended from the top of the wagon to a prop at the other end, and 
the doomed man was given a last chance to address his fellow-beings. He 
spoke for about five minutes, declaring solemnly that he had never committed 
murder, but had stolen much property. He advised young men to take warn- 
ing from his fate, justified the intention of the Regulators to break up the gang 
of blacklegs, and finally declared his belief that God had forgiven his sins. 
His face was then covered, the rope was placed around his neck, the prop was 
knocked out from under the plank, and in a few moments Gregory McDougal 
was pronounced dead. That was the soberest occasion ever occurring in Noble 
County. McDougal lies buried near Rome City. His execution produced a 
profound impression in all the surrounding country ; and the power of the 
blacklegs was completely broken, and the guilty members scattered in all direc- 
tions — fugitives from the law. 

Two things remain to be noticed concerning the McDougal case : The 
right of the regulators to take the law into their own hands in the execution 
of the death sentence upon a fellow-mortal, and the conclusiveness of the testi- 
mony charging McDougal with murder. In regard to the first, it may be said 
that society, more especially in a new country, where the law is slack or alto- 
gether wanting, has always asserted the privilege (or the right) of hanging 
horse-thieves. While such action is often deprecated, yet the world at large 
condones and frequently applauds the offense. The servants of the law, 
knowing the sentiment of the public on this question, submit to the act and 
secretly say: "I'm glad of it." When, however, the crime of horse-stealing 
is repeated again and again under peculiarly atrocious circumstances and 
through many successive years ; when numerous assaults coupled with highway 



HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 73 

robbery and burglary are added ; when the infamous career of crime is darkly 
burdened by one or more distressing murders, and when the law is lifeless and 
inert — who will undertake to say that society is not entitled to the privilege 
(and perhaps the right) of calmly, justly and deliberately taking human life? 
But it cannot be said that, in 1858, the law could not be executed ; neither was 
it necessarily inoperative through the preceding twenty years. Nine out of 
every ten men in the county were honest. Why did they not execute the 
laws ? It was also seriously doubted at the time, even by the Regulators, 
whether McDougal was really guilty of murder. One of two things is certain : 
If McDougal was hung on the testimony that he had committed murder, and 
would not have been hung if such testimony had not been given, then either 
the investigating committee were satisfied of the conclusiveness of the testimo- 
ny, or they willfully perjured themselves, and outraged the public, in recom- 
mending his execution. The report of the committee does not state that " un- 
mistakable evidence of McDougal's guilt " was found ; but that " unmistakable 
evidence charging him with murder" was found, and in consequence of the 
evidence of the murderous charges his execution was recommended. It is rea- 
sonably inferred from the report, that the committee were not satisfied that Mc- 
Dougal had committed murder ; but that they recommended his hanging on 
general principles, because, by his own confession, he was an infamous villain, 
and because the charge of murder was tolerably well substantiated. Perhaps 
they also thought that his death would terrify his companions, and break up the 
gang of blacklegs. This is the view taken of the case by the great majority of 
citizens. It was afterward ascertained, beyond doubt, that the persons alleged 
to have been murdered by McDougal were yet living in Canada. In view of 
this fact, it is said that Halsted must have perjured himself before the commit- 
tee. One thing is certain : When Halsted visited Ligonier some time after- 
ward, he left the town in a hurry in fear of being lynched. 

Another man, a resident of the county, came very nearly being hanged by 
the Regulators. The proposition to hang was at first carried by vote ; but was 
afterward reconsidered and then lost by a small majority. He served a term of 
two years in the penitentiary. Another notorious rascal, a traitor to his com- 
rades, gave a great deal of valuable information to the Regulators. Six or eight 
of the principal leaders of the blacklegs had managed to escape, and, to capt- 
ure them, a Central Committee was organized at Kendallville, on the 19th of 
March, 1858, and empowered to tax subordinate companies for funds to carry 
on the detection and pursuit. The officers of the Central Committee were: 
President, Dr. L. Barber; Vice President, J. P. Grannis ; Secretary, M. H. 
Mott ; Treasurer, Ransom Wheeler. They offered a reward of $400 for one 
man, who was soon afterward brought forward by an enterprising Ohio Sheriff. 
This man was known as John Wilson, but the name was assumed. He refused 
to disgrace his parents by having his real name known. His confession was six 
hours long. He was remarkably crafty, and finally escaped from the Noble 



74 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

County Jail. A reward of $500 each was offered for the capture of Perry 
Randolph and George T. Ulmer. C. P. Bradley, a detective of Chicago, 
undertook the task, and, after following them over large portions of Kentucky, 
Ohio and Pennsylvania, finally captured both, and brought them in irons to La 
Grange County. Both were sent to the penitentiary. Another desperate 
character was William D. Hill. He fled to Iowa at the first outbreak, but was 
finally traced by Bradley and another Chicago detective, C. E. Smith, and, after 
a hard fight of fifteen minutes, was captured and brought to the Noble County 
Jail. He had often said that he would never be taken alive ; he feared the Reg- 
ulators. He escaped in the night with Wilson from Jail. Much more of inter- 
est might be said, but this will suffice. The "reign of terror" in Northern 
Indiana was at an end. 

During the spring of either 1859 or 1860, Mr. Judson Palmiter, of Lig- 
onier, a man of bright intellect, who had previously been connected with the 
Ligonier Republican in an editorial capacity, went to Kendallville and estab- 
lished the Noble County Journal, the first newspaper ever published there. 
The political complexion of the Journal was Republican ; subscription price, 
$1.50 per year; and soon a circulation of about five hundred was secured, but 
was afterward about doubled. The Journal was published by Piatt & Mc- 
Govern. The editor, Mr. Palmiter, was a cautious, forcible writer ; and the 
local columns of the Journal were crowded with terse, spicy news. In the 
prolonged editorial fight between the Journal and the Standard, the editor of the 
former was determined, skillful, and often justly wrathful and vindictive. His 
words were daggers, and his sentences two-edged swords. He conducted the 
paper with abundant success until the latter part of 1868, when the office was 
sold to Brillhart & Kimball, and J. S. Cox took the editorial chair. The 
Journal continued thus until the 1st of January, 1870, when it was purchased 
by Dr. N. Teal, who, in August of the same year, transferred the entire prop- 
erty to C. O. Myers, and the Journal was then consolidated with the Standard. 

The Kendallville Standard was established in June, 1863, by Dr. C. O. 
Myers, there being at the time already a newspaper in the town ; but the 
excellent business qualifications, practical experience, and indomitable energy 
of its founder, soon placed it in the front rank of county journals. The Stand- 
ard has always been a stalwart Republican paper, fearless and independent ; 
and from its inception to the present time has received liberal patronage and 
universal public confidence. Several of its contemporaries and rival publica- 
tions have gone "where the woodbine twineth," while the Standard has been 
steadily growing in patronage, power and influence, and now enjoys a larger 
circulation than any other paper in the county. The Standard editorials were 
extremely bitter, dealing out invective and denunciation that rankled long in 
the heart of enemies, while friends were treated with uniform kindness and 
courtesy. Political and other differences between the Standard and the Jour- 
nal were fought to the last ditch ; and the personal enmity engendered will 



<-^ft: 





COUNTY TREASURER 



HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 77 

long be remembered by the citizens of the county. On the 1st of November, 
1880, Dr. Myers sold the Standard office, which he had occupied successfully 
for seventeen and a half years, to the present proprietor, H. J. Long, an experi- 
enced newspaper man, who had been connected with the paper since 1865, in 
the capacity of foreman. Mr. Long has fine business qualifications, vast 
energy, and carries a cautious, trenchant pen ; and the paper, under his man- 
agement, is constantly extending its circulation. M. T. Matthews, a young 
man of fine ability, is local editor of the Standard. 

The first issue of the Weekly News appeared on the 13th of November, 
1877, the editor and proprietor being Dr. A. S. Parker, an old and respected 
citizen of Kendallville, where he located in 1857. Nearly two years before the 
first issue mentioued above, Dr. Parker had purchased the paper, which was 
then at Garrett, and had continued its publication there until compelled by the 
pressure of hard times to make a removal, which he did, as stated above. The 
first issue comprised 200 copies only, as but little effort had been made to secure 
subscribers, though the 200 copies went permanently into 200 homes. It started 
out without any special friends to boot or back it up. Without assistance, the 
editor and his family have labored until at present the circulation reaches 
nearly one thousand, and new names are added to the roll daily. Its politics 
is Democratic, though its editor is not so blind a partisan as to believe all that 
is good politically is within his party. The paper is on a solid financial basis. 
Two good printers are employed, one being Archie Dodge and the other Wads- 
worth Parker. The News is a six-column quarto, is newsy, and every citizen 
should have it. It contains the latest market reports from large cities, and 
devotes several columns to agriculture and farm interests, and to city and 
county news. Subscription price, $1.50 per year. It is one of the best papers 
in the county. 

The short-lived papers of Kendallville have been as follows : In 1862, 
Barron & Stowe issued a small neutral paper, about twelve by fifteen inches, 
designed to circulate among the many troops then quartered there, making a 
specialty of war news and incidents of camp life, especially those in the camp 
at the town, and affording an excellent means for the advertisements of mer- 
chants and others to reach the ears of the " b(h)oys in blue." The circulation 
soon ran up to nearly 500, and continued thus for about two years, when the 
office was sold to Mr. C. O. Myers. 

In the latter part of about 1869, Hopkins & Piatt began the publication 
of a small paper called the Daily Bulletin ; but, after it liad continued a few 
months with partial success, the official management was greatly altered, the 
publishers becoming Piatt & Hopkins, and Thomas L. Graves taking the edito- 
rial chair. The paper was re-christened the Independent, came out with a 
bright face, and designed to be, as its new name indicated — independent. At 
the expiration of a few months the office was removed to Michigan, and the 
Independent ceased to exist. Its death occurred in 1870, while the circulation 



78 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

was about 300. In about 1872, the Roof Brothers began publishing the 
Semi- Weekly Times, a small sheet, neutral politically, and designed as an ad- 
vertising medium. It was issued about six months and then perished. About 
the time of the great temperance crusade in Kendallville, some ten or twelve 
years ago, a temperance magazine, published and edited by Shafer & Lash, 
was issued monthly for about six or eight months. It was an earnest exponent 
of temperance principles ; but its death was contemporaneous with that of the 
enthusiasm arising from the crusade. 

Rome City has enjoyed the luxury of several newspapers. In May, 1876, 
the Rome City Review made its appearance under the editorship of Dr. 
Thornton, who, after a few months, sold the office to J. R. Rheubottom, a 
printer of twenty-five years' experience. The paper was strongly Republican. 
In September, 1876, the office was removed to Wolcottville. In March, 1879, 
Mr. Rheubottom established at Rome City the Rome City Times, an expo- 
nent of that phase of national politics, known as "Greenbackism." The Times 
was a small sheet, 22x31 inches, and succeeded in securing a circulation of 
about 500 ; Mr. Rheubottom being both editor and publisher. At the ex- 
piration of about seven months the paper ceased to exist. In February, 1879, 
Revs. Lowman and Warner established at Rome City a religious periodical, 
entitled the Herald of Gospel Freedom. It was devoted to the interests of 
the Northern Indiana eldership of the Church of God. It was issued semi- 
monthly, at seventy-five cents per year, and was a five-column folio. It was 
removed to Indianapolis in 1881. For several months during the year 1880, 
W. T. Grose conducted at Rome City a Republican newspaper called the Rome 
City Sentinel, but after the October elections of the same year the paper be- 
came defunct. 

In the month of August, 1856, a party of citizens from Ligonier visited 
Sturgis, Mich., for the purpose of inducing the proprietors of the Sturgis 
Tribune, Messrs. E. B. Woodward and E. D. Miller, to move their office 
and paper to Ligonier, offering as an inducement a money consideration, a 
guaranteed subscription list of 2,500 six-month subscribers, and a liberal patron- 
age of advertising and job-work, providing they would move immediately, and 
commence the publication of a thorough Republican paper, and advocate the 
election of John C. Fremont for President of the United States. The Re- 
publicans of Ligonier were without an organ at that time, and, thus being 
forced to submit to the adverse criticisms of a keen Democratic editor in an 
adjoining town, determined to have their cause (for which there were many 
radical partisans) upheld and protected. They therefore did as stated above. 
In less than two weeks after the above offer, the first issue of the Ligonier 
Republican made its appearance, the mechanical work being done by Messrs. 
Woodward and Miller, and the paper being ably edited by one of the citizens, 
Mr. Adrian B. Miller, a man of bright intellect, and a fluent as well as a very 
sarcastic writer. The Republican was published during the campaign of 1856, 



HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 79 

and about the first of the following year was sold to the leading members of the 
Republican party at Ligonier ; Mr. J. R. Randall taking the management, 
editorial and otherwise ; Mr. E. B. Woodward entering the practice of law, and 
Mr. E. D. Miller (to whom the writer is indebted for this sketch) going to one 
of the Western States.* Early in 1857, Palmiter (Judson), Arnold and Pierce 
became editors and publishers, under the direction of a company of about forty 
stockholders, several of whom resided at Albion, Kendallville, and other por- 
tions of the county. Some changes were made in the editorship, Oscar P. 
Hervey occupying the "sanctum" for a short time. Finally, in the spring of 
1860 (or perhaps 1859), Mr. Judson Palmiter purchased the office apparatus, 
except the press, and, moving to Kendallville, began the publication of the 
Noble County Journal. 

During the ^arly summer of 1861, J. R. Randall, who had been editing 
the Noble Qoiinty Herald, at Albion, removed the office to Ligonier, still re- 
taining the old name of the paper. Mr. Randall was an earnest, though pru- 
dent writer, careful whom he offended, but fearlessly upholding the Republican 
cause. He published the paper about two years and a half, securing a circula- 
tion of about 500, the subscription price being $2. In the fall or winter of 
1863, the office was sold to C. 0. Myers and H. B. Stowe, the politics remain- 
ing the same, Mr. Stowe being actual- editor. In about a year the office was 
sold to J. B. Stoil, who changed the name and politics of the paper, or rather 
issued a new paper. W. T. Kinsey established the Ligonier Republican about 
the spring of 1867, and continued the paper through the campaign of 1868, 
and then the venture terminated. 

Early in 1880, a number of leading Republicans in Ligonier and vicinity, 
feeling the need of a party organ in their town, opened a correspondence with 
Mr. E. G. Thompson, of Michigan, with the view of making the necessary 
arrangements for issuing a Republican paper at Ligonier. This was effected, 
and, on the 4th of June, 1880, appeared the first number of the Ligonier 
Leader, an eight-page, forty-eight column newspaper, Mr. E. G. Thompson 
editor and publisher. The first edition, numbering 600 copies, was exhausted 
within three days, the subscription price per annum being $1.50. The Leader 
began a fearless attack on the erroneous political and social questions of the 
day, withholding no honest conviction of opposing men and parties, but 
upholding the Republican banner with ceaseless energy, and to the satisfaction 
of its patrons. Through the earnest efforts of all interested in the success of 
the paper, the circulation steadily increased until at the close of Volume I the 
editor claimed a bona, fide circulation of 1,300 copies per week. An interest- 
ing feature of the paper, and one that has contributed greatly to its success, is 
the department devoted to local correspondence. The success of the paper is 
assured, and the Republicans of Ligonier may congratulate themselves on hav- 

* Dr. Palmiter, of Ligonier, and several other citizens mere say, that Mr. J. R. Randall did not edit this paper a* 
stated in the text. According to Mr. E. D. Miller, Mr. Randall was in for a few weeks, and was then succeeded by 
Palmiter (Judson), Arnold and Pierce. 



80 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

ing so excellent an implement of warfare to attack the powerful Banner. In 
1865, Mr. J. B. Stoll, then on a visit to the county from Pennsylvania, was 
urged by Messrs. Baum, Walter & Co., of A villa, to establish in Noble County 
a thorough Democratic newspaper. Prominent members of the Democratic 
party of the county were conferred with, and an arrangement agreed upon early 
in 1866, by which the first issue of the National Banner appeared on the 3d of 
May of the same year. The most active promoters of the project were 
Messrs. Baum, Walter & Co., Gilbert Sherman, Henry C. Stanley, Samuel E. 
Alvord, Owen Black, Howard Baldwin, James M. Denny, Jerome Sweet, 
James Skinner, John A. Bruce, James McConnell, Abraham Pancake, J. J. 
Knox, E. B. Gerber, C. V. Inks, David Hough, Dr. Parker, F. W. Shinke, 
Peter Ringle, Keuben Miller and others, who thoroughly canvassed the county 
and secured a paying list of subscribers for the new paper. As the county had 
been without a Democratic paper for a number of years, and as the Repub- 
licans had naturally grown haughty from successes and lack of opposition, the 
Banner, in its fearless expression of political conviction, in its sweeping and 
relentless denunciations of opposing party policy, encountered such a storm of 
opposition, that threats were finally made in the fall of 1866 to mob the office. 
But, back in the secret recesses of the sanctum, quiet but determined prepara- 
tions were made to receive the enemy, which, however, failed to appear on 
time. The paper was edited and published by J. B. Stoll and Thomas J. 
Smith: subscription, $2.50 per year; but, after the October election in 1866, 
Mr. Smith sold his interest in the Banner to his partner, who became, and is 
to this day, sole editor and proprietor. Mr. Smith returned to the Key Stone 
State, where he still resides, enjoying a lucrative practice as a disciple of 
Blackstone. At the beginning of the third volume, the Banner was enlarged 
to an eight-column folio, and the office supplied with a Campbell power press, 
the first cylinder newspaper press ever introduced in Noble County. The 
paper, immediately after its first issue, became the Democratic party organ in 
the county, and its editor, to give it strength and permanence, and to infuse 
new life into the members of his party, proceeded to effect an organization in 
every township, delivering speeches, and urging his fellow Democrats to present 
a bold front to the enemy. The Banner soon secured a large circulation, 
which it has retained until the present, never falling, since 1868, below 1,000. 
The Democracy of the county, under the stimulus of the dauntless Banner, 
grew in power, and, of course, in self-esteem. In 1875, the office was supplied 
with steam. Prior to this — in 1872 — Mr. Stoll erected the two-storied brick 
building in which the Banner is now established, fitting the same expressly for 
a printing house. In January, 1879, the name of the paper was changed from 
the National Banner to the Ligonier Banner, a name yet retained ; and the 
paper was enlarged from an eight-column folio to a six-column quarto, or from 
thirty-six columns to forty-eight columns. The politics of Noble County was 
revolutionized in the fall of 1870, when most of the candidates on the Demo- 



HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 81 

cratic county ticket were elected. This gave the Banner the official patronage, 
to the dismay of its competitors. During the fifteen and a half years of the 
Banner s existence it has never missed a single issue. 

John W. Peters, the faithful foreman of the Banner office, has been con- 
nected with the paper since its first issue, having come with Mr. Stoll from 
Pennsylvania. Employed in the Banner office as apprentices and job printers 
have been, among others, James TJ. Miller, now publisher of the Steuben 
Republican ; W. K. Slieffer, now publisher of the Angola Herald ; Herbert 
S. Fassett, one of the present publishers of the South Bend Register ; John 
H. Eldred, now foreman of the La Porte Argus ; E. G. Fisher, now a citizen of 
Colorado ; Miss Ida King, now proof-reader in a leading Chicago publishing 
house, and Jacob Sessler, job printer in Toledo. 

Later. — On the 3d of December, 1881, James E. McDonald, of Colum- 
bia City, purchased a half-interest in the Banner for $3,000, the co-partner- 
ship, Stoll & McDonald, to date from the 1st of January, 1882, and Mr. Mc- 
Donald to assume the editorship of the local department, Mr. -Stoll still remain- 
ing general editor. On the 5th of December, 1881, Mr. Stoll purchased two- 
thirds interest in the Elkhart Daily and Weekly Democrat, the contract to 
become effective on the 1st of January, 1882. 

In the spring of 1849, William H. Austin, of Albion, moved into a va- 
cant room in the court house a small press and a quantity of second-hand 
material, and there began the publication of the Noble County Star, a neutral 
paper, the subscription price of which was $1.50 per annum. A circulation 
of about three hundred was soon secured. A young printer, named William 
Norton, was foreman and actual editor. He also wrote largely for the paper 
original stories, sketches and poems. Norton was a youth of more than ordi- 
nary talent and literary culture, and his effusions gave to the paper a tone 
superior to the average of country newspapers at that time. Austin, the pro- 
prietor, was a genial, jolly fiddler of exceptional skill. He went far and near 
as the chief musician for dances, and thus made nearly money enough to 
defray the expenses of his newspaper. During the winter of 1849-50, Mr. 
Austin sold his press and material to Samuel E. Alvord, a law student from 
Northern Pennsylvania, who, being on a prolonged visit to an uncle at North- 
port, was engaged in teaching there and at Rome City. With this sale, the 
publication of the Noble County Star ceased. 

In March, 1850, Mr. Alvord removed the press and materials from the 
court house to a vacant business building on the northeast corner of York and 
Jefferson streets, belonging to the estate of Jacob Walters. Having arranged 
and put up his establishment, found a partner (Homer King, of Fort Wayne) 
and a foreman (James B. Scott, also of Fort Wayne), the new venture was 
ready for launching. On the 6th day of June, 1850, appeared the first num- 
ber of the Albion Observer, a Democratic newspaper ; Alvord & King, publish- 
ers and proprietors; S. E. Alvord and H. King, editors; the subscription being 



82 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

$ 1.50 per annum. The Observer was an exponent of that phase of Democratic 
sentiment called "Free-Soilism," being an advocate of the limitation of slave 
territory by Democratic agencies. In this, at that time, it was in harmony 
with the platform of the Indiana Democracy, adopted in 1848. The publica- 
tion of the Observer by Alvord & King continued until the winter of 1851-52, 
when King retired and went to California. The paper was continued by S. E'. 
Alvord until December, 1852, when it stopped. Its greatest circulation was 
about four hundred. Advertising and job patronage was exceedingly "thin," 
and the paper was not self-supporting. Of the personnel of the Observer during 
its brief career of thirty months space will not allow much to be said. Homer 
King, the junior proprietor (not in years), an ex-merchant of Fort Wayne, was 
a man of good business education, very genial, generous and popular, and 
withal of a keen, critical mind. His social proclivities were too preponderant 
for financial success. James B. Scott, the foreman during the first few months, 
was then a man of thirty-seven, an excellent printer, faithful, prompt and 
thoroughly honorable and reliable. He had great experience of men and par- 
ties, and possessed sterling good judgment and a quaintly philosophical turn, 
which, with his sympathetic nature and ready wit, made him a charming com- 
panion and a trusted friend. He established a paper at Delphi, Carroll County, 
about twenty-six years ago, and is still there — an honorable citizen, wealthy, 
respected, socially and politically influential, and happy in his home. Others, 
of course, came and went, leaving their varied memories : S. A. Jones, the 
brilliant writer and speaker, who set type, composed poems, made speeches and 
wrestled with delirium tremens ; the bright, eccentric Buckwalter ; the steady, 
faithful Young, etc., etc. Two apprentices graduated in the office — Charles B. 
Alvord, who became a fast compositor and who has shown his handiwork in 
nearly every State and Territory during an erratic career of twenty-eight 
years as a wandering printer, and Hiram Walters, an excellent printer, now a 
citizen of Chicago. 

On the discontinuance of the Observer, a small local paper called the 
Noble County Expositor, devoted exclusively to the financial and official affairs 
of the county, was issued by S. E. Alvord, and continued about three months, 
the last issue being in March, 1853. It was not a partisan paper, and dealt 
independently with matters in Noble County. From this time until the summer 
of 1854, there was no paper published in Albion ; but, at the latter date, John 
W. Bryant came from Warsaw, Kosciusko County, with an old-fashioned 
Franklin press and old printing material, and commenced the publication of 
the Albion Palladium, a Democratic paper. Shortly afterward, Theodore F. 
Tidball became a partner with* Bryant in the publication and editorship of the 
Palladium, and the paper was issued from an office then located just east of 
the present site of R. L. Stone's drug-store. The building belonged to William 
M. Clapp. In the spring of 1855, the press and types were seized under a 
writ of replevin or attachment from Kosciusko County. Deprived of his press, 



HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. ■ 83 

Bryant went to Columbia City, Whitley County, with his compositors, where, 
by "doubling teams," the Palladium and the Democratic paper of Whitley 
County were both issued weekly from one press. The Palladium was folded 
and addressed and brought over to Albion in a buggy every week, and pub- 
lished and distributed there. S. E. Alvord accompanied Bryant, and gratui- 
tously gave his services as assistant editor during the Whitley County episode, 
which lasted until the autumn of 1855, Tidball being in the meantime engaged 
in organizing a stock company of Democrats for the purchase of a new press 
and materials. This was accomplished, and, in the fall of 1855, the paper 
was re-established in Albion under the name of the Noble County Palladium, 
Tidball & Bryant, editors and publishers. It was a decidedly Democratic 
sheet, and engaged with great activity and vim in the somewhat bitter partisan 
discussion of that time. The Palladium lived through the campaign of 1856, 
and stopped near the close of that year. 

The press and types of the Palladium were purchased of the stockholders 
by S. E. Alvord, and in February, 1857, was commenced the publication of 
the Noble County Democrat. The proprietor, S. E. Alvord, was editor, and 
at first associated with himself, as publisher, G. I. Z. Rayhouser, of Fort 
Wayne. 

The Noble County Democrat, under the successive foremanship and 
management of W. T. Kimsey, George W. Roof and John W. Bryant, and 
under the editorship of S. E. Alvord (except during the summer and fall of 
1858, when George W. Roof was editor as well as publisher), completed two 
volumes, and was then discontinued until September, 1859, when a new series, 
still under the name Noble County Democrat, was commenced by Edward L. 
Alvord, a printer from the New York Tribune office. Subscriptions were lim- 
ited to four months — none being received for a longer period, and at the end 
of four months, being about the 25th of December, 1859, the Noble County 
Democrat became finally defunct. 

During the latter part of 1860, Joshua R. Randall, having bought of S. 
E. Alvord the printing press and material of the Noble County Democrat, 
commenced the publication of the Albion Herald. He had associated with 
him at different times a Mr. Starner and W. W. Camp, an ex-Methodist 
preacher. Starner was chiefly distinguished, and is mentioned, as the man who, 
on a small bet, ran about 160 rods, barefooted, in the snow on a cold winter 
day. The result of the exposure was natural — but he pulled through. Camp 
was (externally) a polished little fellow, generally wearing well-fitting gloves and 
a nobby air. Randall, the proprietor, was a man of some literary ability and 
of good sense. Shortly after the commencement of the last war, he removed 
his office and paper to Ligonier. About the beginning of 1866, A. J. and 
William F. Kimmell, hardware dealers, started a small periodical called the 
Albion Advertiser. The paper, though small, was bright and promising. In 
it was published a series of articles on the history of Noble County by Nelson 



84 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

Prentiss.* W. F. Kimmell, getting the Nebraska fever, discontinued the publi 
cation the next year. The press and types of the little Advertiser were pur- 
chased by 0. 0. Myers, and by him put away in a corner of his office. Several 
years of destitution followed until the fall of 1872, when S. E. Alvord once 
more entered the newspaper business. In September, he purchased a small 
press and types for the purpose, at first, of printing cards and small bills for 
advertising purposes ; but, being strongly importuned by many citizens, con- 
sented to issue a small paper called the New Era. For about three months the 
New Era was published on a quarter medium sheet with a Novelty press, after 
which time it was enlarged to a half medium and printed for a time on a com- 
mon hand press. A few weeks later it was enlarged to a six-column folio. The 
paper met with abundant success, and in the fall of 1874 was enlarged to eight 
columns, and a Fairhaven power press added. The subscription ran rapidly up 
until, in the fall of 1875, it numbered 1,200. It was an independent journal, 
and was published by S. E. Alvord until January, 1876. On the first of Jan- 
uary, 1876, Jacob P. Prickett and Thomas A. Starr purchased the New Era 
of Samuel E. Alvord, and commenced its publication as an independent Repub- 
lican paper, under the firm name of Prickett & Starr. It was at that time 
enlarged to a nine-column folio. On the 25th day of April, 1878, the partner- 
ship was dissolved. J. P. Prickett retaining control of the paper as editor and 
proprietor. On the 17th day of October, 1878, in the face of an overwhelm- 
ing defeat of the Republican party in the county, the New Era became no 
longer non-partisan, but became an advocate of Republican principles. On the 
1st day of January, 1879, it was reduced in size to an eight-column folio, and 
continued as such until the 1st day of January, 1881, when it was enlarged to 
a six-column quarto. 



CHAPTER IV. 

BY WESTON A. GOODSPEED . 

Soldiers of the Revolution, of 1812 and of the Mexican "War— Loyalty 
and Disloyalty Shown when Sumter Fell— Mass Meetings of In- 
dignant Citizens— The First Call for Troops— The Progress of En- 
listment—County Bounty and Relief Fund— The Enrollment and 
the Draft— Interesting Incidents — Celebrations — Sketches of the 
Regiments— Aid Societies— Noble County's "Roll of Honor"— Sta- 
tistical Tables. 

nVTOBLE COUNTY has had but little to do with any war in which the 
1 \ United States has been involved, either with foreign nations or with 
rebellious subjects, except the great rebellion of 1861. No resident citizen of 
the county, so far as known, except one, had any participation in the Revolu- 
tionary war. This one was Nathaniel Prentiss, father of Nelson Prentiss, of 
Albion. When the colonies threw off the galling and burdensome yoke of 

"These articles, some thirtv in number, have been very useful to the writers of the county history, who hereby 
return many thanks for the use of the same. 





&&*it /faJtfu&tS 



HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 87 

Great Britain, Nathaniel Prentiss was a youth of but twelve years of age. He 
entered the service of his country as servant to one or more continental officers, 
and continued thus three years, at which time, being large and strong enough to 
carry a gun, he enlisted as a soldier proper. He fought at the battles of Sar- 
atoga, Princeton, Trenton and Monmouth ; was present at West Point when 
Maj. Andre, the British spy, was captured, and witnessed his lamented execu- 
tion ; was with Gen. Washington during his encampment at Valley Forge • 
was shipped on board a continental privateer, and finally captured by the 
British and confined one winter in the hold of the renowned prison-ship 
"Jersey," which bears about the same relation to the Revolution that Ander- 
sonville Prison does to the rebellion of 1861. He was then, with others, 
taken to the Island of Jamaica and kept in confinement until the close of the 
war, and then came to the United States, via South Carolina, walking thence 
to Connecticut, and arriving home on Sunday ; whereupon he was arrested by 
the authorities, and fined by the barbarous laws of the Nutmeg State for vio- 
lating the Sabbath. He was a Revolutionary pensioner from about 1824 
until his death, in 1839. He lived about two years in the county, and now 
lies buried in the cemetery at Ligonier. His wife drew his pension from 1839 
until her death in 1861. 

The following residents of the county, among probable others, whose 
names cannot be learned, served in the war of 1812 : Andrew C. Douglas, 
now dead ; Niah Wood, dead ; James McMann, dead ; Adam Kimmell, Sr., 
who served six months in Pennsylvania ; he was a pensioner of the Govern- 
ment for a number of years ; he came to the county in 1852 ; died in 1870 ;* 
Andrew B. Upson, dead ; James Mael, living in Iowa at last accounts ; Henry 
Kline, dead : John Johnson, dead ; Alexander Montroth, died about a year 
ago ; Peter Black, dead ; Daniel Wiley, dead, was at the battle of Plattsburg ; 
Daniel Johnson, dea.d ; Mr. Wilson, died a few years ago within a few days of 
the age of one hundred years ; was with Lewis and Clarke on their expedition 
to the Pacific coast, and was on board the Constitution when it defeated and 
sank the Guerriere; and Sheldon Perry, dead. Nothing farther could be 
learned of soldiers in the war of 1812. 

The knowledge obtained of the soldiers of the Mexican war is no better. 
The following is the brief record : Joseph Braden, yet living ; James C. Rid- 
dle, living ; James J. Knox, living, who went from Mansfield, Ohio, in the 
Third Regiment of that State ; James Hinman, living, who also served at the 
age of about sixty-three years in the last war; he enlisted but was rejected ; he 
then employed a barber and a tailor, who succeeded in making him appear 
about forty years of age ; whereupon he was accepted as fifer in the Thirtieth 
Regiment, and served his country through the war ; Aaron Field, living ; 
George Hart, living ; J. H. G. Shoe, died in the service ; Jefferson Smith, 
dead ; Mr. Gibbs, dead ; Harvey McKinney, died in the service ; Stark Bethel, 

♦From information furnished the writer by Adam Kimmell, Jr., Albion. 

EE 



88 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

dead ; James Galloway, died in the service ; Joseph Crow, dead ; and George 
Carlyle, dead. Of these, J. H. G. Shoe, Jefferson Smith, Mr. Gibbs, Stark 
Bethel and James Galloway went from Noble County. The most of the others 
went from Ohio or other portions of Indiana. It is said that a partially-formed 
militia company at Ligonier, Rochester and that vicinity offered their services 
as a body for the Mexican war, but were refused, as the quota was already 
more than full. Several of the Noble County boys resided at or near Wolf 
Lake. They were in the Second Regiment Indiana Volunteers, commanded 
by Col. Lane, and served along the Rio Grande River, participating in no en- 
gagements of note. In common with all northern troops who went into the 
hot and peculiar climate of the "Land of the Montezumas," they suffered ter- 
rible hardships from privation and disease. Some of them lie buried under 
a tropical sun in the far-off land of Mexico ; and their graves, like the tomb 
of Moses, are unknown. The brave boys who fought in Mexico must not be 
forgotten. 

It is unnecessary to give a summary of the causes which led to the war of 
the rebellion. Historians persist in calling it the " Irrepressible Conflict," 
meaning thereby, that the antagonism which had slowly developed through a 
long period of years between the North and the South by the questions of slav- 
ery, State sovereignty, the tariff, and all their kindred attendants, could never 
be peaceably settled. Occurring, as the war did, but twenty years ago, its 
weary marches, dreadful sufferings from disease, daring achievements on the 
field of battle, and the fearful thought that the South might be successful, are 
yet green in the recollection of maimed and honored participants. Continued 
and extensive preparations for war were made in the South long before the 
North ceased to believe that the differences which bitterly divided the two fac- 
tions of the Government might be amicably adjusted. Armed and hostile bands 
of the rebellious citizens of the South seized, at every opportunity, large quan- 
tities of military stores, and took forcible possession of important strategic 
points ; but still, the North was hopeful that peace would prevail. Statesmen 
in the North viewed with reluctance or contempt the steady and extensive prep- 
arations for war in the South, and refused to believe its presence until the first 
blow fell like a thunderbolt upon Fort Sumter, and, at the same time, upon the 
faithful hearts of loyal people. President Lincoln, with that kind forbearance, 
that sublime charity, which ever distinguished him, wisely hesitated to begin the 
contest. Hot-blooded Abolitionists in the North urged him repeatedly to 
strangle the hydra of secession in its infancy ; but still he hesitated. Even 
when Sumter fell, the North still believed that the rebellion would be quelled 
in ninety days. But, as time passed on, and the large bodies of troops failed 
to control or quell the aggressive and daring movements of the confederate 
armies, and the sullen tide of steady reverses swept over almost every field of 
battle, the hope of the North for peace died out, the gloom of probable national 
disaster and disunion filled every heart, and for many desolate months the out- 
look was dark and forbidding. 



HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 89 

When the news of the fall of Sumter swept over the country like a flame 
of fire, in all places the most intense excitement prevailed. Men everywhere 
forgot their daily employment, and gathered in neighboring villages to review 
the political situation and encourage one another with hopeful words. The 
pi-ompt call of the President for 75,000 volunteers the day succeeding the fall 
of Sumter, sent a wave of relief throughout the anxious North ; and in every 
State more than double the assigned quota of men, without regard to political 
views, tendered their services and their money to the suppression of the rebell- 
ion. Fiery and indignant mass meetings were everywhere held, and invincible 
determinations of loyalty prevailed. There was not a town in Noble County in 
which the citizens did not gather to listen to loyal and eloquent words from Re- 
publicans and Democrats. The War Democrat was a good fellow. His senti- 
ments toward the South were undergoing a change ; and like all true converts 
he entered, heart and soul, into the wrathful public gatherings that were held to 
indignantly denounce the rebellion. The Abolitionist fairly boiled over with 
fiery determination to avenge the shameful insult offered to the "glorious old 
flag." Here and there in the county was found a man who soberly shook his 
head and remarked, "Well, I suppose if the South is determined to go out of 
the Union, we'll have to let it go. I don't think the Government has a right 
to compel the Southern States to remain. I am opposed to the war." But 
such sentiments were speedily borne down by the intense loyalty everywhere 
prevailing. 

One of the first public meetings in the county in response to the news of 
the fall of Sumter and the call of the President for 75,000 volunteers was held 
at Wolf Lake, and is thus described by Colonel Williams, who, at that time, 
resided there : 

" The citizens of Wolf Lake and vicinity assembled at the old hotel in the 
village, then kept by ' Uncle George,' as everybody called the proprietor, 
George W. Matthews ; everybody was excited, indignant and boiling over with 
a consuming desire to do something. During the campaign of the year before, 
the two political parties had erected each its distinctive political pole on the 
public square in front of the hotel, the one flying on its flag the names of Lin- 
coln and Hamlin, the other the names of Douglas and Johnson. The Demo- 
cratic pole was cut down during that winter, but the Republican pole, being an 
unusually tall and shapely one, was allowed to stand, and on the fall of Fort 
Sumter, the maul and wedges (the rail-splitter emblems of the Republican 
party at that day) were still dangling from the top. ' What shall we do ?' The 
writer hereof was urged by all to 'say something.' I proposed, after briefly 
reciting the exciting news of the hour, that we take down the Republican pole, 
remove the maul and wedges and other political emblems and mottoes attached ; 
that I would remove the names of Douglas and Johnson from my large Demo- 
cratic campaign flag, and as we were now neither Republicans nor Democrats, 
but Union men and hot for fight, we would as Union men hoist the pole as a 



90 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

Union pole, with a Union flag. It was then agreed that on the morrow the 
work should be done. The morrow came and quite an earnest and patriotic 
little crowd had gathered, Republicans and Democrats. The Republican pole 
was soon taken down, the emblems, etc., removed, and up it went again amid 
the cheers of the little crowd, and soon after the large flag was rolling out its 
beautiful folds to the sunny breeze of that April day. After three times three 
hearty cheers for the flag of our Union, in response to the call of the crowd, 
the writer mounted a goods box and delivered perhaps the first (certainly among 
the first) war speech made that year in the county. That speech often recurs 
to the writer when reviewing the memories of that stirring year. I spoke about 
twenty minutes or longer, and then informed the crowd that men must look 
their duty in the face and like men meet it. There was but one feeling, one 
resolution, one purpose. Old men and young men, Republicans and Democrats, 
each and all, then cried out for vengeance on the heads of the traitors who had 
insulted and defied the majesty and power of the Government. Old Uncle 
George Matthews, old himself, without a tooth in his head, was the first man to 
offer himself as a volunteer ; he had, he said, half a dozen sons who could go, 
and if they did not go and fight rebels he would disown them. His sons need- 
ed no urging ; several of them entered the service that summer, and efficient 
and gallant soldiers they made, as the writer can testify from ample knowledge. 
1 should like, if I could, give the names of all who composed that patriotic 
little crowd, which did not exceed one hundred, perhaps. But I remember 
some who took an active part in the proceedings that day. I call to mind 
Andrew Humphreys, Dr. Elias Jones, Francis R. Davis, David S. Scott, Dr. 
W. Y. Leonard, Charles V. Inks, Edwin W. Matthews, James C. Stewart, 
John P. Kitt, Jonathan W. Elliott, Jacob Mohn, Billy Holiman, Jacob and Oliver 
Matthews, Samuel Beall, Allen Beall, Uncle Joe Inks, Tommy Gray; and I could 
think up and recall other names, if it were important to do so. Steps were 
commenced at that particlar time to organize a military company, under the 
laws of that day organizing military companies, and it was the intention to 
offer the services of the company to the Governor. Correspondence was at 
once opened by the writer with Gen. Lazarus Noble, the efficient Adjutant 
General of the State, as to the mode of procedure, etc. Quite a number of 
names were enrolled, and in a few days it looked as if Wolf Lake would be the 
first to be in the field with a military organization and off for the war. Some 
hitch or technecal difficulty, I don't now recall, with the Adjutant General, 
threw a damper on the boys, and on offer to be mustered into any regiment, un- 
der a three months' call, not then full, word was received from the Adjutant 
General that the quota of the State was full and enough offers on hand to fill 
up twenty more regiments. The boys were informed by the Adjutant General 
that they would all have a chance before winter, and urged them to keep up 
their organization, as new troops would be called out inside of three months. 
This was not satisfactory to the boys, for they went elsewhere and enlisted, 



HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 91 

some to Michigan, some to Illinois, and a number to other parts of the State 
where they heard and hoped that there was yet a chance to get into the three 
months' service. Finally new arrangements were made : The Thirtieth In- 
diana, under the second call for troops, was making up its quota at Fort Wayne, 
and two of its companies, ' C ' (Captain Joseph E. Braden, of Ligonier), and 
' F ' (Captain William N. Voris) were raised in Noble County. Company 
' C ' was made up at Ligonier, and uniforming themselves in a neat and con- 
venient rig, the gallant fellows marched afoot to Fort Wayne, a distance of 
some forty miles. They stopped at Wolf Lake en route and partook of a public 
dinner in the old Baptist Church, prepared by the citizens of Wolf Lake and 
vicinity. Company ' F ' went into camp on the old fair grounds at Albion, 
and having been joined by quite a number from the east side of the county, and 
their ranks being full, they, too, started for Fort Wayne. Hardly had the 
Thirtieth Indiana got under good headway at Fort Wayne, and before it was 
near filled up, the Forty-fourth Indiana was ordered to be organized. Such of 
the original roster of Wolf Lake of April, that had not gone into the Thirtieth 
Indiana or other regiments of the State, or elsewhere, now again signed the 
roll of the writer undersigned, for service in the Forty-fourth Indiana. This 
organization became Company ' G,' Forty-fourth Indiana." 

The first speech made in Kendallville after the fall of Sumter was deliv- 
ered in the street to a large crowd of townsmen and countrymen, by a commer- 
cial traveler, who was stopping at the Kelly House at the time. Like all men 
of his occupation, he was well posted on the issues of the day, was naturally a 
bright fellow and a fluent speaker, and was loyal to the core. He made a rous- 
ing speech that was listened to with rapt attention and tumultuous applause. 
This was probably on the day following the one on which 75,000 volunteers 
were called for. Speech-making was very popular about that time, as the 
masses sought a leader — one who could present their views in eloquent words, 
and could direct them in their efforts to suppress the rebellion. The second 
speech was probably delivered by a drayman named Hogan. He stood on his 
wagon and made a humorous and thoroughly loyal speech to a large crowd that 
surrounded him. The first speaking of note was held in the Methodist Church 
within about a week after Sumter had fallen. The principal speaker was 
Judge Tousley. He briefly reviewed the causes which led to the outbreak, and 
finally said that, in order to see how many volunteers, if necessary, could be 
secured at Kendallville for the war, he asked all those who were willing and 
ready to go to rise to their feet. Instantly eight or ten brave fellows sprang 
up, the first, it is said, being Charles Dunn, and the second Lute Duel. 
Either the latter, or Capt. Voris, was the first one from Noble County to 
enter the service. Many others at this meeting signified their readiness to go 
if they were needed. Judge Tousley told the young men not to be rash, but to 
squarely face the situation, as all would have an opportunity to go before peace 
was secured. An early war meeting was held at Ligonier. J. R. Randall, 



92 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

editor of the Ligonier Herald, was one of the speakers, and Joseph Braden, 
who had served in the Mexican War, was another. The latter had a phrase, a 
relic of the Mexican war, which he had been heard to use very often. It was, 
" I'm in favor of this war and the next one." When he delivered that old sen- 
tence, by which he was so well known, from the stage on the occasion of this 
war meeting, it seemed so fitting and appropriate to the occasion that the audi- 
ence burst into tremendous cheers. Many at this meeting asserted their read- 
iness to go out to fight their country's battles. The war spirit at Albion did 
not take a strong public course until somewhat later. Clusters of loyal men 
could be seen here and there, on the streets and in the stores, very early, 
soberly discussing the probable continuance of the pending struggle. Vigorous 
denunciations of the course of the South could be heard from every quarter. 
Mr. Denny, who had been a strong Democrat, came boldly out for a rigorous 
prosecution of the war against those who dared to trail the old flag in the dust, 
and by his earnest speeches and pronounced loyalty did a great deal to turn his 
fellow Democrats back from the pitfall of asserted sympathy with the South. 
The same is true of Mr. Alvord. At the session of the Literary Society held 
at the Lutheran Church in Albion, shortly after Sumter was fired upon, Mr. 
Alvord recited a poem of his own composition on the subject of "Maj. Ander- 
son and the Old Flag." When troops were called for, he traversed the county, 
delivering speeches and encouraging the citizens to volunteer. At one of these 
meetings, while his muse was above the clouds, he was suddenly confronted by 
a large, angry woman, with a baby under her left arm and her right hand 
clenched into a fist of formidable size. Her "man " was in the army, and she 
demanded, as she shook the aforesaid fist threateningly at him : " Why don't 
you go and volunteer yourself, instead of coming out here and trying to get 
other men to go ? " That was the last of the muse that had soared so high and 
well. The question remained unanswered — a shocking violation of etiquette. 
In response to the second call for volunteers (May 3, 1861), a large war meet- 
ing was held in the new court house at Albion. Among the speakers were Samuel 
Alvord, Nelson Prentiss, J. H. Stoney, Judge Clapp, Judge Tousley, Oliver 
McMann, James Denny and Dr. Dunshee. Here it was that the first attempt 
to enlist troops at Albion was made. Early mass meetings were held at Rome 
City, Avilla and other places. 

The six regiments required from Indiana under the first call of the Presi- 
dent for troops were raised so rapidly in the larger places, where the work of 
enlisting a company was but the thought of a day, that the more thinly popu- 
lated portions of the State were not represented in such regiments, save by 
occasional men, who were determined to smell powder at the earliest possible 
moment. This was the condition of Noble County. For this reason, no at- 
tempt was made to perfect the organization of a company, as many thought the 
rebellion would be quelled by the volunteers enlisted under the first call by the 
time their term of service had expired. There is some doubt regarding the 






HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 93 

name of the first man of Noble County who succeeded in getting into the serv- 
ice. Capt. William N. Voris enlisted on the 22d of April, 1861; but Lute 
Duel claims to have been mustered into the service a day or two before. These 
two may be regarded as the first. They were in the Ninth Regiment, as were 
quite a number of others from the county, the exact number not being known. 
They were probably the only ones from the county in the three months' serv- 
ice. Quite a number went to Indianapolis and enlisted in the Twelfth, in the 
one year's service. Some enlisted in the Thirteenth, some in the Nineteenth, 
some in the Twenty-first, some in the Twenty-second, some in the Twenty- 
ninth and a great many in the Thirtieth, which regiment was organized by Col. 
Hugh B. Reed at Fort Wayne. This regiment was begun on the 3d of August 
and mustered into the service on the 24th of September, 1861. Joseph E. 
Braden, in August, began the organization of Company C for this regiment, 
with headquarters at Ligonier. William N. Voris organized Company F at 
Albion. These were the first two companies dispatched from Noble County to 
the field. Company F contained many men from Kendallville. Just before 
Company F left Albion for Fort Wayne, it was presented with a fine flag by the 
citizens of Albion, Mr. Alvord delivering an eloquent presentation speech and 
George W. Plants replying for the boys. There were almost three companies 
of men in the Thirtieth Regiment from Noble County. The Thirty-fifth, 
Thirty-seventh, Thirty-eighth and Forty-second Regiments contained quite a 
number of men from Noble County. There was scarcely a company in the 
Forty-fourth that did not contain men from the county. Company G was 
almost wholly thus represented, as was Company H to a large extent. Com- 
pany G was raised by Dr. William C. Williams and Peter Snyder, of Kendall- 
ville, the two squads being consolidated by the election of Dr. Williams, Cap- 
tain; Henry Shoemaker, First Lieutenant; Daniel Cary, Second Lieutenant; 
both Lieutenants being from Kendallville. Capt. Williams remained such until 
finally, for meritorious services, he went up at one bound to the colonelcy of 
the Forty-fourth Regiment. He was with the regiment until the battle 
of Stone River, when he was taken prisoner, conveyed to Atlanta and impris- 
oned. About this time, Judge Marchbank, a rebel emissary to Canada, was 
captured by the Federal Government and declared to be a spy, which meant 
death. As soon as Gen. Bragg learned of this, he ordered that the highest 
Federal officer in rank below the grade of Brigadier General, confined at 
Atlanta, should be put in solitary confinement, as a hostage for the safety of 
Judge Marchbank. Col. Williams was the officer thus conditionally doomed. 
The following is his own description of succeeding events: "Each night, as I 
lay down in the dark on the old cot in my cell," says the Colonel, "I thought 
might be my last on earth, and that in the morning I would be summoned 
forth to answer with my life on the gallows. The days wore away in weari- 
ness and the long solitudes of the terrible nights, which brought but little 
sleep, slowly crept along, and each day and night only added to the agony of 



94 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

the awful suspense that environed me. Escape there was none. My guards 
had strict orders to hold no communication with me under severe penalties. 
The dark, damp, small room in which I was confined was telling daily on my 
health, and I was not sure, unless they hung me up soon, that I should be able 
to flank Jeff. Davis and Gen. Bragg by dying a natural, although a lingering, 
death. Some sixteen days thus passed, and one morning I was ordered by one 
of my guards to come forth and report to the officer in charge of the prison. 
I reported to that officer at his room, and he informed me that he had orders to 
release me from solitary confinement, that Judge Marchbank had been sent 
through the lines Soutn*, and the hostage business was at an end. Weak, sick 
and weary as I was, I gave a bound and was at once in the midst of my room- 
mates across the corrider, and a rejoicing was had, dear old Gen. Willick mak- 
ing a speech, until his emotions choked him up so full that he broke down." 

After about three months at Atlanta, Col. Williams was sent to Libby 
Prison, Richmond, Va., where he remained and suffered many long months, a 
horrified, starving victim of the slave-holders' rebellion. The Forty-fourth was 
organized in September and October, 1861, at Fort Wayne. The Forty-eighth 
and the Fifty-ninth Regiments contained Noble County men. The Seventy- 
fourth was organized at Fort Wayne in July and August, 1862, by William 
Williams, and contained something more than a company from Noble County. 
Company D was raised almost wholly at Kendallville. The Eighty-eighth 
was organized at Fort Wayne in August, 1862, by George Humphrey. Com- 
pany B of this regiment contained men from all parts of Noble County. 
A few from Noble were in Companies D and F. The One Hundredth was also 
organized at Fort Wayne in August and September, 1862, by S. J. Stoughton. 
Company E was from Noble County. A few men went into the One Hun- 
dred and Nineteenth regiment, which was for a time the Seventh Cavalry. 
The Twelfth Cavalry, which was organized at Camp Mitchell, Kendallville, 
from September, 1863, to March, 186-4, by Edward Anderson, contained 
enough Noble County men to form about two companies. Nearly every man 
in Company B was from Noble. Many were in the One Hundred and 
Twenty-ninth Infantry, Companies B, C, D and I, containing Noble County 
men, the latter being almost wholly composed of such. Company D of the 
One Hundred and Thirty-ninth was raised in Noble County. This regiment 
was organized at Indianapolis in April, May and June, 1864, by George 
Humphrey. Companies A, D and G of the One Hundred and Forty-second 
regiment were largely from Noble County. This regiment was organized at 
Fort Wayne by J. M. Comparet, from August to November, 1864. Compa- 
nies A, B, C, E, F, I and K of the One Hundred and Fifty-second Regiment 
contained men from the county. This regiment was enlisted for one year, and 
was organized at Indianapolis from December, 1864, to March, 1865. It per- 
haps contained more men from Noble County than any other regiment. Other 
regiments raised in neighboring counties of Indiana, and even in other States, 




Lei 



SJfi-tCoo. 



^CgsT^fHrfb 



YORK TP. 



HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 97 

contained men from Noble. Nelson Prentiss estimates that about 1,800 men 
went from Noble County to engage in the war of the rebellion, and that about 
800 of these never returned. The writer of this chapter, after patient and 
protracted inquiry and study, finds that those figures are not far from correct. 
There remain to be considered the questions of public feeling or senti- 
ment, of loyalty and disloyalty, and of united movements to encourage or dis- 
courage enlistments, and to provide the families of soldiers with the necessaries 
of life in the county while the war was still raging. Of course there was 
more or less disloyalty from men Avho (it is not strange) do not like to talk 
about the war to-day. No united, nor, perhaps, prominently public effort was 
made to discourage enlistments or resist the draft or oppose the duties of the 
enrolling officers or the Provost Marshal. But threats were made in almost 
every locality, often quite openly, that the enlistment and the draft would be 
stubbornly resisted, if necessary, with force. The following is quoted from the 
Adjutant General's reports: "In Noble County, information was given to the 
Governor February 3d, 1863, that the ' Knights of the Golden Circle ' were 
fully ' organized and armed, and talked freely of the prospect of war here at 
home in case the Southern confederacy is not recognized, and "Old Abe" 
persists in his emancipation scheme. They publicly and boldly declare that no 
deserter shall be arrested here, that the Abolitionists are to be exterminated, 
and that the Northwestern States are to forma government by themselves.' " 
While, perhaps, these declarations were freely made, it is certain that, with the 
exception of a few knock-downs and a few mild riots caused by such declara- 
tions at public gatherings, no serious trouble ensued. All opposition ended 
with the disloyal declarations and the inevitable knock-down. Sometimes the 
knock-downs were reversed, as is shown from the following taken from the 
Noble County Journal of July, 1863 : 

Brush College. — Out from Rochester, Noble Co., Ind., ia the woods, is a log schoolhouse, 
where the Union and Copporhead sentiment divides. On Sunday last came a collision in which 
the Delilahs figured most prominently. The Union forces we understand were rather worsted. 
We learn that the fight is to be renewed next Sabbath. 

In November, 1864, the following appeared in the same paper referring to 
Kendallville : 

On Monday, a company of six men were arrested, some of whom had been overheard 
talking about burning the town. These were sent on Tuesday night to Indianapolis. On Tues- 
day night five more were arrested on suspicion. The town has been patroled and precautions 
taken to frustrate such hellish designs. Most of these men are probably refugees and bounty- 
jumpers — desperate characters from Canada and elsewhere — who by their own innate wicked- 
ness, and incited by the every-day harangues of campaign Democratic speakers and papers, think 
that they have a license to lay waste loyal towns and cities. It is to be hoped that our authori- 
ties, both civil and military, will use the utmost diligence to detect and ferret out such designs, 
and be ready to inflict most summary punishment upon any such steeped criminals, when caught. 
Besides this no unknown characters without proper business should be tolerated in our midst. 

The following occurred at Albion in June, 1863 : 

Peace at Albion. — The "Democratic" species of Peace men met at Albion 
on Saturday last. The immortal Robert Lowry, of Goshen, who, in 1854, wrote and pub- 



98 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

lished that it was as reasonable to talk about repealing the " ten commandments as 
the Missouri Compromise," but who since then has blathered and bellowed that " the repeal 
was the great and glorious principle upon which our fathers fought the battles of the Revolu- 
tion," was imported as speaker to go over his choice vocabulary of slang epithets and abuse of 
the army, its officers, the President, the heads of departments, and everything else but traitors, 
who have immerged this whole land in blood and mourning, and their sympathizers in the 
North. As Mr. Lowry did not come at the hour appointed, Col. Williams, being a Democrat, was 
called upon and made a sensible Democratic speech. While Col. Williams was speaking Mr. 
Lowry came upon the ground, and when Col. Williams had concluded, made such a tirade as we 
have spoken of above. At the conclusion of Mr. Lowry's remarks, Col. Williams was again 
called out, when he proceeded to administer such a castigation to the " ten commandment man " 
from Goshen, as we are informed men very seldom receive. Lowry then replied in coarse bil- 
lingsgate, Col. Williams again arose to reply, when the Democracy, fearing that their imported 
would be too fearfully peeled, sounded their horns, drums, fifes and " whisky tunnels," and 
scampered off. Notice was then given that Col. Williams would speak again on Wednesday 
evening of this week. 

One of the most serious outbreaks in the county during the war occurred 
in Swan Township in 1863. One Sunday, a meeting of Dunkers was held in 
a barn belonging to Samuel Shadows. A discussion of war topics was indulged 
in by a party of men standing outside. The men became excited — mad, began 
calling hard names, until at last they came to blows, some ten or twelve taking 
part in the melee. Blood soon flowed from sundry noses, sound heads were un- 
ceremoniously cracked, ribs were seriously punched, and numerous men, both 
Copperheads and Abolitionists, like Nebuchadnezzar, went to grass. The bat- 
tle was bloody, but the Union troops were victorious. In a store in Ligonier a 
large man boldly exclaimed, " Vallandigham is just as loyal as Lincoln ! ' 

whereupon a small man publicly and loudly cried : " You are a d d liar !" 

The large man said to the small man, " Come out in the street and I'll lick the 
stuffing out of you." The small man seemed to relish the invitation, for he 
followed. No sooner had the pugilistic couple reached the street than the large 
man suddenly fell violently on the hard walk, while the blood flowed freely 
from a cut in his head. He got up and went home, a wiser, and, it is hoped, a 
better man. Incidents of this character might be multiplied without limit. It 
was fashionable to wear butternut breastpins in Copperhead circles during the 
war. This led to frequent affrays, after which it usually became fashionable 
not to wear them. Soldiers home on a furlough were generally on their muscle, 
and instantly resented any insult offered " Old Abe," the "old flag," or the 
" boys in blue." During the year 1863. the darkest for the Union cause while 
the war continued, quite a number of men who had gone from the county to 
serve their country deserted, and many of them came home, where they were 
secreted by their friends. The arrest of these deserters afforded exciting sport 
for the Sheriffs and Marshals. As troops were called for from the county, all 
the prominent Union men, Democrats and Republicans, traversed the entire 
county, speaking at every schoolhouse, and making every effort to fill the coun- 
ty quota by means of voluntary enlistments. When it became known, in 1862, 
that, unless the quota was filled, a draft would be resorted to in October, hercu- 



HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 99 

lean efforts were everywhere made to encourage volunteering. Many men who 
enlisted under these earnest calls were assigned to old regiments as recruits, 
they having their choice of regiments. In July, 1862, the County Commis- 
sioners ordered that $20 be paid each man who would enlist in Company " D," 
then .being raised by W. N. Rogers for the Seventy-fourth Regiment. This 
was the first bounty paid by the county. In August of this year, the Commis- 
sioners ordered that $30 be paid each man who would volunteer in the compa- 
ny then being raised by Capt. Voris and Col. Tousley, the money to be 
paid from the county treasury upon receipt of the certificate of the Captain of 
the company that such man, or men, had been mustered into the service. At 
the same time, it was also ordered that $20 be paid each man who was subject 
to draft, who would volunteer in any company in the county. At this time the 
Commissioners began paying from the county treasury large sums of money for 
the relief of soldiers' families. In September, 1862, they ordered $20 to be 
paid each man who would enlist in the companies of Capt. McMann or Capt. 
Braden. A large amount of money was paid by the county during the 
latter half of 1862 to the boys who went into the Seventy-fourth, the Eighty- 
eighth and the One Hundredth Regiments. By the 5th of June, 1863, there 
had been paid out in county bounty $7,360.95. The first draft occurred on 
the 6th of October, 1862, the following being the officers : Nelson Prentiss, 
Draft Commissioner ; J. R. Randall, Marshal ; T. P. Bicknell, Surgeon. The 
draft was ordered from the following facts, which were reported on the 20th of 
September, 1862 : 

Total militia 2,578 

Total volunteers 973 

Total exempts 468 

Total opposed to bearing arms 37 

Total volunteers in service 226 

Total subject to draft 2,073 

The following draft was ordered : 

Washington Township 10 

Sparta Township 10 

Green Township 6 

Jefferson Township 8 

Wayne Township 21 

Allen Township 11 

Albion Township 4 

Total 70 

Between the 20th of September and the 6th of October, when the draft 
occurred, eighteen men volunteered, so that only fifty-two men were actually 
drafted. After this, Noble County filled her quotas until 1864. In May, 
1863, the following Enrolling Board for the Tenth District were appointed : 
Hiram Iddings, Provost Marshal ; William S. Smith, Commissioner; Stephen 
Morris, Surgeon. Every effort was made to avoid the draft. Township boun- 

i 



100 



HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 



ties were offered, and, as a last resort, substitutes were hired. But again the 
draft came on the 6th of September, 1864, as shown by the following table. 

These are the quotas and credits of Noble County, under calls of February 
1, March 14 and July 18, 1864 : 



NOBLE COUNTY 
TOWNSHIPS. 



Wayne Township 

Orange Township 

Elkhart Township 

Perry Township 

Sparta Township , 

York Township 

Albion Township 

Jefferson Township 

Allen Township 

Swan Township 

Green Township 

Noble Township 

Washington Township. . 



T3 t*i 



62 
34 
25 
59 
27 
19 
12 
31 
41 
27 
20 
21 
14 



Totals 392 158 442 2657 992 748 



c 
o 

& 



25 

14 

10 

24 

11 

8 

5 

12 

16 

11 

8 

8 

6 



- CD 
<D 00 

a . 

3 00 



74 
38 
31 
67 
29 
22 
14 
34 
48 
29 
20 
20 
16 



a 



448 
227 
186 
403 
173 
132 

84 
204 
290 
173 
121 
119 

97 



&'Z 



— « 



Credits by 

voluntary 

enlistments. 



161 
86 
66 

150 
67 
49 
31 
77 

105 
67 
48 
49 
36 






160 
71 
35 
85 
46 
33 
26 
51 
97 
41 
35 
43 
25 



26 
5 
4 
5 
9 
3 
5 

1 

1 
2 
3 



64 






21 



-I 

o ~ 
H 



186 
76 
40 
92 
85 
36 
31 
72 
98 
42 
41 
48 
25 



a 
o 



30 

12 

3 

13 

1 
1 
2 
26 
17 
5 
8 
3 



30 872 121 






EH 



150 
64 
37 
78 
54 
35 
29 
46 
81 
37 
3S 
45 
25 



10 
26 
58 
12 
13 

5 
7 

25 
7 
1 

11 



714 175 25 






25 



This is undoubtedly an imperfect report, as the draft shown by the above 
table is very far from being correct. Charge the imperfection to the Adjutant 
General and not to the historian. The headquarters of the enrolling board of 
the Tenth District was at Kendallville. Here was Camp Mitchell, where many 
or less troops were encamped from the spring of 1863 until the close of the 
war. Kendallville was a military place at that time. The Twelfth Cavalry 
was organized there, as above stated. The following is clipped from the Jour- 
nal of May, 1864 : 

TWELFTH CAVALRY GONE. 

The Twelfth Indiana Cavalry, so long stationed at this place, moved from here on Tuesday 
last, and a kind of grateful quiet prevails. Just as the regiment was moving from camp, the 
barracks, formerly occupied by Capt. Baker's company, as also their stables standing some dis- 
tance from the barracks, were fired. The fire communicated to other barracks until some six 
in all were consumed Mr. George Moon, we understand, lost 300 bushels of corn. The loss 
of the barracks was probably about $2,000. Most of the regiment felt very much chagrined at 
such an act. 

The old schoolhouse at Kendallville was turned into a hospital for the sick 
soldiers, while the teachers and scholars were obliged to seek other quarters. 
The small-pox broke out among the troops, several of whom died of it, as did 
also several citizens. When the schoolhouse was burned, it was thought that 
some of the citizens did it to prevent its being again used for school purposes* 
in which case the children might catch the small-pox. The draft above men- 
tioned, which occurred on the 6th of September, 1864, went off smoothly, as 
is shown by the following from the Journal of September 20: 



': 




Mrs. Joel Vanderford 

YORK TP. 



HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 103 

THE DRAFT. 

The draft here is passing off very quietly and satisfactorily. The urbanity and patient, 
fair and open deportment of the drafting board is giving satisfaction and confidence through- 
out the entire district. The bitterest of political partisans openly and unqualifiedly ad- 
mit the fairness of the whole transaction. There are a great many curious freaks occur in the 
way the lots fall sometimes. From Perry Township, in this county, there was a large delegation 
present at the time of drawing, most all of whom were drafted. The next township drawn was 
Benton, Elkhart County, and hardly any of the delegates from there were drawn. In most 
townships persons liable to draft have entered into companies to assist each other or buy substi- 
tutes if drafted. In this way the burden falls much lighter, and in view of the duty to their 
country, the patriotic able-bodied conscript will cheerfully go or send a substitute to the war. 
With more men and with vigorous blows upon rebellion, now so sadly tottering, a just, abiding 
and lasting peace will soon spread its balmy wings over the land. But give the rebels an armis- 
tice in which to gather up their strength again, and vote in the McClellan policy of dallying, 
hesitating, digging and wasting time in " reviews " and scares at " quaker guns," and you have 
wars and McClellan's favorite drafts interminably, without limit, and almost without end. Kill 
the rebellion now, and not let it up to fight you again in a long uncertain future. 

The drafts of October, 1862, and September, 1864, were the only ones 
enforced in Noble County. A. draft was ordered to fill the quota required from 
the county under the call of December 19, 1864, but was delayed and not 
carried into effect. The close of the war rendered it unnecessary. The fol- 
lowing order was made by the Commissioners in December, 1863: 

Ordered by the Board of Commissioners, That the County Auditor is hereby authorized and 
required to draw an order on the County Treasurer for the sum of $50, payable to each person, 
being a resident of -Noble County, who shall volunteer and be mustered into the service of the 
United States as a soldier, under the proclamation of, the President of the United States, issued 
the 17th day of October, 1868. Such allowance to be made to each and every person who shall 
volunteer until the whole number of 188 men required of this county shall be raised. • And 
before the said Auditor shall make out any such order, he shall require a properly certified 
muster-roll of the company in which the applicant has enlisted to be filed in his office ; and 
also, that the said Auditor be authorized and required to issue orders on the County Treasurer, 
payable to the wife of each soldier who has volunteered and is in service under any call, or 
shall hereafter volunteer under said call, for the sum of $8 per month and $1 in addition thereto 
for each child under the age of twelve years. The order to said wife shall be issued upon the 
certificate of the Township Trustee where she may reside, showing that she is a resident of this 
county and was at the time of the enlistment of her husband, also, the, number, name and age 
of her children, which allowance to said wife and children shall commence on the 1st day of 
December, 1863, and be paid on the 1st of each month thereafter. The above order shall not 
apply to any commissioned officer, his wife or children. 

This order was attended with most excellent results, as the quota (188 
men) of the county under the call of October, 1863, was filled without resort- 
ing to a draft. Under the call of December 19, 1864, the enlistment of men 
from the county became so slack that the Commissioners ordered a bounty of 
$400 paid to men that would enlist. How much was paid out at this figure is 
not known. The table on the following page gives some interesting infor- 
mation regarding the response made by the county to the call of December 19, 
1864: 



104 



HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 



NOBLE COUNTY TOWNSHIPS. 





K 

c 
o 



Wayne Township 

Orange Township 

Elkhart Township 

Perry Township 

Sparta Township 

York Township 

Albion Township 

Jefferson Township.... 

Allen Township 

Swan Township 

Green Township 

Noble Township 

Washington Township. 



Totals . 



360 

125 

97 

188 

120 

81 

52 

111 

202 

99 

68 

72 

66 



1641 



o . 
■* 

t.t-1 

*o at 
CO 



a 



19 

17 
26 
58 
16 
15 

2 
21 
17 
28 
12 

3 
13 



247 



o 0> 

a'S 
etc 



19 
17 
26 
58 
16 
15 

2 
21 
17 
28 
12 

3 
13 



247 






19 

14 

12 

14 

11 

9 

2 

15 

29 

4 

11 

1 

5 



a 
o 



19 
14 
38 
64 
24 
22 

2 
21 
29 
27 
13 

1 
17 



146 291 1 



o 

is 

E- 






The following proceedings at the Republican County Convention of 1864 
will be read with interest. The Committee on Resolutions reported to the Con- 
vention, through Col. Williams, accompanied by some very appropriate re- 
marks, the following resolutions, which were unanimously adopted: 

Resolved, That we are heartily in favor of a vigorous prosecution of the war for the sup- 
pression of the slaveholders' rebellion. 

Resolved, That we are in favor of supporting the Administration in the use of all the 
means it can lay its hands upon for the suppression of the same. 

Resolved, That our most hearty sympathy is extended to the officers and soldiers of our 
gallant armies in the field, for their glorious achievements, self-sacrifice and determination to 
support the Government in the suppression of the rebellion. 

Resolved, That the false Copperhead cry of "peace" is rebuked by those words of inspira- 
tion which declare that the wisdom coming from above is first pure and then peaceable. 

Resolved, That we present candidates worthy the support of every Union man iu the 
county. 

Resolved, That we are determined to go to work and elect our candidates. 

During the absence of the committees, the Ligonier Glee Club was invited to favor the 
meeting with music, and executed several very appropriate patriotic songs in their usual excel- 
lent manner. Col. Tousley was called to the stand and briefly addressed the Convention, in his 
usual earnest and patriotic manner. He was repeatedly cheered, and evidently possessed the 
confidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens to an enviable degree. He read a letter which 
the officers of the Twenty-first Indiana Artillery presented to Capt. Eden H. Fisher, upon the 
event of his taking leave of the regiment, which showed the high regard in which Capt. Fisher 
was held by his comrades in arms, both as a soldier and a man. During the reading of tha^ 
letter, which so vividly set forth the misfortune of their companion whom they so highly 
esteemed, many an eye in that vast multitude glistened with "the tear that would obtrusively 
start," and spoke plainly that the audience, like his friends in the tented field, believed him to 
be "worthy of a better fate." And when it came to "Dear Fisher, God bless you," it met with a 
hearty response from that vast multitude Hon. William S. Smith being called upon for a 
speech, came forward and requested the "Red, White and Blue" to be sung, which was executed 
in a most admirable manner by Miss Ogden ; after which he responded in a manner such only 
as "Pop-gun" is capable of doing. He was followed by Col. Williams, who entertained the 



HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 105 

audience for a short time, in an eloquent and patriotic speech. On motion, a vote of thanks was 
tendered the gentlemen and ladies for their excellent music during the Convention. On motion, 
a committee of five was appointed to act as a County Central Committee for the coming year, as 
follows: J. R. Randall, N. Prentiss, George L. Gale, C. 0. Myers and James C. Stewart. 

Rousing meetings were held in the county on the 4;h of July, 1863, upon 
the receipt of the news that Vicksburg had surrendered. Three companies of 
Home Guards were in attendance at Kendallville — a company from Swan 
Township, the Rome City Zouaves, and a Kendallville company. A glee club 
sang many patriotic airs. Guns, pistols, fire-crackers, etc., etc., filled the atmos- 
phere with smoke and noise and enthusiasm. Speeches were made by Messrs. 
Tousley, Axeline, Mitchell, Cissel, Smith, Stoney and Bartlett. Fire-works and 
bonfires were enjoyed at night. At Albion a large celebration was held, where 
much of the above was gone through with. Messrs. Alvord, Prentiss and others 
spoke to the crowd. It was fashionable those days to bring forward some 
wounded or furloughed soldier, place him on the stand, and cheer him to the 
echo. This was a bait used often to secure the enlistment of men. Beautiful 
ladies passed around the enlistment roll, and many a poor fellow whose bones 
lie buried in an unknown grave in " Dixie " owes his death to his inability to 
say "No" to the entreaty of handsome women. A large celebration was also 
held at Ligonier. A troop of thirty young ladies on horseback passed along the 
streets, and led the vast crowd to a neighboring grove, where Hon. J. T. Frazer 
and others fired the patriotism of the citizens with eloquence. Wearers of but- 
ternut breastpins had threatened to appear with them at the celebration ; but 
when a half dozen stalwart fellows circulated the report that any person seen 
wearing such pin would be pounded into a jelly, the pins were carefully con- 
cealed. 

On the 3d of September, 1864, the Democrats held a large meeting 
at Albion, J. K. Edgerton and Andrew Douglas, of Columbia City, being the 
principal speakers. Both speakers denounced the Administration and the war. 
The latter said he had been opposed to the war from the first ; had never 
encouraged one man to enlist ; would not have voted a man nor a dollar for the 
wicked war of the Abolitionists ; the North could never subdue the brave men 
of the South, who were fighting for their rights ; declared that Lincoln was a 
traitor ; that he had horns, hoofs, and the snout of a swine, etc., etc. ; swore 
that the war was to make " niggers " equal to white men ; that it was to force 
white men to marry " nigger gals," and white girls to marry " buck niggers ; " 
that the Union troops could not take Richmond ; that they could not even take 
Atlanta. At that moment, tremendous cheering was heard on the outskirts of 
the crowd, which grew louder and louder until it burst into one grand, pro- 
longed "hurrah" from hundreds of loyal lips. The news had just been 
received that Atlanta had been taken. Such a scene as followed, Albion never 
saw before or since. Loyal minds and hearts in re-action were reeling with 
delirious joy. So intense became the excitement, and so great the commotion, 
that the Democratic speaking was entirely broken up. That night Albion gave 



106 



HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 



herself up to every species of wild and joyous demonstration. The Glee Club 

sang itself hoarse. Cheer upon cheer, "tiger" upon u tiger," rent the drowsy 

air of night. Thrilling speeches were delivered by Col. Williams, Col. Tousley, 

Nelson Prentiss, Fielding Prickett, and others, and the meeting was continued 

far into the night. 

The following proceedings occurred at Kendallville when the news was 

received that Gen. Lee had surrendered : 

On Tuesday evening an impromptu bursting forth and celebration broke out in this place, 
which eclipsed everything that ever took place here before. Somebody began to put candles and 
lamps up before windows, and others proceeded to follow suit, until a large number of buildings 
were lighted up. The "baby-waker" was brought out, and its exploding notes rang out over 
hill and valley. People began to gather in the windows, sidewalks and streets, until living, 
smiling quantities of humanity, little and big, hooped and unhooped, were to be seen almost 
everywhere. Rockets were sent up, and fire-works of different descriptions played a conspicu- 
ous part. Everybody seemed to feel that they had a right to celebrate in their own way, " subject 
only to the Constitution." The brass band discoursed soul-stirring music, and the Rimwhan- 
ticle Instant Born Company paraded the streets, dressed in a variety of paraphernalia, and 
armed with spears, clubs, boards, gongs, tin-pans, oyster-cans, horns, etc., etc., with unprece- 
dented effect. " Capt." Brace, with the shorn hat and immense countenance, performed the 
part of a brave and successful officer with brilliant effect. "Gen." Frank Hogan was all along 
the line, sometimes on the double-quick, and sometimes in other positions, and sometimes 
almost everywhere at once, giving orders and charging on Richmond and Lee's flying army gen- 
erally. We cannot speak too highly right here, but must subside by saying that this officer 
covered himself all over with impenetrable glory, and is the Gen. Grant of these parts of king- 
dom come. Jeff. Davis appeared in the drama, suspended on a tall pole, with his name upon 
him, and was carried through the streets, attracting profound attention. He finally "went up" 
in a chariot of fire. Somebody attempted to speak to the crowd, but there was an inspiration 
infinitely over and above words, and it boiled over them and drowned them out. What was talk 
compared with the surrender of Richmond and the smashing up of Lee's army, and the finally 
hopeful close of the rebellion ? Such impromptu gatherings are the best in the world if the 
spirit gets rightly infused and lighted up. 

Immediately following this came the sad news that Abraham Lincoln had 
been assassinated. Kendallville lamented as follows : 



The business houses were all closed in Kendallville on Wednesday last, and the 
insignia of mourning was to be seen all around. The bell was tolled and the cannon was 
fired at different intervals. At noon, the Presbyterian Church was packed to its utmost 
capacity. The center aisle was seated and filled by the military. The pulpit, orchestra, 
lamps, and other portions of the church, were draped in mourning. Even the elements, 
as Rev. Mr. Harrison remarked, in the heavy black clouds, the slow rumbling of thunder, 
and the apparent tear-drops fall of rain, seemed to be in unison and sympathy with the 
solemn exercises everywhere participated in and conducted by the people of the United 
States. Nature seemed to join in the great national mourning. Short addresses were 
made by Revs. Cressy, Meek and Harrison, Rev. Mr. Forbes assisting in the other neces- 
sary exercises of the occasion. The united choirs discoursed appropriate music. Services 
were also held in the German Lutheran and German Methodist Churches, and we learn 
also at the Christian Chapel. 



Ligonier, Albion, Avilla, Rome City, Wolf Lake, and other villages held 
appropriate memorial services in sorrow and honor for the illustrious dead. 



HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 107 

Many of the citizens paid eloquent tributes to the noble life and character of 
the " Savior of his Country." 

A thorough system of Soldiers' and Ladies' Aid Societies was established 
in Noble County during the war. Numerous committees were appointed to 
solicit anything that was likely to be needed by the boys in the field. Large 
quantities of blankets, shirts, drawers, socks, mittens, lints, bandages, canned 
fruits of all kinds, etc., etc., without end, were boxed up and sent to the boys 
of Noble County at the regimental hospitals or in the field. After the bloody 
battle of Stone River, where the troops from Noble County suffered severely, a 
car load of supplies was sent from Ligonier to the poor boys. Some four or 
five physicians of the county volunteered to go down and assist in taking care of 
the wounded and sick. Three of the doctors were Palmiter, Sheldon and 

* 

Denny. People went around with pale, wo-begone faces, when it became 
known that a great battle had been fought, and perhaps lost, and that many 
brave fellows, relatives or neighbors, perhaps, had met with a tragical death. 
Unfortunately, but little authentic can be given regarding the work done by 
the societies. James S. Lockhart, of Ligonier, was very active in the work. 
A short time before the 4th of July, 1863, the citizens of Kendallville sent 
over $500 to the boys from that place, who were in the intrenchments about 
Vicksburg. It is safe to say that thousands of dollars in money and property 
were sent into the field for the boys. Indiana would have fared poorly during 
the war, with its disloyal Legislature and Supreme Court, had it not been for 
that grand man, Oliver P. Morton. He successfully confronted every opposer, 
and placed the State troops in the field with admirable dispatch. He pledged 
the credit of the State, and borrowed any quantity of money to pay soldiers' 
bounties and provide arms. 

It seems necessary to give an outline of the service of those regiments 
which contained a considerable number of men from Noble County. These 
regiments were the Thirtieth, Forty-fourth, Seventy-fourth, Eighty-eighth, One 
Hundredth, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth, One Hundred and Thirty-ninth, 
One Hundred and Forty-second, One Hundred and Fifty-second, Seventh Cav- 
alry and Twelfth Cavalry. The Thirtieth was at first commanded by Col. 
Sion S. Bass. It first moved to Indianapolis, thence to Camp Nevin, Ky., 
thence to Munfordsville and Bowling Green, and in March, 1862, to Nashville. 
It participated in the battle of Shiloh on the 7th of April, losing its Colonel, 
who was succeeded by Col. J. B. Dodge. Here the regiment lost in killed, 
wounded and missing about 130 men. It participated in the siege of Corinth, 
and moved with Buell's army through Northern Alabama, Tennessee and Ken- 
tucky, and also pursued Bragg. It took part in the three days' battle at Stone 
River, losing heavily ; and also at Chattanooga and Chickamauga, suffering se- 
verely at the latter place. It was in the campaign against Atlanta, fighting in 
all the battles. At Atlanta, it was consolidated into a residuary battalion of 
seven companies, under the command of Col. H. W. Lawton. It fought against 

FF 



108 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

Hood at Nashville, and pursued him to Huntsville, thence moved into East 
Tennessee. In June, 1865, it was transferred to Texas. It was mustered out 
of service late in 1865. 

The Forty-fourth, with H. B. Reed as Colonel, moved to Indianapolis in 
December, 1861, thence to Henderson, Ky., thence to Camp Calhoun, thence 
to Fort Henry, thence to Fort Donelson, in which battle it suffered severely. 
It moved to Pittsburg Landing, and fought both days at Shiloh, losing thirty- 
three killed and 177 wounded. It fought often at the siege of Corinth, and 
pursued the enemy to Booneville. It moved with Buell, and followed Bragg, 
fighting at Perryville. It skirmished at Russell's Hill, moved to Stone River, 
where it fought three days, losing eight killed, fifty-two wounded and twenty- 
five missing. It moved to Chattanooga, fought at Chickamauga, fought at Mis- 
sion Ridge, losing in these engagements three killed, fifty-nine wounded and 
twenty missing. It did provost duty at Chattanooga, and was finally mustered 
out September, 1865. During the war, it lost 350 killed and wounded, and fifty- 
eight by disease. William C. Williams, Simeon C. Aldrich and James F. Cur- 
tis were its Colonels at times. 

The Seventy-fourth, in August, 1862, moved to Louisville, Ky., thence to 
Bowling Green. It pursued Bragg, and reached Gallatin on the 10th of No- 
vember. Companies C and K joined the regiment in December. Before this, 
these companies skirmished at Munfordsville, and with Bragg's advance on the 
14th. Were captured, paroled and then joined the regiment. The regiment 
pursued Morgan, moved to Gallatin, Nashville, Lavergne, Triune, moved 
against Tullahoma, and skirmished at Hoover's Gap. It joined the campaign 
against Chattanooga, skirmished at Dug Gap, Ga. It was one of the first en- 
gaged at Chickamauga, and was the last to leave the field. It lost 20 killed, 
129 wounded and 11 missing. It skirmished continuously at the siege of 
Chattanooga, and in the charge on Mission Ridge lost two killed and sixteen 
wounded. It pursued the enemy to Ringgold, Ga., participated in the recon- 
noissance on Buzzard's Roost, marched with Sherman on the Atlanta campaign, 
skirmishing and fighting at Dallas, Kenesaw and Lost Mountain, Peach Tree 
Creek, and many other places about Atlanta. It lost in this campaign forty- 
six men. It charged the enemy's works at Jonesboro, Ga., and lost thirteen 
killed and forty wounded. Many of the latter died. It pursued Hood, and 
skirmished at Rocky Creek Church. It moved to North Carolina, and finally 
home via Washington, D. C. 

The Eighty-eighth took the field in August, 1862. It defended Louis- 
ville against Kirby Smith, pursued Bragg, fought at Perryville and Stone 
River, doing splendid work at the latter battle, losing eight killed and forty- 
eight wounded. It fought or skirmished at Hoover's Gap, Tullahoma, Hills- 
boro, Elk River and Dug Gap, Ga. It fought desperately at Chickamauga, 
fought "among the clouds" on Lookout Mountain, charged at Mission Ridge, 
skirmished at Graysville and Ringgold. In the Atlanta campaign it was en- 



HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 109 

gaged at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, Dallas, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree 
Creek, and Atlanta and Utay Creek. It pursued Hood, marched with Sher- 
man to the sea, campaigned through the Carolinas, fought at Bentonville, and 
moved home via Richmond and Washington, D. C. 

The One Hundredth, in November, 1862, took the field at Memphis, Tenn.; 
moved on the unsuccessful Vicksburg campaign ; did garrison duty at Mem- 
phis and vicinity ; participated in the siege of Vicksburg, and then in the five 
days' siege of Jackson. It moved to Vicksburg, thence to Memphis, thence to 
Stevenson and Bridgeport, thence to Trenton, Ga. It fought at Lookout 
Mountain, and then moved to Chattanooga. It fought at Mission Ridge, los- 
ing in killed and wounded 132 men. It pursued Bragg's army ; relieved 
Burnside at Knoxville ; moved on the Atlanta campaign, fighting at Dalton, 
Snake Creek Gap, Resaca, Dallas, New Hope Church, Big Shanty, Kenesaw 
Mountain, Nickajack Creek, Chattahoochie River, Decatur, Atlanta, Cedar 
Bluffs, Jonesboro and Lovejoy Station, fighting almost continuously for 100 
days. It pursued Hood, joined the famous march to the sea, fought at Gris- 
woldville, Ga., and Bentonville, N. C, then moved home via Richmond and 
Washington, D. C. The regiment fought in twenty-five battles. 

The One Hundred and Twenty-ninth moved to Nashville, Tenn., April, 
1864, thence to Charleston, Tenn. It fought at Dalton, Resaca, skirmished for 
nearly two weeks through the woods and defiles near there, fought gallantly and 
lost heavily at Decatur, engaged the enemy at Strawberry Run, losing twenty- 
five killed and wounded. It pursued Hood, moved to the assistance of Gen. 
Thomas, skirmished heavily at Columbia, and fought desperately at Franklin, 
one of the bloodiest battles of the war ; fought in the two days' battle against 
Gen. Hood, and joined in the pursuit. It then moved via Cincinnati and 
Washington, D. C, to Morehead City, thence to Newbern, and finally to 
Wise's Forks, where it had a severe engagement with the enemy. It moved to 
Goldsboro, Morley Hall, Raleigh and Charlotte, where it was mustered out of 
.service in August, 1865. 

The One Hundred and Thirty-ninth entered the service at Indianapolis, 
June, 1864. It moved to Nashville, Tenn., and was assigned garrison and pro- 
vost duty in the towns and along the railroads, and, in general, was required to 
guard Sherman's base of supplies. At the expiration of 100 days the regi- 
ment left the service. 

The One Hundred and Forty-second entered the service in November, 
1864. It moved to Nashville, where it was assigned garrison duty. At the 
battle of Nashville, the regiment was in the reserve. After this, and until it 
was mustered out, it remained at Nashville. 

The One Hundred and Fifty-second entered the service in March, 1865, 
moving to Harper's Ferry, in the vicinity of which place it was assigned garri- 
son duty. It was stationed for short periods at Charlestown, Stevenson Station, 
Summit Point and Clarksburg, where it was mustered out in August, 1865. 



110 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

The Seventh Cavalry took the field in December, 1863. It moved to 
Louisville, thence to Union City, Tenn. It skirmished at Paris, Egypt Sta- 
tion and near Okalona, fighting severely all day at the latter place. In one 
charge it left sixty of its men on the field. During the entire fight it lost 
eleven killed, thirty-six wounded and thirty-seven missing. It moved to Mem- 
phis, and finally to the support of Sherman's base of supplies. At Guntown, 
Miss., a desperate battle ensued, the regiment being driven back with a loss of 
eight killed, fifteen wounded and seventeen missing. Here it was highly com- 
plimented by Gen. Grierson, notwithstanding the defeat. It fought at La 
Mavoo, Miss., and near Memphis, where seven members of Company F were 
killed by guerrillas. After this it joined in the pursuit of Gen. Price ; moved 
with Gen. Grierson on his famous raid, fighting and destroying rebel property. 
It moved down into Louisiana and Texas, and finally, late in 1865, was mus- 
tered out. 

The Twelfth Cavalry was organized at Kendallville during the winter and 
spring of 1864, Edward Anderson, Colonel. It first moved to Nashville, 
thence to Huntsville, Ala. Here and vicinity it remained, chastising guerrillas 
and bushwhackers. A portion was not mounted ; the others were and were 
commanded by Lieut. Col. Alfred Reed. Many men were lost in the numer- 
ous engagements. After this the regiment moved to Brownsboro, thence to 
Tullahoma, where they watched Gen. Forrest. Here it had several skirmishes. 
Companies C, D and H participated in the defense of Huntsville. The regi- 
ment fought at Wilkinson's Pike, Overall's Creek and before Murfreesboro, 
spent the winter of 1864-65 at Nashville, embarked for Vicksburg, partici- 
pated in the movements on Mobile, Ala., and joined in the raid of Gen. Grier- 
son. It occupied Columbus, Miss., Grenada, Austin and other points, guard- 
ing Federal stores and positions. It was mustered out of service at Vicksburg 
in November, 1865. 

The following imperfect l> Roll of Honor " of men from Noble County 
who were killed, died of wounds or disease, or otherwise, while in the service 
of their country during the war of the rebellion, is taken from the Adjutant 
General's reports, from newspapers, and from various other sources, and doubt- 
less contains numerous errors. 

Commissioned Officers — Smith Birge, Captain, died in 1865 ; E. A. 
Tonson, Captain, accidentally killed in 1865; Thomas Badley, First Lieuten- 
ant, killed at Chickamauga, September 19, 1863 ; George W. Seelye, First Lieu- 
tenant, killed at Bentonville, N. C, March 19, 1865; J. D. Kerr, Second 
Lieutenant, died at Evansville, Ind., March 25, 1862; Simon Bowman, Second 
Lieutenant, died August 19, 1864 ; H. Reed, Lieutenant, killed ; James Collier, 
Lieutenant, died ; J. T. Zimmerman, Lieutenant, died in 1865. 

Non-Commissioned Officers — J. W. Geesman, Sergeant, died at Nashville, 
Tenn., August 19, 1863; A. J. Linn, Sergeant, died of wounds at Nashville, 
Tenn., February 5, 1863 ; Addison Harley, Sergeant, died at Louisville, Ky., 



HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. Ill 

August 5, 1864; J. W. Clark, Sergeant, died of wounds at Marietta, Ga., Sep- 
tember 19, 1864; John W. Hathaway, Corporal, killed at Stone River, Decem- 
ber 31, 1862 ; Rush W. Powers, Corporal, died at Nashville, Tenn., August 17, 
1863; Emanuel Diffendafer, Corporal, died at Bowling Green, Ky., December 
29, 1862 ; Samuel Hamilton, Corporal, died at Annapolis, Md., February 20, 
1865; Henry Hinkley, Corporal, died at Lisbon, Ind., November 19, 1864; 
Charles Wilde, Corporal, died at Memphis, Tenn., in 1862 ; Henry H. Franklin, 
Corporal, died at Chattanooga, Tenn., November 7, 1864; John D. Stansbury, 
musician, died at Louisville, Ky., January 23, 1862; L. D. Thompson, 
wagoner, died at Bowling Green, Ky., December 7, 1862. 

Privates — William Archer, killed at Stone River, December, 1862 ; Levi 
Atwell, died at Upton, Ky., December, 1861 ; William C. Allen, died at Nash- 
ville, September, 1862 ; Otis D. Allen, died at Louisville, February, 1862 ; 
William Anderson, died at Camp Nevin, Ky., November, 1861 ; William 
Adkins, died near Nashville, Tenn. ; Daniel M. Axtell, died of wounds at 
Marietta, Ga., 1864; John W. Aker, died at Louisville, April, 1864 ; A. M. 
Albright, died in 1865 ; William Abbott, died at Chattanooga in 1864 ; An- 
drew Arnold, died at Chattanooga, 1864. 

William Barthock, died of wounds at Fort Fisher in 1865; J. E. Brad- 
ford, starved to death at Danville in 1864 ; H. J. Belden, died at Evansville, 
Ind., April, 1862 ; Solomon Bean, died at Nashville, November, 1862 ; Paul 
Bean, died at Glasgow, Ky., November, 1862 ; A. P. Baltzell, killed at Shiloh, 
April, 1862 ; James Bailey, killed at Perry ville in 1863 ; Henry Brooks, died 
at Madison, Ind., 1862 ; Peter Betyer, died at Grand Junction, 1863 ; W. H. 
Bailey, died at St. Louis, 1862 ; T. A. Barber, died at Nashville, 1865 ; Noah 
Bowman, died at Chattanooga in 1865 ; L. H. Baldwin, killed at Stone River, 
1862 ; Josiah Benton, died at Kendallville, March, 1864 ; Henry Bloodcamp, 
died at Cumberland, Md., 1865 ; Joseph Bull, died in 1865 ; Anson Bloomer, 
died at Murfreesboro in 1864 ; C. Barnsworth, died at Chattoonaga in 1864 ; 
J. Bishop, died of wounds, Louisville, in 1863. 

T. P. Cullison, died at Chickamauga, September, 1863; Michael Clair, 
died at Upton, Ky., December, 1861 ; Daniel Chapman, died at Camp 
Nevin, Ky., November, 1861 ; Patrick Clark, died at Camp Nevin, 
November, 1861 ; George Cullors, died at Nashville, May, 1865 ; J. W. 
Cruchlow, died of wounds in 1865 ; Daniel Coopruler, died of wounds in 1865 ; 
G. Caswell, died at Kendallville in 1862 ; C. Conkling, died at home in 1864 ; 
John T. Cannon, died at Chattanooga in 1864 ; James Cook, died at Paducah, 
Ky., March, 1862; Homer E. Clough, died at Gallatin, Tenn., December, 
1862; Theodore Coplin, died at Louisville in 1863; Lucius Covey, died of 
wounds in the hands of the enemy, October, 1863 ; John Chancey, died near 
Edisto River, February, 1863 ; William P. Cheesman, died in 1863 ; Joseph 
H. Clemmons, killed at Iuka, 1862 ; H. D. Collins, killed at Stone River in 
1862 ; W. A. Curry, drowned at Louisville in 1863 ; J. W. Curry, starved at 



112 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

Andersonville in 1864 ; EL E. Cole, died at Camp Nevin, Ky., 1861 ; George 
Cluck, died at Collarsville in 1863 ; A. T. dimming, died at Indianapolis in 
1862 ; W. H. Calkins, killed at Mission Ridge in 1863 ; John Clutter, died at 
Memphis, May, 1865 ; Joel Clark, died at Nashville in 1865 ; John Clark, 
killed at Stone River in 1862 ; Marion F. Cochran, died at Louisville, Decem- 
ber, 1864; A. M. Casebeer, died in 1865; W. H. Coates, died in 1865; 
Alonzo Chase, died at home. 

Isaac Dukes, died at Murfreesboro, Tenn., April, 1863 ; John Dyer, died 
at Gallatin, November, 1862 ; William J. Dyer, died of wounds, Chattanooga, 
October, 1863 ; James Dunbar, died November, 1863 ; Helim H. Dunn, died 
of wounds, December, 1863 ; Silas Dysert, died at Bridgeport, Ala., February, 
1862 ; J. B. Dillingham, died at Collarsville, 1863 ; J. H. Drake, died at 
Athens, 1865 ; John Dingman, died at Nashville, March, 1865 ; Daniel Done- 
hue, died, 1865; William Denny, killed, 1864 ; J. A. Denny, died at Nashville, 
1864. 

Abner Eddy, died at Camp Nevin, November, 1861 ; Nelson Eagles, 
starved to death, Danville, 1864; John Erricson, died at Jeffersonville, Ind., 
July, 1865; Henry Eley, died of wounds, May, 1862; John Engle, died at 
Camp Sherman, 1865 ; Abner Elder, died at Madison, Ind., 1862 ; Peter 
Eggleston, died at Nashville, January, 1865 ; Henry Eddy, died at Cumber- 
land, Md., April, 1865 ; Eben Eddy, died at Indianapolis, March, 1865 ; A. 
T. Ellsworth, died, 1865. 

Orton B. Fuller, killed at Resaca, May, 1864 ; Albert W. Fisher, died 
at Cairo, August, 1864 ; Erastus Fisk, died at Upton, Ky., December, 1861 ; 
Mackson Fisk, died at Camp Nevin, November, 1861; George Fisk, died at 
Louisville, January, 1862 ; Andrew J. Follen, died at Gallatin, November, 
1863 ; Charles Folk, died at Nashville, 1864 ; Cepheus Fordam, died at Nash- 
ville, 1865 ; Frederick Felton, died at David's Island, April, 1865 ; William 
Fitzgerald, missing, wounded at Shiloh, April, 1862. 

Daniel Groves, died at Memphis, December, 1862 ; Samuel Gardner, 
starved to death, Danville, 1863 ; I. J. Garver, starved to death, Anderson- 
ville, 1864; William H. Green, died at Louisville, Ky., June, 1865 ; A. A. 
Gallonge, killed at Shiloh, 1862 ; Owen Garvey, killed at Chickamauga, Sep- 
tember, 1863 ; Matthias Green, died at Murfreesboro, February, 1863 : B. L. 
Gage, died, 1865; Michael Gunnet, died, 1864 ; Simon Gilbert, died in Michi- 
gan, 1864; Wallace Gorton, died at home; Cyrus Gyer, starved at Anderson- 
ville, 1864. 

Daniel Hodges, died at Baton Rouge, October, 1864 ; George Hubbard, 
killed at City Point, 1865 ; Joseph Hart, killed at Shiloh, April, 1862 ; Henry 
Hetick, died of wounds, Chattanooga, October, 1863 ; Joseph C. Hill, died at 
Nashville, April, 1865 ; T. C. Hollister, killed at Murfreesboro, 1862 ; James 
Hudson, killed at Murfreesboro, 1862 ; Henry Hart, died at Indianapolis, 
1863 ; John Haller, killed at Stone River, December, 1863 ; C. Hinton, died 



HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 113 

at Henderson, Ky., 1862 ; William H. Hays, died at Ackworth, Ga., June 
1864 ; W. Herrick, ste#y«4- at Andersonville, 1864 ; M. Harker, died of 
wounds, 1864; Orange Homer, died at Gallatin, 1862 ; Emanuel Hoover, died 
at La Grange, 1862; Jacob K. Hartzler, died at Chattanooga, September, 
1863 ; Stockton D. Haney, died at New Albany, Ind., November, 1862 ; John 
Hoffman, died at Hickory Valley, 1863 ; Jesse Hull, killed at Dallas, Ga., 
1863 ; Alvin 0. Hostetter, died at Memphis, September, 1865 ; Robert Ham- 
ilton, died near Vienna, Fla., July, 1864; E. L. Humphreys, died in Noble 
County, 1865 ; Edwin B. Hanger, died at home, April, 1865 ; Eliphalet S. 
Holy, died at Indianapolis, March, 1865; R. Householder, died; Addison 
Harley, died at Nashville, 1864 ; Elisha Harding, died at Kendallville, 1864; 
C. Hackett, died at Nashville, 1864; John D. Harber, died at Nashville, 1864 ; 
W. Hardenbrook, died at Pulaski, 1865. 

Henry Jerred, killed at Murfreesboro, 1862 : J. Y. Johnson, died at 
Corinth, July, 1862 ; Hollis Johnson, Jr., died at Gallatin, November, 1862 ; 
J. D. Joslin, killed at Atlanta, 1861 ; Samuel Johnson, drowned near Beau- 
fort, S. C, January, 1865 ; Silas W. Johnson, died at Chattanooga, July, 
1864; Albert M. Johnson, died at Camp Piatt, W. Va., August, 1865. 

J. W. Kirkpatrick, died at Nashville, 1865; Samuel Konkright, died at 
Nashville, 1863 ; William H. Kelley, died of wounds at Chattanooga, March, 
1865 ; Daniel Knepper, died on hospital boat, August, 1865 ; Barney Knep- 
per, died at Indianapolis, June, 1862 ; L. C. Knapp, killed at Mission Ridge, 
1863 ; M. D. King, killed at Dallas, Ga., 1864 ; Elias Kessler, died at Indian- 
apolis, March, 1865 ; John W. Klein, died at Nashville, 1864. 

Ashbury Lobdell, died at Beaufort, S. C, February, 1865; Jacob Lan- 
ellen, died of wounds at Fort Fisher, 1865 ; Joseph Longly, killed at Shiloh, 
April, 1862 ; Ira Lease, died at Murfreesboro, August, 1863 ; Robert Long- 
year, died at Farmington, 1862; Jacob Long, died, 1862; Hiram Lindsey, 
died, 1864 ; John S. Lash, died at Memphis, March, 1864 ; John Louthan, 
died at Vicksburg, August, 1865 ; A. Lunger, starved at Andersonville, 1864. 

Lafayette Mullen, killed at Chickamauga, September, 1863 ; Andrew J. 
Myers, died at Victoria, Texas, November, 1865 ; Thomas J. Manhorter, died 
at St. Louis, February, 1865 ; James Monroe, killed at Stone River, 1862 ; 
F. B. Miller, Tstarved-to death at Andersonville, 1864; Simon Michaels, died, 
July, 1865 ; William Miner, died at Evansville, December, 1861 ; H. J. Mon- 
roe, died at Andersonville, August, 1864; J. B. Matthews, died at Murfrees- 
boro, January, 1863 ; L. H. Madison, died at Hamburg, Tenn., May, 1862 ; 
John Mankey, died at Athens, Ala., July, 1862 ; Jacob Mohn, killed at Shi- 
loh, April, 1862 ; Eli Miser, died at Chattanooga, 1864 ; Corry McMann, 
died at Louisville, Ky., December, 1862; William Martin, died at Louisville, 
January, 1863 ; Matthias Marker, killed at Perry ville, October, 1862 ; J. Mc- 
Bride, died at Nashville. 1865 ; Albert Martenus, died, 1865 ; John H. Mitch- 
ell, sta*vecLat Andersonville, 1864 ; Charles A. Monroe, died, 1863 ; Wesley 



114 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

Moore, died, April, 1864 ; Sylvanus Mercia, died at Huntsville, Ala., 1865 ; 
J. McQuiston, starved to death at Andersonville, 1864 ; Charles W. Mullen, 
died at Whitesburg, Ala., August, 1864; Henry McGinnis, died at Decatur, 
Ga., September, 1864; John A. Madison, killed at Atlanta, 1864; J. H. Mc- 
Nutt, died of wounds, 1865. 

G. G. Nelson, killed at Murfreesboro, 1863; J. W. Norton, died at 
Evansville, Ind., December, 1861 ; Charles Noteman, died at Columbus, 1865 ; 
Henry Nichols, died, 1865. 

George Oliver, died in hospital, 1864 ; Francis Owen, died at Tuscumbia, 
1863 ; Horace D. Odell, died at Gallatin, December, 1862 ; T. L. Ourstreet, 
died at Helena, Ark., 1862 ; Samuel W. Orr, died at Keokuk, Iowa, 1863. 

H. Plummer, died at Granville, 1865 ; John Poppy, killed at Shiloh, 
April, 1862 ; William Prentice, killed at Resaca, May, 1864 ; John S. Pan- 
cake, died at home, January, 1864 ; William H. Piatt, died at Murfreesboro, 
February, 1863 ; Rudolph Phisel, died at Nashville, 1865 ; Daniel Porke, died 
at Camp Sherman, 1863; A. Pennypacker, died at Murfreesboro, 1864; Earl 
Powers, died at Cumberland, Md., April, 1865; Lester Powers, died, 1865. 

Henry Ridenbaugh, killed at Mission Ridge, November, 1863 ; Abraham 
Reed, died of wounds at Fort Fisher, 1865 ; Charles Rossin, died, December, 
1864; William Richardson, died at home, April, 1862; Louis Routsong, died 
at Louisville, December, 1862; Isaac Rambo, died at Chattanooga, 1865; Da- 
vid Rink, died at Bowling Green, Ky., November, 1862; Oliver Reed, died at 
Jeffersonville, Ind., June, 1861; Robert Reed, killed at Atlanta, August, 
1864 ; L. H. Randall, killed at Chickamauga, 1863 ; George W. Rogers, died 
at Tyree Springs, Tenn., November, 1862 ; David River, died at Nashville, 
1862 ; Milton Richards, died at Nashville, September, 1864 ; William Rosen- 
baugher, died at Indianapolis, March, 1865 ; A. Rinehart, died, 1865. 

Frank Seamans, died at Grand Junction, Tenn., February 1863 ; George 
R. Smith, died at Rome City in 1863 ; J. H. Sparrow, died of wounds at Fort 
Fisher, 1865; Edward B. Segnor, died at Baton Rouge, May, 1864; Daniel 
Shobe, Jr., died of wounds May, 1862 ; Clark Scarlett, died at Upton, Ky., 
December, 1861 ; Alfred Shields, died at Murfreesboro, December, 1863 ; P. 
J. Squires, killed at Shiloh in 1862 ; John Shidler, died at Gallatin, December, 
1862; Thomas Stokes, died March, 1863; Elijah Starks, killed at Chicka- 
mauga in 1863 ; Jacob Shobe, died at Murfreesboro, May, 1863 ; Amos W. 
Seymour, died at Bowling Green, November, 1862 ; David Soule, killed at 
Atlanta in 1864; E. 0. Sanborn, died at Chattanooga in 1863; Francis H. 
Shaver, starved at Andersonville in 1864 ; Alfred Sutton, died at Washington 
in 1864 ; J. Seebright, died on steamer Olive Branch in 1864 ; Jacob 
Slusser, died at Ackworth, Ga., June, 1864 ; Theron A. Smith, died, January, 
1865 ; John Seips, died in 1865 : Uriah Swager, died in 1865. 

Frank Teal, killed at Shiloh, April, 1862 ; William Totten, killed at 
Chickamauga, September, 1863 ; John Traul, died at Huntsville, Ala., January, 



HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 



115 



1865 ; William R. Truly, starved to death at Andersonville in 1865 ; David 
Tressel, died at Lebanon Junction, Ky., December, 1862; William Tressel, 
died at Gallatin, December, 1862 ; Abraham Tasony, died of wounds, Madison, 
Ind., December, 1863 ; W. T. Taylor, drowned in Mill Creek in 1864 ; Franklin 
Thomas died at Nashville in 1863; Isaiah Tryon, killed at Kingston in 1864 ; 
Francis Trask, died at Jackson in 1865; Marcus B. Turney, died at Cumber- 
land, Md., April, 1865. 

William Untadt, died at Washington City, 1864. 

Moses Walters, died at Memphis, October, 1863 ; George E. Warden, 
died at Scottsboro, Ala., March, 1864 ; William H. Williams, died at Marietta, 
Ga., September, 1864 ; Adam Weeks, died at Rome, Ga., 1864 ; John M. 
Wells, starved to death at Andersonville, 1864 ; Andrew J. Webb, died at 
Camp Nevin, Ky., November, 1861 ; Ira Worden, starved to death at Ander- 
sonville, 1864 ; Lorenzo D. Wells, died of wounds, December, 1863 ; Ziba 
Winget, died at Nashville, March, 1863 ; John D. Warner, died in 1863 ; 
Edmund West, died in Andersonville Prison, 1864 ; Hiram Wabill, died at 
Grafton, West Virginia, June, 1865; Joseph E. Walburn, died at Nashville, 
February, 1863 ; Hiram Woodford, died in 1865 ; W. R. Wiltrout, died at 
Washington in 1864; George Weamer, died of wounds, April, 1862. 

William T. Yort, died at St. Louis, July, 1862 ; David C. Yoder, died in 
Andersonville Prison, August, 1864 ; John H. Yeakey, died at Nashville, 1S62 ; 
L. D. Yorker, died at Camp Nevin, 1861 ; A. Young, died at Memphis, 1862. 

John Zeigler, died at Raleigh, N. C, 1865. 

Grand total, 301. 

Table showing the amounts expended for local counties, and for relief of 
soldiers' families by Noble County during the late war, taken from the Adjutant 
General's Reports : 



TOWNSHIPS. 



Noble County 

Washington Township. 

Sparta Township 

Perry Township 

Elkhart. Township 

York Township 

Noble Township 

Green Township 

Jefferson Township.... 

Orange Township 

Wayne Township 

Allen Township 

Swan Township 

Albion Township 



Totals . 



Grand Total. 



BOUNTY. 



$ 6 



,856 50 
2,176 00 
1,800 00 
4,500 00 
2,650 00 
2,675 00 
150 00 
1,500 00 
3,650 00 
7,150 00 
7,600 00 
7,165 00 
6,000 00 
1,000 00 



1115,872 50 



RELIEF. 



$ 39,426 26 




2,926 00 


200 00 




200 00 

825 75 

3,000 00 

1,500 00 


500 00 


$ 48,578 01 



$164,450 51 



CALLS FOR TROOPS DURING THE REBELLION. 

1. April 15, 1861, 75,000 men, for three months' service. 

2. May 3, 1861, 42,034 men, for three years' service. 



116 



HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 



3. August 4, 1862, 300,000 men, for nine months' service. 

4. June 15, 1863, 100,000 men, for six months' service. 

5. October 17, 1863, 300,000 men, for three years' service. 

6. July 18, 1864, 500,000 men, for one, two and three years' service. 

7. December 19, 1864, 300,000 men, for one, two and three years' service. 

Table of interesting facts regarding regiments which served in the last war, 
and which contained men from Noble County : 



REGIMENT. 
t 



Term of 
Serv ice. 



Three years.. 
Three years. 
Three years. 



Ninth Inlantry 

Twelfth Infantry 

Thirteenth Infantry re-organized.... 

Twenty-first Infantry* 

Twenty-second Infantry 

Twenty-ninth Infantry 

Thirtieth Infantry 

Thirtieth Infantry re-organized 

Thirty-fifth Infantry 

Thirty-seventh Infantry 

Thirty-seventh Infantry re-organized... 

Thirty-eighth Infantry 

Forty-second Infantry 

Forty-fourth Infantry 

Forty-eighth Infantry 

Fifty-ninth Infantry 

Seventy-fourth Infantry 

Eighty-eighth Infantry 

One Hundredth Infantry 

One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Infantry 

One Hundred and Thirty-ninth Infantry 

One Hundred and Forty-second InfautryJOne year 

One Hundred and Fifty-second Infantry " 

One Hundred and Twenty-seventh In- 
fantry or Twelfth Cavalry 

One Hundred and Nineteenth Infantry 
or Seventh Cavalry 

One Hundred and Nineteenth Infantry 
or Seventh Cavalry re-organized 

Twentieth Battery 

Twenty-third Battery 



a 
a 

o 

U • 

m 

— - 

as * 
a ° 



Three years 
Three years 
Three years- 
Three years. 
Three years- 
Three years, 
Three years 
Three years 
Three years- 
Three years- 
Three years- 
Three years 
Three years- 
Three years.. 
Three years. 
Three yeurs. 
100 Days 



One year 

Three years, 
Three years- 
Three years- 
Three years- 
Three years.. 



3 « 

h 

£° 

5 c a 



•17 

41 
36 

42 
49 
46 
30 
42 
41 
5 
46 
43 
44 
44 
42 
42 
42 
43 
40 
39 
41 
39 

50 

51 

25 
5 
5 



30 
28 
4 
6 
30 
29 



w 



980 
901 
939 



« 



984 
859 
961 
701 
799 
920 
162 
241 925 
25 951 
889 
943 
674 
900 
904 
925 
901 
818 
926 
933 



s 
a 
.£P 

'E 

tn 
S 

a 
P 



1211 

1151 

543 
140 
130 



747 
372 
125 

956 

884 

117 

31 

7(14 

99 

47 

720 

902 

987 

529 

834 

208 

161 

75 

69 

2 

27 

13 

83 

95 



291 



332 
204 
121 



192 
193 



247 
215 
220 
284 
240 



is 



-a -a 



13 

J5 



107 
71 



46 
12 
41 

374 

106 

159 

35 

102 

18 

333 

60 

27 

63 

74 

361 

7 

19 

11 

3 



11 



21 

3 

13 

32 



10 
6 

13 
3 
1 
7 

12 
5 
4 



339 

184 

98 

313 

285 

360 

68 

241 

201 

10 

343 

248 

236 

210 

220 

253 

196 

232 

171 

11 

64 

48 

166 

238 

15 
25 
19 



eg 
os 

7— u ' 

U'O o 

a c v. 

O eg t3 

to -a ■" 
3«3 

o „ o 

• *« a 
a * <s 

3 



125 



88 

63 

67 

2 

269 
18 



•a 

a t: 

s <2 
u -a 
§S 
a 
5? 



58 
60 
65 
96 
32 
25 
36 
31 
34 
1 
28 
22 

54 

169 



18 
13 
30 

62 

49 

70 

7 

51 

2 

329 

77 

119 

102 

199 

158 

4 

8 

11 



U 



22 



27 

26 



7 

29 

2 
6 



2123 
1319 
1116 



2656 

2081 

1338 

796 

1818 

1298 

218 

1951 

2044 

2101 

1679 

1998 

1153 

1123 

1043 

1013 

865 

993 

988 

1350 

1300 

573 
246 
206 



5i 

a 
_o 

«g 

3.S 

o 

2141 
1332 
114B 

2718 
2130 
1408 

803 
1869 
1300 

547 
2028 
2163 
2203 
1878 



2156 
1157 
1131 
1054 
1017 

865 
1015 

988 

1357 

1329 

575 
252 
20 6 



CHAPTER V. 



by weston a. goodspeed. 

City of Kendallville — Its Appearance Forty-Five Years Ago— Subse" 
quent Improvements — Merchants, Mechanics and other Business Men 
— The Original Plat — Incorporation— City Railroad Bonds— Council 
Proceedings— Education and Religion— Secret Societies. 

PREVIOUS to the year 1832, no white man had made the present site of 
Kendallville his home, but everything was just as it had been placed by 
the fashioning hand of the Creator. During the autumn of 1832, or perhaps 
the spring of 1833, a man named David Bundle, a tall, awkward specimen of 
the genus homo, who, like the immortal Lincoln, usually displayed about a 
yard of uncovered leg (at the lower extremity), appeared in the primitive for- 

* Not given in Adjutant General's reports. 



■ $& 



•::. * 




■m 
f 



,,: 'ftv. 





^^66 



KENDALLVILLE 



\ 



\ 



'h 



J* 






CITY OF KENDALLVILLE. 119 

ests of Kendallville, and erected a small round-log cabin, with the assistance 
(some say), of the Viewers appointed to establish the Fort Wayne and Lima 
road. The cabin was but little better than a wigwam, as it was very small, and 
the roof was made of bark, while the floor, which was lacking at first, save the 
one formed by nature, consisted of clapboards rudely rived from some suitable 
log. This building was located near where the present residence of Hiram 
Roberts stands. Travel had already begun along the Fort Wayne road, as 
settlers from Ohio or farther east first went to the land office at Fort Wayne, 
and afterward came north to settle upon the farms they had purchased. A 
settlement had been formed before 1833 in the northern part of La Grange 
County, and it was mainly through the petition of these people that the Legis- 
latui'e was induced to order the survey and establishment of the Lima road. 
Thus the road was traveled by a few teamsters when Bundle first built his 
cabin, and, with the prospect of getting a few extra shillings in view, a small 
unpretentious sign was hung out that entertainment could be obtained. In the 
fall of 1833, Mrs. Frances Dingman, whos,e husband had died at Fort Wayne 
while the family were in search of a home in the wilds of Indiana, appeared at 
Bundle's cabin, and, having purchased his right and title to the property for a 
pittance, moved with her family into the log cabin, where she continued the 
entertainment of the traveling public, while Mr. Bundle disappeared, and his 
fate is unknown to this day. It is not known whether Bundle owned the land 
or whether he was anything more than a squatter ; at least, he was easily in- 
duced to transfer his right in the cabin to Mrs. Dingman, who did own the 
land. This woman possessed considerable money, a will of her own, and a 
family of five or six children, several of whom had almost reached their majority. 
She employed some man to clear a few acres of land, and, in 1836, immediately 
after the erection of the Latta saw-mill, in Orange Township, she erected the 
first frame house in Kendallville, a small roughly constructed affair, which was 
built near the old log cabin. Mrs. Dingman found many hardships to contend 
with, and when at last, in about 1837, after a brief courtship, Truman Bearss 
asked her to become his wife, she consented, and the couple, happy in the en- 
joyment of genuine love, walked over to the Haw Patch to have the ceremony 
performed. They were bound together in Hymen's chains, and then started 
for home ; but gloom and darkness came on, and they were compelled to pass 
the night in the woods. A fire was built, and here the newly made man and 
wife sat staring at each other with loving eyes until morning, when they started 
early and succeeded in reaching home in time for a hearty wedding breakfast. 
In about the year 1835, George Ulmer located on what is known as Idding's 
Addition to Kendallville. William Mitchell, in the spring 1836, built a double 
log cabin near where his son now resides. Thomas Ford came soon afterward. 
Ezra T. Isbell, Henry Iddings and Daniel Bixler appeared in about 1836, all 
locating within what is now Kendallville ; but as they were scattered around a 
considerable distance apart, it was not yet dreamed in their philosophy that a 



120 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

thriving village was destined to spring up around them. Isbell was the first 
shoemaker in town. John Finch, a wagon-maker, located before 1840, where 
Dieble's warerooms now are ; and John Gipe erected a blacksmith-shop on the 
south side of the creek, on west Main street, about the same time. In 1840, 
there were living on the present site of Kendallville the families of Mrs. Ding- 
man (or rather of Mr. Bearss), William Mitchell, John Gipe, John Finch, 
George Ulmer, Ezra T. Isbell, Henry Iddings, Daniel Bixler, and possibly two 
or three others, representing a total population of about thirty-five or forty. 
Mr. Mitchell also entertained the public, though no sign was hung out. By 
1840, the settlement had assumed the appearance of an embryonic village. A 
short time before this, through the influence of Mr. Mitchell, who owned about 
five hundred acres of land and possessed considerable means, a post office was 
established at his cabin ; but, a few years later, it was removed to the residence 
of Hiram Iddings ; but, in about 1848, was re-established at the store of Samuel 
Minot, who had erected a small building (yet standing) on the old George 
• Ackley property, and had placed therein between $2,000 and $3,000 worth of 
a general assortment of goods a year or two before. The office took its name 
from Postmaster General Amos Kendall, and was known as Kendallville, and 
the village, as soon as it was laid out, was christened after the name of the 
post office. Kendallville did not grow to any noticeable extent between 1840 
and 1849. as perhaps not more than a dozen families lived within its limits. 
Lisbon, however, was at the summit of its prosperity. On the 1st of June, 
1849, William Mitchell secured the services of the county surveyor and laid 
out twenty lots on the west side of Main street. Mr. Minot had opened his 
store some three years before. He built an ashery and manufactured a con- 
siderable quantity of pearl-ash, which was conveyed by wagon to Fort Wayne. 
Minot also built a saw-mill, which soon had all it could do in furnishing lumber 
for the plank road. From 1849 to 1857 the population of Kendallville in- 
creased from about seventy-five to over three hundred, the most rapid growth oc- 
curring in 1852, at which time it became quite certain that the Southern Michi- 
gan & Northern Indiana Railroad was to pass through the village. After that 
the future prosperity of the village became insured. Merchants and artisans 
of all kinds appeared, and the hum of various industries filled the ear with 
sounds of improvement. In about 1849, Minot took as a partner Mr. Evans ; 
but, a few years later, the store was sold to Clark & Bronson. Israel Graden 
opened with a small stock of goods about 1848, but the next year sold to Minot 
& Evans. George Baker placed a small stock of groceries in the Graden 
building, but soon sold out to William Mitten. After the dissolution of Minot 
& Evans the latter continued the business with Mr. Parkman. Rood, Daniels 
& Co., started, in 1853, with dry goods and railroad supplies. A few years 
later Northam, Barber & Welch opened a store. Jacob Lessman appeared in 
about 1856, but sold to J. F. Corl, a short time afterward. A Hebrew part- 
nership (Loeb Brothers) began selling ready-made clothing in about 1856. 



CITY OF KENDALLVILLE. 121 

Peter Ringle bought out Evans in 1854. M. M. Bowen engaged in the mer- 
cantile pursuit not far from 1857. In about 1857, Mr. Welch bought his part- 
ners' interest, and soon afterward effected a partnership with G. W. Green- 
field. Haskins & Roller started about 1858. Jacobs & Brother ensasred in 
the mercantile business in 1862; and G. C. Glatte started up not far from 
1857. Thomas Brothers opened with a stock in 1859. Other merchants were 
engaged in business during these years, and since that time their name has 
been legion. 

In 1852, Samuel Minot built a large frame four-storied grist-mill, placing 
therein three run of stone. Four or five years later the mill was purchased by 
George F. Clark, who greatly increased its usefulness. He shipped by rail 
large quantities of excellent flour to different points. About the beginning of 
the last war, the property was transferred to parties from Toledo, and after it 
had been heavily insured, it was burned to the ground, and the insurance money 
was demanded and obtained. Damaging charges were made, but were never 
substantiated. F. & H. Tabor built the grist-mill now owned by Mr. Brill- 
hart, in the year 1857. The mill, which cost $6,000, was supplied with three 
run of stone, and in 1859 a saw-mill was attached to it. Mr. Tabor claims that 
this was the first circular saw-mill in Northeastern Indiana. At the end of" 
six years F. & H. Tabor disposed of their interest in the mills, but in 1861 
built another saw-mill and the following year a grist-mill. These mills cost 
over $7,000. The grist-mill has been re-built within the past two years. 
Thomas Evans, a cabinet-maker, appeared about 1852. Luke Diggins opened 
the first hotel of consequence not far from 1848. Four years later Jesse Kime 
built the old Kelley House. Diggins' House was known as the " Calico 
House," from the Dolly Varden style in which it was painted. The first fol- 
lower of Esculapius was Dr. Cissel, who appeared in 1850. James Hoxby 
was the first attorney, although there were several pettifoggers before him. 
John M. Sticht began manufacturing buggies, phaetons, wagons, etc., in 1868. 
The business is now under the management of his son, H. J. Sticht, E. J. 
White and F. J. Westfall. Isaac R. Ayers is also engaged extensively in the 
same calling. The different establishments of the city in this line manufacture 
some fifty vehicles per annum. Reed, Hamilton and Gallup are at present 
manufacturing 30,000 snow shovels and handles of all kinds per year, employ- 
ing from seven to twelve hands. Lucius N. Reed, since 1869, has been con- 
ducting a planing-mill ; sash, door and blind factory ; a general hardware store 
of materials needed in buildings ; a large lumber yard, and is doing an annual 
business of over $12,000. He keeps from 300,000 to 500,000 feet of lumber 
on hand, and employs in the various departments of his occupation some fif- 
teen men. He has become a building contractor to the extent of about $6,000 
per year. In about the year 1856, Williams & McComskey opened a small 
foundry, and began manufacturing various domestic articles and implements 
and a few plows. Within two or three years, they sold their establishment to 



122 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

Hildreth & Burgess, who greatly increased the scope of the business in all 
departments. After a few years, Burgess died, and Hildreth continued the 
occupation for some time alone. Several changes were made, until at last, 
about the time of the last war, Flint, Walling & Go. assumed ownership and 
management, and have continued thus since. They have steadily increased in 
the business, omitting some branches, and taking up within the last few years 
the manufacture of wind-pumps, of which they send out large numbers, the 
demand being greater than the supply. They are at present manufacturing 
their own patent, although they did not at first. This is one of the most 
important industries in the city. J. H. Hastings was the first carriage-maker 
in town, coming in 1861. He is doing an annual business of $8,000. The 
Masons instituted a lodge about twenty years ago, and have steadily increased 
in numbers and influence since. The Odd Fellows, in October, 1868, started 
with eight charter members ; they now have sixty-eight. The Good Templars 
started up during the war, and have since died out several times, but, like the 
Felis domestiece, they seem possessed of nine lives, and soon come to time 
again. The Knights of Honor organized a chapter about two years ago, and 
are doing well. All trades and professions are now represented in the city. 
These have one by one appeared, as Kendallville has grown from obscurity to 
one of the most prosperous cities of the size (about twenty- five hundred) in 
Northern Indiana. 

At the June session of the County Commissioners in 1863, they were 
presented with a petition, signed by a majority of the tax-payers of Kendall- 
ville, praying that the village might be made an incorporated town. After a 
due hearing of all the facts in the case, the Commissioners granted the prayer. 
The "Incorporated Town of Kendallville" immediately began to assume airs 
of the most killing kind. Street lamps must be had. Town ordinances were 
adopted by the Board of Trustees, and executed with infinite eclat by officers 
duly empowered to see that the laws were speedily and effectively executed. 
The citizens proudly raised their heads a degree higher, looked sagely down 
their noses and thought unutterable things. Sidewalks were built, stagnant 
spots drained by effective sewers, estray animals were provided with suitable 
accommodations, and aristocratic circles were created, from which the impolite 
and the "unculchahed " were unceremoniously tabooed. 

On the 6th day of October, 1866, pursuant to a notice of the Board of 
Trustees, and in accordance with the requirements of the law, an election was 
held, resulting as follows : Tim Baker, Mayor of the incorporated Oity of Ken- 
dallville ; A. A. Chapin, Clerk; D. S. Welch, Treasurer; James Van Ness, 
Marshal ; George Sayles, Street Commissioner ; A. B. Park and John Emer- 
son, Councilmen, First Ward ; K. B. Miller and Moses Jacobs, Councilmen, 
Second Ward ; James Colegrove and George Aichele, Councilmen, Third Ward. 
A stringent code of city ordinances was slowly adopted by the Council to meet 
the requirements of good health, good morals and general prosperity and com- 



CITY OF KENDALLVILLE. 123 

fort. The first meeting of the new city government was held on the 12th of 
October, 1866, at which time the necessary committees were appointed. A few 
years before this, a fire company had been organized, and some time after this 
they were provided with new apparatus, and a hook and ladder company was 
organized. The first movement looking to the erection of street lamps was 
made in November, 1870, when it was decided by the Council to purchase fif- 
teen of such lamps at $15 each. This resolution was not fully carried into ef- 
fect. Many other things in the same strain might be said of the city. 

On the 6th of January, 1858, Mitchell k Hitchcock (William Mitchell 
and Henry H. Hitchcock) began a private banking business in Kendall ville, 
and continued until December 31, 1861, at which time the firm was dissolved, 
Hitchcock going out, the business being resumed by William Mitchell & Son 
(William Mitchell, John Mitchell and Charles S. Mitchell), continuing thus 
from January 1, 1862, to June 11, 1863. On the 12th of June the busi- 
ness was merged into the First National Bank of Kendallville, William Mitch- 
ell being elected President, and Charles S. Mitchell, Cashier. The first Board 
of Directors were William Mitchell, John Mitchell, Charles S. Mitchell, Will- 
iam M. Clapp, of Albion, and William W. Maltby, of Ligonier. The first 
stockholders were the above, with the addition of Mrs. M. C. Dawson, of Ken- 
dallville. William Mitchell and Charles S. Mitchell acted as President and 
Cashier until their respective deaths in September, 1865, and September, 1866. 
Since the death of William Mitchell, his son John Mitchell has been President 
of the bank. John A. Mitchell was Cashier from September, 1866, to January 
10th, 1871, at which date Emanuel H. Shulz succeeded him. Mr. Shulz died 
in November, 1878. Jacob G. Waltman became Cashier on the 14th of Janu- 
ary, 1879, and has held the position since. The bank is doing a good busi- 
ness, and enjoys the entire confidence of the community. 

Kendallville has been visited by several disastrous conflagrations, the 
aggregate loss amounting to about $60,000, not including numerous private 
dwellings. Among the principal losses, have been the foundry of Hildreth & 
Co., Iddings & Brown's stave factory, the Burnam House, the schoolhouse, a 
block of five buildings on Main street south of William street (net loss, 
$6,000), a block of eight business buildings on Main street north of Williams 
street (net loss, $16,000), a block of five business rooms on Main street south 
of Mitchell street (net loss, $7,000), the tannery of Draggoo & Oviatt, the 
Air Line House, many private dwellings, some being elegant and costly. These 
are the principal fires, running over a period of some twenty-five years. 

Kendallville lies upon the bank of a beautiful lake. This sheet of water 
(named Bixler Lake, for an old settler) might be rendered much more attractive 
by the construction of an artificial beach of gravel on the side adjoining the 
town. This could be done at little expense, and would transform Kendallville 
into a celebrated watering place. In about 1866, a small steamboat, named 
the "Flying Dutchman," and capable of carrying about fifty passengers, was 



124 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

placed upon the lake by Mr. Lorenzo Ellenwood, at a total cost of several 
thousand dollars. It was purchased in Toledo, and after being used about two 
years was transferred to some lake in Southern Michigan, or perhaps to a river 
there. Mr. Ellenwood conducted a restaurant, entertaining pleasure seekers 
and others. He also dealt in ice ; but these enterprises were losses financially. 
When the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad Company were projecting 
their road through the county, citizens along the line were asked to take stock 
therein. Many did this in and around Kendallville, and finally the city gov- 
ernment issued its bonds for $83,000 to the railroad company, and received in 
return stock in the company to the same amount. Some time afterward, it 
became apparent, from the depreciation in the value of the stock, among other 
things, that large tracts of valuable timber land in Northern Michigan, in 
which every dollar's worth of stock had an interest, had been disposed of in 
such a manner as to deprive the stockholders of any interest therein. This led 
the city to refuse to pay its bonds at the par value of the stock, although it was 
not the design to repudiate the debt. A more detailed account of the whole 
proceeding is as follows: 

Whereas, A majority of the resident freeholders of the city of Kendallville have peti- 
tioned the Common Council of said city to subscribe for and take $83,000 capital stock in the 
Grand Rapids & Indiana R.ailroad, for and on behalf of said city, and to make and issue bonds 
of the city in payment thereof; and whereas, it further appears, that the railroad as proposed 
to be constructed, will run into and pass through said city; therefore, 

Be it resolved by the Common Council of the City of Kendallville, That said city will subscribe 
for and take f 83,000 capital stock in aid of the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad, and that 
bonds of said city shall be issued in payment therefor, as follows: Eighty-three corporate coupon 
bonds of $1,000 each, signed by the Mayor and attested by the Clerk of said city, and payable 
twenty years from the 15th day of May, 1867, with interest at the rate of six per centum per 
annum, payable annually on the 1st day of May of each year (both principal and interest) at 
the office of the Treasurer of said city; that said bonds shall be delivered to the proper oflicer 
of said Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad Company only on condition — First, that the company 
issue to the city of Kendallville, in lieu thereof, certificates for capital stock of said company to 
the amount of $83,000; second, that sufficient guaranty be given to said city by the President of 
said railroad company that all moneys arising from the sale of said bonds shall be expended upon 
that part of said road lying between the Allen County line, in the State of Indiana, and the city 
of Kendallville; that the Committee upon Ordinances prepare and report an ordinance to carry 
into effect these resolutions. 

At a meeting of the City Council on the 10th of June, 1867, that portion 
of the above resolution requiring the President of the railroad company to guar- 
antee that all money arising from the sale of city bonds should be expended upon 
that portion of the road lying between the Allen County line and Kendallville 
was unanimously "rescinded and repealed." It was further ordained, at this 
session, that so much of the above resolution as referred to subscribing and 
taking $83,000 stock in the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad, and to issuing 
city bonds in payment therefor, "be and the same is hereby repealed." This 
was accomplished by a unanimous vote. Immediately afterward, the following 
resolution was offered : 






@§» 




KENDALLVILLE 



CITY OF KENDALLVILLE. 127 

Be it resolved by the Common Council of the City of Kendallville, That whereas, the Grand 
Rapids & Indiana Railroad Company has prepared a proper certificate for capital stock in said 
company to the amount of 830 shares of $100 each, and by its President, Joseph K. Edgerton, 
has also executed a written guarantee that the proceeds of the bonds ordered to be executed by 
said city by special ordinance adopted May 8, 1867, shall be applied in the construction of said 
railroad between Fort Wayne and Kendallville, and not elsewhere, and the said company having 
consented also to deliver to the said city the private obligations or subscriptions to the capital 
stock of said company made by the citizens of Kendallville during the year 1866 ; Now, there- 
fore, the Treasurer of said city is directed to receive from said Joseph K. Edgerton the certifi- 
cates of stock as aforesaid and the written guarantee and the private obligations or subscriptions 
aforesaid, and in payment therefor to deliver to said Edgerton the bonds executed by virtue of 
the special ordinance aforesaid, being eighty-three corporate coupon bonds of $1,000 each ; and 
the said City Treasurer is further directed, upon application, to deliver said private obligations 
to the several citizens of the city who executed the same and who now reside in said city. 

This resolution remained pending until the next session of the Council, 
when it was voted upon and passed without a dissenting voice. On motion, 
Mr. Edgerton was appointed to cast the vote of the city at the annual meeting 
of the stockholders to be held at Sturgis, Mich., on the third Wednesday in 
July, 1867. He was also instructed to vote for Robert Dykes, as Director of 
the company from Kendallville. In July, 1869, some misgivings having 
arisen in the breasts of the citizens of Kendallville regarding the good faith of 
the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad Company as to the fulfillment of its 
promises and obligations, and the proper disposal or application of the city's 
subscription, the President of the company was informed that the city would 
not pay its obligations — would repudiate the payment of its bonds, unless some 
further assurance was received that the stock subscribed would be properly 
expended, and that, too, without any unnecessary delay. Whether such assur- 
ance was received is not known ; at all events, matters went on until it was 
learned that the Grand Rapids Company had in some manner transferred its 
interest in the road to the " Continental Improvement Company," and that the 
stock in the road held by the city of Kendallville was either worthless, or 
nearly so, from the probable fact that the extensive pine timber lands in Michi- 
gan, owned by the company, to which all such stock had a claim, had been dis- 
posed of in a manner to defraud the stockholders of any interest therein, 
whereupon one hundred and fourteen citizens of Kendallville petitioned the 
City Council, asking that the Continental Improvement Company be required 
to furnish the city with $83,000 of stock, or upon failure to do so, such citizens 
would refuse to pay the principal of their bonds, the interest, or any part 
thereof. The petition was ordered on file, and the Mayor was instructed to 
employ Morris k Worden, attorneys of Fort Wayne, to ascertain the true con- 
dition of affairs, and whether the city of Kendallville was liable for the pay- 
ment of the $83,000 stock subscribed. This last resolution, however, was soon 
rescinded, and the Council employed L. E. Goodwin to ascertain the extent of 
the legal liability of the city for the bonds given to the railroad company. As 
time passed, it became more apparent to the citizens that they had been out- 
flanked when they gave their bonds to the railroad company, and a bitter oppo- 

GG 



128 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

sition to the payment of .the subscription was freely expressed everywhere. At 
last a petition with sixty-eight names was presented to the Council, asking that 
an agent he appointed to see whether the bonds of the city in the possession of 
the railroad company could be negotiated at some satisfactory rate, in view of 
the existing hard times and burdensome taxation ; but at the next meeting 
another petition, asking that action on the above petition be deferred until after 
the election of the city officers for the ensuing year, was presented with 142 
names. At the next session the Council resolved to appoint a committee of 
three citizens to confer with the holders of the city's bonds, as to the best terms 
such bonds could be negotiated. A conference between the committee and Mr. 
Edgerton, of the Grand Rapids road, and G. W. Cass, of the Continental Im- 
provement Company, was held, and arrangements were made by which the bonds 
were to be purchased by the city, and, in lieu thereof, the stock held by the city 
was to be transferred to the holders of the bonds ; but as this was not followed 
by the proper action on the part of the bondholders, it was resolved by the 
City Council that the Treasurer be instructed to pay no more coupons on the 
bonds until further orders. This action brought from Mr. Cass the proposition 
to exchange $40,000 of the bonds of the city with the overdue coupons attached 
for $80,000 of the stock in the Grand Rapids Railroad, and also an agreement 
to discount 25 per cent on the remaining debt, if the same be paid in one and 
two years. After long debate through several successive meetings the Council 
finally rejected the offer of Mr. Cass, but agreed to exchange $20,000, and the 
stock in the city's possession, for the $83,000 in bonds held by the Continental 
Company ; the $20,000 to be payable in three years in equal annual payments. 
Mr. Cass, by letter, refused to accept this proposition, and further debate was 
indulged in by the City Council regarding the best means of adjusting the dif- 
ference. A committee of three was appointed to go to Sturgis, Mich., and 
confer with Mr. Cass and secure the best terms possible, the committee being 
Messrs. Ringle, Cain & Orviatt. These men could secure no better terms, and 
accordingly a mass meeting of the citizens of the city was called to be had on 
the 2d of August, 1870, at which time an almost unanimous opinion was 
expressed not to accept the proposition of Mr. Cass ; but in the face of this 
feeling the City Council by a vote of three to two accepted the proposal. Any 
further action, however, was postponed until a petition, signed by 238 qualified 
voters of the city, and asking that the resolution of the Council be rescinded, 
was presented, when the prayer of the petitioners was granted. The payment 
of the coupons on the bonds was refused, and after threatening suit against the 
City Treasurer for the collection of the same, the railroad President was con- 
fronted by a resolution from the Council supporting the Treasurer in his refusal 
to pay the overdue interest. After numerous propositions from both sides for 
a settlement without success, suit was finally begun in the United States Cir- 
cuit Court at Indianapolis, by J. T. Davis, for the collection of overdue interest 
on the city's bonds. While this was pending, further efforts were made to 



CITY OF KENDALLVILLE. 129 

adjust the trouble. The city received a proposition from certain attorneys of 
Fort Wayne to the effect that, if $15,000 would be guaranteed them, they 
would clear the city of its bond indebtedness. This proposition was accepted, 
and suit was begun. Various other complications arose, until at last in January, 
1874, the following contract was entered into between the city and Mr. Cass, 
representing the Continental Improvement Company : 

The said city shall assign and deliver to the said Continental Improvement Company the 
certificates for 830 shares of the stock in the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad, now held by 
said city. Second, The said city shall pay the said Continental Improvement Company $25,000 
in ten (10) equal annual payments with interest payable annually on the whole; the first pay- 
ment to be made on the 1st of October, 1874, and the remaining payments on the 1st of October 
annually, thereafter, until all shall be paid, and the interest shall be computed on the $25 000 
from the 1st day of October, 1874. Third, The cause now pending against said company in the 
Allen Circuit Court to be withdrawn, and all suits against said company, in which said city is 
interested, either directly or indirectly, to be dismissed immediately by said city. Fourth The 
said Continental Improvement Company agrees to accept from said city each of the above 
installments ($2,500) and interest as above stated, as it becomes due, and at the same time sur- 
renders to said city $10,000 of said bonds or coupons now held by said company, and when said 
city shall have paid the whole $25,000. and interest at the time, and in the manner above prom- 
ised by said city, and shall have performed all the other stipulations herein agreed to be per- 
formed by said city, then the Continental Improvement Company will, without further payment, 
deliver to said city the remainder of said bonds and coupons. 

This contract has been faithfully carried into effect, until at the present 
writing only about $6,000 remains unpaid. The above facts have been dwelled 
upon, as the subject was one which for several years affected the financial wel- 
fare of every tax- payer within the corporate limits of the city. The writer 
may have made some mistakes above, as the facts in the case were extremely 
hard to get. If so, the forbearance of the reader is asked. "You know how 
it is yourself." 

Kendallville children first went to school about a mile and a half north- 
west to the old log schoolhouse on the Sawyer farm. School was taught there 
prior to 1840. Soon after this house had been built, another was erected 
between the residences of Ryland Reed and Hiram Iddings, and as this was 
nearer than the other house, the scholars were sent to it. Cynthia Parker and 
Miss Wallingford were early teachers at the Iddings Schoolhouse. In about 
the year 1817, a log school building was erected on the line between Allen and 
Wayne Townships, about forty rods west of the Fort Wayne road. Here the 
village children assembled to receive instruction. No schoolhouse was con- 
structed in Kendallville proper until 1858. For several years previous to 
that date, however, select schools had been taught by competent instructors in 
vacant rooms here and there in town ; but this was found to be unsatisfactory, 
and, accordingly, in 1858, a three-storied frame school building, about 30x60 
feet, was erected on the site of the present school structure, at a cost of about 
$3,500. The two lower stories were devoted to the use of class recitations, 
while the third story was used as a hall in which to hold public exhibitions 
lectures, etc. From one hundred and eighty to two hundred scholars were in 



130 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

attendance from the beginning. Dr. Riley, an accomplished scholar and an 
efficient instructor and organizer, was employed and taught two years, when he 
was succeeded by Mr. W. W. Dowling, who likewise taught two years. During 
the winter of 1863-64, which was very cold, the Government troops encamped 
at the town suffered so much that the Colonel ordered the evacuation of the 
schoolhouse by teachers and pupils, and transformed it into a hospital for the 
sick of his command. Small-pox broke out among the men at the " hospital," 
but, luckily, it was prevented from spreading. After this, talk was freely 
indulged in by parents of scholars that the schoolhouse could not be used longer 
as such, owing to the liability of the children's catching the small-pox. A 
secret attempt was made, during the summer of 1861, to burn the house, but 
without success, although, late in the fall, the attempt was repeated, resulting 
in the destruction of the building. School was then taught in the basement of 
the Baptist, Disciple and Presbyterian Churches, and in public halls in the 
town, until the present fine (brick) school structure was erected at a total cost, 
including finishing, bell, desks, apparatus, etc., of nearly $40,000. The house 
is 61x81 feet, is two stories in height, has ten regular school rooms, and sev- 
eral others which could be made such if necessary. It is one of the finest 
school structures in Northern Indiana. It was built by means of city bonds, 
which were issued and sold, but which after a time depreciated considerably in 
value, owing to several reasons, one being the hard times at the close of the 
war, and another the heavy taxation for the payment of railroad bonds. Money 
was hard to obtain, and it is said that while the city was kicking like Balaam's 
donkey against the payment of the railroad bonded debt, the schoolhouse bonds 
were sold at a discount as soon as they were issued — were thrown upon a dull 
market and sold at a discount. The building was begun with money (about 
$7,000), raised by subscription, and with the personal liability (about $6,000), 
of James Colegrove, James B. Kimball and Freeman Tabor. These amounts 
were afterward covered by city bonds. The bonds were paid by installments, 
and were issued in the same manner, the most at any time being $1,500, due 
in one year ; $1,500, due in two years ; $2,000, in three years ; $5,000, in six 
years ; $5,000, in nine years ; and $5,000, in twelve years ; the first three install- 
ments drawing interest at 6 per cent per annum, and the last three at 10 per 
cent per annum. This issue of bonds was made in March, 1867. The school, 
house debt has been liquidated. Within the last few years, a high school has 
been created, and now young men and women, with thoughtful faces, pass out 
into the world, with " sheepskins " of the Kendall ville High School. The present 
enumeration of school children in the city is about 1,100. 

The Methodists had an imperfect organization in the vicinity of Kendall- 
ville as early as 1840, and first assembled in a large barn belonging to William 
Mitchell. Three or four families belonged, and when the barn was burned 
down by an incensed blackleg, meetings were held in the neighboring log school- 
houses. The Baptists had an early organization at the Sawyer Schoolhouse, 









/ 

KENDALLVILLE 



CITY OF KENDALLVILLE. 133 

and the Presbyterians started up about the same time. Circuit ministers of 
these denominations visited the neighborhood for a number of years ; but, as 
these societies died out before Kendallville began its rapid growth in about 
1851, the present organizations in the city cannot properly be called a contin- 
uation of the old ones. The following denominations have churches in the 
city : Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist, German Lutheran, German Metho- 
odist, Disciple, Albright and Catholic. The Protestant Methodists were repre- 
sented for a time, but the society was disbanded a number of years ago. The 
Baptists built the first church in town, the building being now occupied by 
Catholics. The house, a frame structure, was erected in 1856, and ten years 
later was transferred to the Catholics for $2,500. They have owned it since. 
The Baptist Church was used by several denominations, which had contributed 
means for its erection. A few years later, the Methodists built a frame church, 
which, after being used a few years, was destroyed by fire. After the Baptists 
sold their church, they soon bought that belonging to the Protestant Methodists. 
This they still occupy. The Disciple Church was first started at Lisbon ; but 
before it was completed it was taken down, and the material was conveyed to 
Kendallville, where it was used in building the present church. The Albright 
Church was built at the close of the war. The Presbyterian society was first 
organized in May, 1848, by Rev. J. T. Bliss, of the Fort Wayne Presbytery. 
Four members constituted the original membership, as follows : Joseph Gruey, 
Mrs. Elizabeth Gruey, John Cospar, and Mrs. Mary Cospar. Mr. Gruey was 
the first Ruling Elder. At the first meeting, Mr. and Mrs. John Kerr were re- 
ceived by letter. The Methodists and Baptists also had organizations many 
years before their churches were erected. The Presbyterian Church was erect- 
ed in 1863, and the Methodist ten years later. These two and the German 
Lutheran are large, costly, brick edifices, tastefully and handsomely finished, 
and are a credit to the city. x\ll the others are frame buildings. William 
Mitchell, one of the most prominent and charitable men ever residing in the 
city, gave each religious society (eight in all) a lot upon which to build its 
church. He also gave the fine large lot upon which the High School building 
now stands. The old Baptist Church was an important building. Prior to 
1863 the Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, and possibly other societies, met 
there alternately to worship, and the old house was almost constantly filled with 
one unending song of praise and thanksgiving. Before its erection, and subse- 
quent to the year 1852, meetings were held in various vacant rooms and halls ; but 
all this inconvenience is now gone, and the sweet-toned bells calling Christians to 
worship are heard from many quarters. *The Lutheran St. John's congrega- 
tion was organized in 1856, and was first served by Rev. Schumann, holding 
its first meetings in private houses. Among the first members were John Eich- 
elberg, George Aichele, Julius Kratzer, and later A. Wickmans, John Ort- 
stadt, Oscar Rossbacher, John Krueger, Julius Lang and F. Oesterheld and 

♦Prepared by Bev. George M. Schumns. 



134 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

others. In 1860, the first (frame) building was erected, which was afterward 
enlarged. In 1865, Rev. A. Wuesteman was called to take charge of the con- 
gregation, which continued to grow by the advent of German Lutherans. In 
1871, Rev. Ph. Fleishmann succeeded Rev. Wuesteman, and by this time it was 
found that the congregation had outgrown the capacity of the old church. Ac- 
cordingly, in 1873, a new brick edifice valued at $10,000 was erected. The old 
building was made use of as a school-room. Connected with the congregation 
is a private school, at present under the management of Mr. F. Gose. The 
enumeration is about 100. At the death of Rev. Fleishmann in 1879, the 
present pastor, Rev. George M. Schumns, was given charge of the congrega- 
tion. There is a present membership of 75 voting members, besides others. 
Since the origin of the society, 454 persons have been baptized, 228 confirmed, 
and 207 deaths have occurred. 



CHAPTER VI. 

by weston a. goodspeed. 
Wayne Township— Reflections of an Old Settler— Long List of Pioneers 
—Life in the Forest— Wolves Versus Domestic Animals— Mr. Gra- 
den's Adventure— The Old Sawyer Saw-Mill— Earlt Taverns and 
Drinking Customs— Rollings and Raisings— The First Schoolhouse 
and Teacher— The First Religious Society and the First Church 
Erected. 

THE common experience of old age is an earnest wish to live over again 
the life that is swiftly drawing to a close. How many mistakes have been 
made ! how many hours have been unprofitably spent ! how blind to good 
advice and influence ! The stealthy and inevitable approach of death baffles 
the desire for a renewal of youth, and fills the heart with bitter remorse at the 
thought of what might have been. Youth is always bright with hope and 
expectancy ; but, as the years glide by, the scales fall from the eyes, and the 
sorrowful experiences of earth trace wrinkles of care upon the brow, and bend 
the once stalwart form toward the grave. No rocking vessel on life's great sea 
can escape the angry rain that dances upon it, or avoid the bitter winds that 

check its course. 

" Sweet are the uses of adversity, 

Which, like a toad, ugly and venomous, 
Wears yet, a precious jewel in its head." 

Let us learn from the wretched experience of others — learn from the lives that 
have gone down amid the gales of sorrow that encompass the earth, to shun the 
shoals and quicksands that beset our course, that the sunset of life may be 
gilded with the gold of eternal joy. 

The first log cabin erected in Wayne Township was built on the present 
site of Kendallville in 1832, but at what time of the year is uncertain. In 
fact, the first two or three settlers in Wayne located at Kendallville. As, 



WAYNE TOWNSHIP. 135 

however, the history of that city is fully given in another chapter, its 
further consideration at this time is postponed. In 1844, the following men 
resided in the township on land of their own, as shown by the tax duplicates 
at the county seat : Lewman Andrews, Joseph Axtell, Daniel Axtell, John 
Bullenbaugh, Jason Bosford, Daniel Bixler, Nicholas Bixler, George F. Boden- 
heifer, Ludwig Brown, John Cosper, Reuben Chamberlain, Elias Cosper, John 
A. Forker, S- W. Gallop, Joseph Graden, Henry Grubb, Erastus Harlow, 
Richard Horsely, George Kimmel, J. W. Leonard, William Mitchell, Samuel 
Lehman, Daniel Longfellow, Christian Long, D. L. Numan, H. G. Rossen, 
S. B. Sherman, Stephen Sawyer, Mrs. William Sawyer, Jacob Spurbeck, 
Isaac Swarthouse, William Selders, Samuel Trowbridge, D. D. Trowbridge, 
Ansel Tryon, Hester Taylor, Thomas B. Weston, John B. Woodruff, Albin 
Curtis, Henry Deam, Michael Deam and Charles Fike. 

Perhaps the very earliest among this catalogue were Nicholas and Daniel 
Bixler, Reuben Chamberlain, John Cosper, William and Stephen Sawyer, John 
A. Forker, Henry Grubb, John Brundage, George L. Kimmel, and others. 
Many of the earliest settlers in the township left before 1844, so that their 
names do not appear above ; and, unfortunately, they cannot be given, as their 
faces and names have faded from the memory of the old settlers yet living in 
the township. The year 1836 is remembered all over the county as the time 
when the first great rush was made for farms therein. Settlers were generally 
averse to going into counties for the purpose of permanent settlement until 
after the first organization had been perfected. That, being accomplished, was 
regarded as sufficient evidence that, although the county might be new and 
wild yet, still primitive homes had been begun, and that rude specimens of 
human habitation — the log cabin — had been reared. Besides this, land was 
quite cheap, and a comfortable home could be secured with a little money and 
a great deal of patience, hard work and endurance. Accordingly, as above 
stated, large numbers of immigrants appeared in the county in 1836, and from 
that time forward rapid growth and improvement ruled the hour. Prior to 
1836 not more than six or eight families were living, or had lived, in Wayne 
Township, and some of these were as follows : David Bundle, the first settler 
in the township ; Mrs. Frances Dingman, widow of James Dingman, and her 
family ; Daniel and Nicholas Bixler ; Thomas Ford ; Truman Bearss, who, a 
few years later, became the husband of Mrs. Dingman ; Luke Diggins ; Mr. 
Martin, and perhaps one or two others. Among those who came in 1836 were 
Samuel Comstock, John Brundage, Joseph Graden, Henry Iddings, John Saw- 
yer, who soon afterward died of a fever, and perhaps others, some of whose 
names appear above. Early life in the Wayne woods was, in general, very 
similar to that in other townships, and many descriptions will be found in this 
volume, pointing out the various pleasures and hardships incident to a sojourn 
in the wilderness. John Sawyer was a native of Knox County, Ohio, and up- 
on his arrival entered several hundred acres a mile or two northwest of Ken- 



136 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

dallville, where he made his home and lived until 1837, when he died. He 
was the first blacksmith in the township. On this farm was an Indian grave- 
yard, where a few of that unregenerate race were buried, to await, probably, 
the resurrection, which occurred much sooner than had been intended, as the 
crumbling skeletons were carelessly thrown out by the curious, and left to min- 
gle with the surface soil. Many wild animals were yet abundant, though the 
larger and fiercer, such as bears, had disappeared, save an occasional straggler. 
Deer were every-day sights, and were often shot by men who were probably not 
descended from Nimrod. They frequently came into the clearings to feed on 
the green wheat and other luxuriant vegetation. Many were shot from win- 
dows and doors. Jackson Iddings tells that, upon one occasion while hunting 
in the woods, he shot a buck which dropped to the ground ; but, as he ap- 
proached to cut its throat, it leaped to its feet, and with bristles erect along its 
spine and head lowered for the conflict, made a dash at the hunter, but for a 
time it was eluded by briskly dodging behind trees, until its strength had con- 
siderably failed on account of the wound, when it was suddenly attacked by 
the settler, and dispatched by a few strokes of the knife. Mr. Iddings also 
says that in one day he found seven bee trees, from which were taken about 
thirty gallons of the finest honey, a portion being candied. Bees came from 
their hive during warm days in the winter, and, dying of cold, would fall on 
the snow, leaving a bright yellow stain, by which their hives were discovered. 
A dish of fine wild honey was a common sight in the dining room (if there was 
such an apartment) of the old settlers. William Tryon tells of killing a bad- 
ger under the following circumstances : The opening in the earth leading to 
its nest having been discovered, Mr. Tryon and several others began the work 
of digging it out, but as fast as they dug the animal also dug, keeping away 
from them ; finally, after a deep excavation had been made without success, five 
or six strong steel traps were set in the opening, and the next morning the 
hole, when approached, was found nearly full of dirt ; a portion of this was 
thrown out, and in one of the traps was the badger ; it was taken alive to the 
house, but died in a few days. It is related that Joseph Graden, having lost 
his cows, went in a southerly direction in search of them, taking with him his 
little boy some eight years old ; not finding them as expected, he traveled on, 
and ere he was aware darkness had come, when he was on the bank of Cedar 
Creek, several miles from home ; the night was cloudy and very dark, and the 
cold wind swept through the branches of the trees, and the weird rustling of 
dead leaves and the wild creakings of gnarled limbs aroused the apprehensions 
of the belated settler ; to add to the unpleasant situation, wolves began to howl 
in the dark forest near them ; a fire was immediately kindled, and a supply of 
fuel gathered, and the settler holding his little boy closely by his side sat down 
with the fire at his front and a large half-hollow oak at his back, and thus re- 
mained until morning ; the wolves came close to the fire during the night, 
snapping and snarling, yet did not venture an attack, but sneaked off" into the 




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WAYNE TOWNSHIP. 139 

forest as the dawn appeared. John Longyear, who settled in the township in 
1844, says that the wolves, one night in harvest, attacked a flock of ten sheep 
belonging to him, and when morning dawned nine of them were found lying 
stiff and stark upon the ground with their throats cut. Many incidents of a 
similar character are narrated, but these will suffice to illustrate the dangers to 
be met by backwoodsmen in Noble County. 

The first birth in the township was that of a son of Mr. Bixler, and occurred 
early in the year 1836. The child lived but a few weeks, and its death was the 
first. One of the first marriages was that of Mrs. Dingman to Mr. Bearss. 
They went over to the Haw Patch to have the ceremony performed, and becom- 
ing belated on their return spent the night in the woods. William Selder was 
conducting a tannery on Section 22, as early as 1845. This was continued 
probably about five years, and the small quantity of leather manufactured was 
sold in surrounding towns, or to the settlers, who took it to their homes, where 
, it was made into boots or shoes for the family by journeymen cobblers. It 
must be remembered that ready-made clothing and wearing apparel of all kinds 
were not kept for sale in stores as they are nowadays. Cloth or leather was 
purchased at certain seasons of the year in quantity sufficient to supply the 
whole family, and then either a journeyman cobbler or tailor was employed to 
make the goods up, or the services of the wife and mother were called into 
requisition to furnish the clothing, and those of the husband and father to fur- 
nish boots and shoes. The parents often acquired great dexterity by long 
practice in these particulars. The journeyman would travel around from 
house to house, remaining sometimes more than a week at the same place. 
Whisky was used at all the rollings and raisings, as no man pretended to work 
on such occasions without frequent potations from the bottle. On one occasion 
Mr. Longyear announced a rolling-bee, and, when the men assembled and began 
work, it was discovered, amid considerable comment, that no whisky had been 
furnished. One of the men asked Mr. Longyear : " Have you no whisky ? " 
and was answered, " No." " Why not ? " "I have no money " (a prevarica- 
tion, as Mr. Longyear did not want to furnish whisky). " Well, I have 
money," said the man, reaching his hand in his pocket and taking out a half 
dollar. "Take this and get us a gallon of whisky." Whereupon a messenger 
was dispatched for a gallon of the drink which inebriates, and when it came 
the men made themselves both full and happy. Some became too full (fool) 
for utterance, and sought the shade to sleep off their blissful spirits. The 
whisky was obtained at the tavern of Luke Diggins, on the Fort Wayne road, 
and was at that time 50 cents per gallon. At a rolling or raising on the farm 
of Mr. Childs, the whisky was drunk from a wash-dish, and is said to have 
tasted as well as usual. Various drinking vessels were at first used, and when, 
finally, a jug was brought into the neighborhood, it was immediately and with 
due ceremony dedicated to the service of imbibers at the rollings and raisings, 
and after that was always present, traveling the circuit of the neighborhood, 



140 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

but, unlike the men who assembled to work, was generally empty, a deplorable 
condition of affairs truly. Mr. Longyear says that by actual count he 
assisted at sixty rollings and raisings in one year. 

The old Sawyer Saw-Mill was built in the southwestern part in about the 
year 1840, being located on the Elkhart River at a place where a dam was 
easily secured, and where a fair water-power was warranted. The writer could 
not learn with certainty who erected this mill, but it must have been by either 
Stephen Sawyer or Joseph Graden. Graden was a carpenter, and probably did 
the work of construction, even though the other man owned the property, That 
is probably the true fact in the case. Stephen Sawyer operated it very early, 
and was afterward succeeded by numerous owners, among whom were Solomon 
Sherman, Daniel Bixler and John Forker. The mill remained in operation 
about twenty years, and at times was well patronized. The next saw-mill was 
built at Kendallville, to supply the old plank-road with lumber. No grist-mill 
has been built in Wayne Township outside of Kendallville. The old plank- 
road was extensively traveled in early years, especially after the enactment of 
the Fugitive Slave Law, by colored fugitives from the Southern States on their 
way to Canada. They were assisted on their way by S. Whitford, John 
Longyear, old man Waterhouse, and several others along the road. 
Father Waterhouse was constantly engaged in the business, and it must be 
remembered that any help rendered the escaping slaves was punishable by 
stringent legal enactments ; consequently those who engaged in the work, 
knowing that they were violating the law, carried on their schemes under the 
friendly cover of the night. Mr. Waterhouse was discovered assisting fugitive 
slaves, and, it is said, was arrested, but finally cleared himself after consider- 
able trouble. In the light of subsequent events, this noble-hearted old man, 
and all others who engaged in the work through humane motives, deserve a 
lasting tribute to their memory. Mr. Longyear says that on one occasion 
eight dusky fugitives remained over night at his house, and were taken away 
just at daybreak, and hurried to some other point. Mr. Longyear received 
the appointment of Postmaster in about 1850, and retained the office seven 
years. Prior to that event, it had been at Marseilles, in Orange Township, 
Joseph Scott being the Postmaster. Luke Diggins opened a tavern on the 
Fort Wayne road very soon after coming to the township, not far from the year 
1838; but, prior to that, one had been thrown open for public entertainment 
in what is now Kendallville, by Mrs. Dingman, the latter house being the first 
in the township. Diggins' tavern was standing on the Fort Wayne road, near 
the Orange Township line, and became a great resort of those who courted the 
god of wine. Whole nights were spent in the old bar-room, and merriment 
ruled the hours. 

" In the days of my youth, when the heart's in its spring, 
And dreams that affection can never take wing, 
I had friends ! — who has not? — but what tongue will avow 
That friends, rosy wine ! are us faithful as thou ? 



WAYNE TOWNSHIP. 141 

"Then the season of youth and its vanities past, 
For refuge we fly to the goblet at last ; 
There we find — do we not? — in the flow of the soul, 
That youth, as of yore, is confined to the bowl." 

For the first few years, the early settlers were obliged to go to Brush Prai- 
rie for corn, wheat and vegetables. No man had money in any quantity worth 
mentioning, and it was therefore necessary for those dealing in values to devise 
a system of exchanges, and this was accomplished by the establishment of a 
representative of value that was within the reach of all. A day's labor in the 
woods was as unchangeable as any value, and was often used as a standard, by 
which prices were fixed and exchanges effected. Thomas B. Weston, quite an 
early settler, was well known and universally respected and trusted. It was 
customary at the time taxes were to be paid for some settler who could be de- 
pended upon to obtain from each tax-payer the necessary amount of money, and 
then proceed to the county seat, where the claims of the county and State were 
adjusted. Mr. Weston often did this for the settlers in Wayne Township. One 
day he approached Mr. Longyear's house, and told the owner that it was tax- 
paying time, and for him to get ready his money. This was new for Mr. Long- 
year, and he replied that he had not laid by any money for such a purpose. 
" Well, can't you raise the money, some way ? " asked Mr. Weston ; whereupon 
he was given a coon skin and a fawn skin, which were taken to Port Mitchell, 
then the county seat, and sold, and the $1.50 realized was used to pay Mr. 
Longyear's first tax. That was only a common incident, and fitly illustrates 
the early way of meeting obligations. Many cranberries were growing in the 
surrounding marshes, and these were gathered and sold, and the cash realized 
was turned over to the tax collector. The woods were filled with wild hogs 
and rattlesnakes, and as the former were needed they were shot, and, as the 
latter were not needed, they were likewise killed. The early settlers were like 
brothers, sharing with each other provisions, etc., and assisting in all depart- 
ments of farm work. 

The first schoolhouse in the township was erected in about the year 1838, 
on the farm of the heirs of John Sawyer. It was a small, round-log structure, 
built in the rudest and most primitive way, and without a solitary interesting 
feature, save the roaring fire-place that lighted the gloomy room with ruddy and 
fitful glow. Joseph White, a native of the Buckeye State, taught the first 
school, receiving for his services $1 for the term from each scholar, and 
his board from the patrons of the school, the latter being the families of Mrs. 
John Sawyer, Luke Diggins, and two or three others. The plank for the 
doors, window-casings, etc., was 'obtained at the old Latta Saw-Mill in Orange 
Township, as the Sawyer Mill had not yet been erected. This old house was 
used five or six years, when a small frame school building was erected near it 
to take its place. In 1845, a log schoolhouse was built in the Kimmel neigh- 
borhood, and was used until it became leaky, when it was abandoned, and a 
better one built. By this time, there was some school money that had been 



142 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

raised by taxation, and was used to pay the teacher and maintain the school. 
The second house in this neighborhood was a frame structure which is yet 
standing and used, though it has often undergone repair. The next school- 
house was built one mile north of John Longyear's residence, about 1846 ; 
others have succeeded it. The schoolhouse at the Center was built the 
same year, and, within the succeeding four or five years, every district then in 
the township was supplied with some kind of a rude log schoolhouse. Lydia 
Bixler was the first teacher at the Center. The Longyear school building was 
not erected at public expense. It was the outgrowth of jealousy, and was 
built at the expense of a few foolish individuals, who subsequently turned it 
over to the township. Several other districts have been ruptured the same 
way, until there are fourteen school buildings in the township outside of Ken- 
dallville. The result is as might have been expected. If every man must have 
his own schoolhouse, he " must pay for his whistle," and live to see it run 
down. Wayne Township is certainly well supplied with schoolhouses, and also 
has its full share of spleen. 

A small Free-Will Baptist society was organized in about 1841 or per- 
haps a year or two earlier. Circuit ministers came to preach about once a 
month, and a membership of some twelve or fifteen was secured. The society 
was first organized in Daniel Bixler's barn, where it met for a few months, and 
then occupied the old log schoolhouse. Some of the early members were Dan- 
iel Bixler and family, Barbara and Elizabeth Dingman, Philander Isbell and 
others. Rev. John Staley was one of the first preachers. When he died, the 
flock, being without a shepherd, became confused and scattered, and the society 
was soon extinct. The Bixler girls were fine singers, possessing magnificent 
voices, and drawing many outsiders in to hear them. In about 1847, a revival 
was held at the Center Schoolhouse by an able minister of the Episcopal 
Methodist persuasion, and many were converted and joined to the church. 
Meetings were held in schoolhouses, and at last a good-sized log church was 
built on the farm of Nicholas Hill. This was used until it was worn out, and 
until a portion of the membership had altered their faith to that of the Protestant 
Methodists. The old building was abandoned, and the Episcopal Methodists 
afterward held their meetings in the old schoolhouse near by, while the Protest- 
ant Methodists went down to the Center Schoolhouse, where thev still continue 
to assemble. The other branch of the church built a neat frame building a 
short distance east of where the old log house had stood, about fourteen years 
ago. The society is in a flourishing condition. Among the members who 
belonged at the time the first church was built in about the year 1851 were the 
Hills, Brundages, Greens, Rices, Johnsons, Youngs, Stantons and Wilsons. 
These religious societies have had an excellent effect upon the morals of the 
citizens. The German Methodist society, which now has a church on Section 
2, was organized in the fall of 1857 by the following persons who became mem- 
bers : George Linder and wife, Gottlieb Fried and wife, and George Frey and 




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Catherine Weston 



TOWN OF LIGONIER, 145 

wife. The first meeting was held at the house of George Linder, with the 
Rev. John Snider as Pastor. After this, meetings were held in the various 
private houses and in Hamer's Schoolhouse, until the membership had reached 
about thirty, when a consultation was held at the residence of John Shifaly, 
regarding the propriety of building a church, which resulted in the appoint- 
ment of a committee, with Mr. Shifaly as chairman, to solicit subscriptions for 
the erection of such a building, Mr. Shifaly donating $100 and the necessary 
ground. In May. 1873, the contract for the erection of a church, 30x40 feet, 
was let to Mr. Shifaly for $1,318, and the house was completed in October and 
dedicated in November, 1873, the Rev. Andrew Meyers being first Pastor. 
The church was named " Weston's Chapel," in honor of the old settler of that 
name. The first Trustees were John Ackerman, Gottlieb Fried, George Frey, 
Charles Kent and John Shifaly. The present membership is about forty, Rev. 
August Gerlach, Pastor. The society is in good circumstances. The Trinity 
class in the northern part was organized in 1869, by D. S. Oakes, who became 
first Pastor. Among the early members were D. Fiant and wife, Mr. Kreuger 
and wife and R. Hutchins and wife. Preaching was held in the Ream's School- 
house. In February, 1873, a subscription was started for a brick church, 34x48 
feet. A considerable amount was thus promised, and the work was begun by the 
appointment of the following building committee : M. Eckhart, M. Kreuger 
and R. Hutchins, who, in July, let the contract for building the house to M. 
Kreuger for $2,150. For some reason further work was postponed until the fol- 
lowing year, when the house was constructed, and finally dedicated in August, 
1874, R. Riegel being Pastor. On the day of dedication a debt of $600 cov- 
ered the church ; this has since been reduced until at present only $60 remain. 
In 1880, $80 were expended in repairs. The membership, in 1875, was 
twenty-two ; that at present about forty. The present Pastor is Rev. D. S. 
Oakes. 



C HAP TEE VII. 

by weston a. goodspeed. 

Town of Ligonier— Early Development— Subsequent Improvement— Ap- 
pearance of Industries— The Sons of Temperance— Fires— Incorpora- 
tion of the Yillage— Secret Societies— The Jews— The Shipment of 
Wheat— Mr. Gerber's Experience — Education and Keligion — The 
High School— Statistics. 

THE incorporated town of Ligonier was laid out and platted in May, 1835, 
the year before the county was organized, by Isaac Caven. owner and 
proprietor, and the plat was recorded at the- county seat of La Grange County. 
One hundred and ten lots were laid out on a beautiful tract of land, which, in 
former years, had been used as a depository of animal bones, from which the 
flesh had been gnawed by red men, before the era of settlement. The early 



146 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

settlers found growing in bountiful profusion, all over the present site of the 
town, great beds of the finest wild strawberries, which sprang up around the 
moldering bones, making a '-merry meal" from the rich mold. The Elk- 
hart River, then twice as large as it is at present and far more beautiful, wound 
through the present town site and was the resort of hundreds of deer, which 
came to bathe in the stream or drink of its limpid waters. Like all proprietors 
of towns in early years, Mr. Caven confidently expected to be the founder of a 
metropolis that would immortalize his name and fill his empty coffers with an 
abundant supply of "the representative of value." He owned eighty acres 
where the village stands. A short time after the village had been founded, 
Isaac Spencer (who lived about a mile south and who was the first County Clerk) 
erected a small hewed-log storeroom, in which was placed a small stock of a gen- 
eral assortment of goods, valued at about $1,000. The goods were removed from 
a store Mr. Spencer had at his residence. Not much of a trade was obtained. 
Ward Bradford built the first residence, into which his family moved about 
1836. Spencer did not continue business in the village longer than about 
two years; and, as soon as he departed, Daniel Stukey succeeded him, occupy- 
ing the same room, with not so large a stock, until 1839, when he too found 
the occupation unprofitable and went out of business. Two or three families 
lived in Ligonier in 1840, but it had not yet dawned upon the citizens' minds 
to denominate the place a village. In autumn, 1844, Henry Treer, of the 
partnership Hill & Treer, of Fort Wayne, opened a general store, and, a year 
later, Hugh Miller followed suit. Treer became somewhat embarrassed about 
1846, and retired from the business; and Miller likewise saw visions of more 
profitable fields of labor not far from the same time. Taylor Vail, yet an in- 
fluential and respected citizen of Ligonier, succeeded Treer. The population 
in 1845 was about 50; in 1850, about 100; in 1855, about 300; in 1860, 
about 900; in 1865, about 1,100; in 1870, about 1,400; in 1875, about 
1,700 ; in 1880, about 2,000. The present population is about 2,200. Allen 
Beall, who put in an appearance in 1844, was the first resident blacksmith. 
From ]845 to 1852, the growth of the village languished; but, at the latter 
date, as it became assured that the Northern Indiana Railroad was to pass 
through the town, all manner of improvement underwent a revival. Soon 
after this, quite a number of that shrewdest and most business-like and pros- 
perous class of people, known as Jews, established themselves at Ligonier, and 
the population and business, within five years, quadrupled. The Jews, with 
plenty of money, have continued to come, until no town in Indiana of the 
same size contains the same number of these excellent people. The beauty, 
amiability and grace of the Ligonier ladies are proverbial. Myers & Strous, 
dealers in "clodings" and dry goods, began business about 1854; Kearl & 
Smalley not far from the same time; Haskell & Ellis, ditto; George McClellan, 
a tinner, ditto. There were five or six stores in town in 1855, where almost 
anything could be obtained for "de monish." 



TOWN OF LIGONIER. 147 

In about 1847, Taylor Vail became owner of the foundry that had been 
in operation at Rochester, and moved all the apparatus to Ligonier, where he 
continued the work of the former owners, manufacturing all kinds of plow 
castings, a few cook stoves, pots, kettles, and various other useful articles and 
implements. He sold out to Jacob Wolf in about 1848, who continued in the 
same line for two years, then selling to Mr. Beall, who also disposed of the 
property to (probably) George Ulmer & Sons, not far from the year 1855. A 
few years later the property was destroyed by fire, and was not afterward re- 
built, About two molders were employed, and a few assistants, who, at the 
most prosperous periods of the enterprise, secured a combined cash and book 
account of about $1,200 per annum. Some of the old articles manufactured 
are yet in use. A saw-mill was built in 1852, and James Kennedy, Benjamin 
Ruple and George Hersey conducted it three years, without profit. The Fish- 
ers built and operated one about 1856, continuing with success some six or 
eight years. Dodge & Randolph built one after the war. Fisher Brothers, 
soon after their saw-mill had been erected, built a grist-mill near it, and fur- 
nished the village and surrounding country with flour for a few years, when the 
mill was abandoned, and Albert Banta and A. C. Fisher erected another on 
the site of the present Randolph Mill. Joseph Fisher, in about 1859, built 
one where the Empire Mill now stands. The post office was established in 
Ligonier in 1848, and was a continuation of the Good Hope office, the first one 
granted in the county. H. M. Goodspeed has been Postmaster since the war. 
Solomon Mier established a private bank in 1872, and is there yet doing a gen- 
eral banking business. In 1870, the Straus Brothers established their private 
bank. They are dealing largely in real estate. The Sons of Temperance or- 
ganized a lodge in 1849, nearly all the principal citizens joining it. Harvey 
W. Wood came from a distance, and, in violation of the State law, began re- 
tailing liquor from his wagon on the streets. The Sons of Temperance seized 
his liquor (legally) and concealed it, but about this time the Supreme Court de- 
cided that the law prohibiting the sale of liquor on the street was unconstitu- 
tional ; but the Sons, refusing to give up the " spirits," suit was begun against 
them by the owner for damage. The owner was successful, and the Sons, in 
some way, turned over their hall to satisfy the judgment, but retained the 
liquor. What was to be done with all the whisky, rum, etc., became the ab- 
sorbing question. At this time, there belonged to the lodge about one hundred 
of the most prominent citizens in the village and surrounding country. After 
considerable discussion, it was decided that the liquor (which in some incom- 
prehensible manner had greatly decreased in quantity, though several kegs were 
yet left), should be put up at auction and sold to the highest bidder, none but 
Sons being permitted to bid. It was a laughable scene, long to be remembered. 
Here were the very men who had so bitterly denounced the cause of intem- 
perance but the day before, vying to outbid each other in order to get the 
liquor, which, by the way, was of the best quality. The " Grand Mogul " of 



148 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

the lodge immediately arose with the spirit of the occasion, and, amid great ex- 
citement, bid off the best keg of rum, and in dignity departed, lugging it home 
on his shoulder. On went the sale, and away went the remaining few kegs, 
to the bitter disappointment of the great majority of Sons. It is needless to 
add that the lodge immediately became defunct. Ask not the historian for the 
names of these Sons ; go for information to the " old settlers." 

In 1860, a $15,000 fire was indulged in, on Caven street, along where 
Taylor Vail's store now is. In December, 1870, an $8,000 fire swept over a 
portion of the same ground. In 1858, $5,000 in property was destroyed, on 
the second corner south of Mr. Vail's store. In 1873, the fire fiend swept 
away the Conrad Block ; loss about $6,000. These have been the principal 
fires. The Odd Fellows, Masons and Good Templars have lodges in the town. In 
1864, the village having sufficient population for the purpose, the citizens pro- 
ceeded to petition the Commissioners to incorporate the town. This was soon 
accomplished ; but the writer cannot give the details, owing to the loss of the 
records (which, by the way, were kept in very poor shape), and the treachery 
of recollections. In August and September, 1860, 31,180 bushels of wheat 
were shipped from Ligonier. It is a great wheat market at present, as nearly 
500,000 bushels are shipped away annually. In January, 1874, an association, 
known as the Ligonier Building, Loan and Saving Association, was chartered, 
the object being " the accumulation of funds by the savings of the members 
thereof, to aid and assist the stockholders to purchase real estate, erect build- 
ings, and make such other investments as are provided by law." The corpora- 
tion was chartered for eight years, and its operations were limited to Noble 
County, the capital stock being $100,000, and shares $500 each. Some fifty 
citizens of Ligonier and vicinity appended their names to the articles of associ- 
ation. Nine directors were appointed, and the following first officers were 
elected : President, John B. Stoll ; Vice President, Isaac E. Knisely ; 
Treasurer, David S. Scott ; Secretary, Daniel W. Green. This association did 
not come up to the hopes of the members ; and, in 1877, a new charter was ob- 
tained, and an entirely new organization effected under the name Perry Build- 
ing, Loan and Savings Association. The corporation is yet in its infancy. 

The first school building erected on the present site of Ligonier, was a 
small, hewed-log structure, rudely and hastily put together, in about 1837, by 
some four or five of the early settlers in the vicinity, one of them being Jacob 
Wolf, from whose premises the logs were taken. Miss Achsa Kent, who after- 
ward became the wife of one of the Frinks living near Port Mitchell, was em- 
ployed to teach the first school, which she did, receiving her pay by subscrip- 
tion, and boarding around. The second teacher in this house was Henry Hos- 
tetter, and the third, James Miller. The log schoolhouse was used for almost 
everything until about 1851, when, on account of its dilapidated condition, it 
was succeeded by a small frame building, which was known far and near as the 
'• Red Schoolhouse." A few years after this schoolhouse was erected, Mr. Eli 



TOWN OF LIGONIER. 149 

B. Gerber was employed to teach the tow-headed urchins that assembled there. 
The first morning, he fired up his sinking courage, repaired to the schoolhouse, 
and began vigorously to ring the bell. Miscalculating either on his strength, 
or on the toughness of the bell-rope, the cord snapped off just as he began to 
ring. What in the world was to be done ? A happy thought darted through 
his bewildered mind. He would ascend into the loft through the small uncov- 
ered opening in the ceiling, and tie the rope together. No sooner conceived 
than up the loft he went. By this time, the children began to flock in, anxious 
for a " good squint" at the new teacher. They saw nothing of that function- 
ary until the latter, making a misstep above, came thundering down through 
the plaster, tearing off, on the way, nearly half the lath on the ceiling. The 
scholars stared in terror at the formidable object, thinking, doubtless, that the 
old Devil himself was after them, and then, with one accord, ran pell-mell out 
of the room in the greatest fright. School on that day was a decided failure. 
Mr. Gerber tells this story with many mental reservations ; but he has another 
which he tells to particular friends (and historians), and reserves none of the 
very interesting facts. It is an adventure which he and a select company of 
companions had with a band of Indians, in about 1835, near Omaha, Neb. 
He armed himself with an enormous — but Mr. Gerber may tell the story in his 
own inimitable style. All go and ask him for it — one at a time. Have him 
tell the story often. 

The old red schoolhouse was built in the ordinary way, by means of funds 
raised by direct taxation. This was used until 1865, when the present three- 
storied brick building was constructed at a cost of about $12,000. Money cer- 
tificates, or orders on the Town Treasurer, for stipulated sums were issued by 
the Trustees, and purchased by the citizens ; or rather, the money was 
advanced by the citizens, and the town's obligations, bearing interest at 6 per 
cent per annum, were given in lieu thereof. The citizens were sadly in want 
of a more commodious schoolhouse ; and all having money to spare advanced it, 
and took the above obligations. In this manner no trouble was experienced in 
getting money to build the house. The building was poorly constructed 
(according to reports), and was located upon the public square, the third story 
being fitted up for a town hall to satisfy objections as to the legality of trans- 
forming the park into a schoolyard. For a number of years prior to the erec- 
tion of the brick, the old red schoolhouse was so dilapidated and small that 
select schools sprang into existence in various portions of the town. Vacant 
rooms here and there were converted to school uses, and the old red house was 
left to the wind, the owls and the bats. The log and the red frame school- 
houses were not the only ones in early years ; as, in 1857, when the north side 
(or Brooklyn, as it is sometimes denominated) had become quite well populated, 
a frame schoolhouse, a little larger than the old red one, and commonly known 
as the "White Schoolhouse" to distinguish it from the other, was erected 
there, and used until 1873, when the present two-storied brick took its place at 

HH 



150 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

a cost of about $3,300. It may be mentioned here that many select schools 
have been taught in the past, several of which were well conducted. There 
have also been denominational schools. 

The first movement toward the erection of the High School building, was 
a petition presented to the Town Trustees in May, 1875, asking that a special 
ordinance be passed, to issue town bonds to the amount of $10,000 (the Trustee 
of Perry Township having promised to levy for the same amount, to be placed 
with that raised in the town, and for the same purpose), the same to be applied 
toward the erection of such a building. Definite action on the petition was 
deferred until April, 1876, during which time the subject was thoroughly 
discussed, and permission was obtained from the County Commissioners 
by the Township Trustees to create a township debt of $4,000 (there being at 
the time, in his hands about $2,000), the same to be raised by assessment, and 
applied toward the erection of the high school building. During the same 
time, it was decided to put about $18,000 into the schoolhouse, two-thirds of 
which were to be paid by the town, on account of the greater benefit likely to 
be received by it. The $2,000 in the hands of the Township Trustee, and the 
$4,000 (which were raised in two annual assessments) were presented within 
two years to the building committee. This much for the township. The town, 
in accordance with a special ordinance, issued its bonds (twelve in number, 
bearing 9 per cent interest) for $12,000 ; and soon effected a negotiation for 
the entire amount. The following is the report of the negotiating committee . 

To the Board of Trustees of the Town of Ligonier: The undersigned, who were by the 
Board of Trustees of Ligonier appointed agents for the sale of certain schoolhouse bonds in the 
sum of $12,000, authorized to be issued by Ordinance No. 19, would respectfully report, that we 
have sold the said bonds to Dr. W. P. Hazleton, of New York ; that the interest upon said bonds 
(being 9 per cent per annum) is payable semi-annually at the National Park Bank of New York, 
on the first day of May and November of each year, the first installment coming due November 
1, 1876; that the charge of said National Park Bank for turning over said bonds to Dr. Hazleton 
receiving the money therefor, and issuing certificates of deposition in our favor, amounts to the 
sum of $15, which sum said bank deducted from certificate of deposit No. 6,044, as per their 
statement ; that we received as the net proceeds of said sale of bonds four certificates of deposit, 
issued by said National Park Bank, and calling for $11,985 ; that upon the filing of a bond by 
the School Board of Ligonier with the Auditor of Noble County, covering the sum of $15,000, 
we turned over to the Treasurer of said Board the said four certificates of deposit, taking his 
receipt therefor, which is hereunto attached. We also herewith file a copy of the bonds issued 
by authority of Ordinance No. 19, and sold to Dr. W. P. Hazleton as above stated. 

J. B. Stoll, "i . 

J. C. Zimmerman, | A g ents - 

May 15, 1876. 

As the Town Trustees found they could not be in readiness to pay the 
first installment of bond interest on the 1st of November, 1876, a special ordi- 
nance was passed providing that an additional bond, sufficient in amount to cover 
such interest, be issued. This was done, and the bond was purchased by Straus 
Brothers. At the proper time, a tax was levied upon town property, sufficient 
in amount to pay off the interest accruing annually on the bonds, and also to 





LIGON/ER 



TOWN OF LIGONIER 153 

create a sinking fund, with, which at least one of the bonds could be taken up 
yearly. In August, 1879, the above bonds, to the amount of $11,000, were 
refunded, pursuant to an act of the State Legislature, approved March 24, 
1879, each new bond being for $1,000, and drawing interest at 6 per cent per 
annum. The entire amount of the new bonds was purchased by Mr. W. P. 
Hazleton, and, at the present writing, $8,000 and some interest are yet to be 
paid by the town. A simple arithmetical calculation will show that before this 
debt is wholly liquidated at the present rate of payment, there will have been 
paid over $20,000 by the town of Ligonier. The next thing to be done was to 
secure a competent Superintendent or Principal to put the school in shape, and 
to unite the discordant elements or factions which had resulted from the limited 
authority given by the School Trustees to former Superintendents in the public 
schools. What grading had been done was more from the standpoint of physical 
proportions than from mental endowments or acquirements : hence, upon the 
new Superintendent was thrown a burden with which none but a man of long 
experience in scholastic discipline, and one with great executive ability, could 
have advanced to the present excellent condition of things. Prof. D. D. Luke, 
of Goshen, was the man destined to create order out of chaos. He was 
employed to superintend all the town schools, and to conduct certain courses of 
instruction in the High School. This he has done to the perfect satisfaction 
of the School Trustees. Prof. Luke, assisted by the County Superintendent, 
conducts a normal school for six weeks during each autumn, and a praiseworthy 
interest is created. Three commencement days have dawned upon the High 
School, and forty-two well-informed young ladies and gentlemen have gone 
forth to battle with life. 

As early as 1831, ministers of the Methodist, Presbyterian and Baptist 
denominations, began to appear about once a month and preach to the earliest 
inhabitants in the vicinity of Ligonier. Meetings were held in log cabins, 
barns, and, finally, in schoolhouses. Beyond a doubt, as early as 1842, the 
Methodists began holding rude meetings in Ligonier, but the society, though 
probably formed in 1844, did not feel able to erect a church until 1846, at 
which time, Henry Treer, having donated the lot upon which the present 
Methodist Church stands, to be used for purposes of religion, began to agitate 
the propriety of building a church. This was followed by the immediate con- 
struction of the first church building in Ligonier. It was a small frame struct- 
ure, 30x40 feet, but it answered the purpose. Great revivals were held soon 
afterward, and large accessions were made to the membership. At last, in 
1858, the present house was erected. It has been remodeled several times 
since, and will last many years to come. The Methodist society is the strong- 
est in Ligonier at present. The Presbyterians and the Baptists endeavored to 
organize early societies in the town, but without avail. The Universalis 
sprang into life about 1854, and within the next two years the following well- 
known persons organized themselves into the second religious society in town : 



154 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

Harrison Wood, John C. Johnson, James Small ey, John Morrow, James Mc- 
Mann, George Hersey, Jacob Riser, Niah Wood, Lewis Cavil, H. C. Fisher, 
C. L. Welman, A. D. Hostetter, Andrew Engle, and a few others. The 
church, which cost about $1,000, was erected in 1856, and is yet occupied, but 
not by the Universalists. Rev. William J. Chaplin was employed to minister 
to the spiritual welfare of the flock, receiving for his services $150 per year 
for one-fourth of the time, and remaining about two years. The society bor- 
rowed money of Harrison Wood; but, neglecting to return the loan, was prose- 
cuted, and a judgment of about $350 was obtained by Mr. Wood. Soon after- 
ward, or in about 1861, the church was sold at auction, and purchased by Mr. 
Wood for about the amount of the judgment ; but, within a short time, a three- 
fourths' interest in the house was sold to members of the Disciple society for 
$350. This is the condition of things at present, Mr. Wood reserving the 
right to have Universalist or other ministers preach there occasionally. The 
Universalist society has not since been revived. About five years ago, there 
was held in a tent on the public streets of Ligonier a number of religious 
meetings, conducted by Rev. Charles Woodworth, a Wesleyan Methodist, as- 
sisted by Rev. Mr. Woodruif ; and a little society was soon formed. Mr. Will- 
iam Leuty, a resident of Ligonier, and a man of broad charity, philanthropy, 
and a very earnest Christian, immediately went to the head of the society. 
Many of the members came from the region of the Fair View Schoolhouse, 
where a society of the same denomination had been formed about the same 
period. Mr. Leuty furnished $1,500, with which a small, neat brick 
church was built on the north side. A membership of about sixteen was se- 
cured. Afterward, Mr. Leuty purchased a parsonage with $800, and turned it 
over as a gift to the membership. Revs. Worth, Dempsey and North have 
been the pastors. Too much cannot be said in praise of Mr. Leuty. He does 
not care to have his charitable actions heralded to the world, yet they are im- 
portant matters of history. When the writer interviewed him for matters of 
interest connected with his life and labor, he politely and firmly said, " I have 
nothing to say," and the historian had to seek other sources. Mr. Leuty has 
given toward the M. E. Church here about $1,600. He built a church at Ada, 
Ohio, which cost $2,150. There is scarcely a church in Ligonier that has not 
been assisted from the ' ; slough of despond" by this venerable and benevolent 
old man. These have apparently forgotten the donor of the gifts, and the cruel 
lesson of ingratitude has been publicly taught. It is stated, on good authority, 
that Mr. Leuty has given away to various religious organizations about $15,000. 
Besides this, he has donated large sums to educational purposes and to elee- 
mosynary institutions. He gave $13,000 toward the " Carpenter Building," 
in Chicago, a structure designed to be used to antagonize Masonry. He has 
given several thousand dollars to " Wheaton College," Illinois. At least, $30,- 
000 has been given away in this manner. Too bad the world has so few such 
men as William Leuty. 



TOWN OF LIGONIER. 155 

A United Brethren society was organized many years ago, but did not 
survive long. In 1872, it was revived by Rev. F. Thomas, who became the 
pastor in charge. He has been succeeded by Revs. L. P. Dunnick, J. A. 
Cummins, J. F. Bartness and the present incumbent, J. Simons, an eloquent 
young divine. This society owns the finest church edifice in the town, the 
structure being a fine brick, erected on the north side in 1874, at a cost of 
$5,500. The present membership is about sixty-five. The Sunday school was 
first organized in 1874. The present attendance is 125, T. Hudson officiating 
as Superintendent. The Seventh-Day Advents, under the direction of Elders 
S. A. Lane and H. M. Kenyon, erected a tent in the town in May, 1875, and 
began expounding their peculiar tenets to large audiences. The following per- 
sons organized themselves into a society during the following autumn : A. E. 
Stutzman, Mary A. Graham, William Culveyhouse, Ellen Squires, J. H. Gra- 
ham, Hattie Cline, Eva Kegg, Catharine Clark, Viola Graham, Isaac Mc- 
Kinney, Maria Walsh, Emma Green and Elizabeth Skeels. The present 
membership is about sixty-three. Their church was built during the winter 
of 1876-77; but was not dedicated until December 23, 1877. It is a brick 
structure and cost about $1,700. A Sunday school was organized in October, 
1875. The society has been served by Elders Lane, Sharp and Rogers. A 
Jewish synagogue was established in the Hostetter building, in 1867, by the 
election of the following officers : Mathias Straus, President ; Isaac Ackerman, 
Vice President; Jonas Decker, Treasurer; H. B. Faulk, Secretary; Solomon 
Mier, Leopold Schloss and F. M. Straus, Trustees. A small building was 
erected in September of the same year. Mr. Jacob Straus presented the so- 
ciety with a Jewish Bible valued at $200. 

The Catholics first began to assemble in about the year 1858, at which 
time Father Henry Force, an itinerant priest, began pilgrimages from Fort 
Wayne. But few Catholic families lived in Ligonier and vicinity at that time; 
but finally sufficient finance was accumulated to build a small frame church, 
which was done in about the year 1860. This building, with some little im- 
provement, was used until a few years ago, when it was entirely remodeled at 
a cost of $1,500. Perhaps the society has never exceeded twenty families. 
Father Holtz was the first priest. He has been succeeded by Fathers Deumick, 
Cuenlin, Eichtern, Moisner, Beckleman and Krager. 

For the following excellent sketch of the Disciple Church, the historian is 
indebted to Rev. J. M. Monroe. The society was organized April 26, 1863, 
with the following charter members : Edmund Richmond and wife, S. N. Pence 
and wife, Jonathan Simmons and wife, C. R. Stone and wife, J. M. Knepper 
and wife, Nancy Shidler, Lucy Engles, Sophia King, Elizabeth Engle and 
Jacob L. Simmons. On the same day Edmund Richmond and S. N. Pence 
were elected Elders, and J. M. Knepper and Jonathan Simmons, Sr., Deacons. 
On the 8th of June, 1863, it was decided by the society to purchase the Uni- 
versalist Church, which had been sold to Judge Wood at Sheriff's sale. Three- 



156 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

fourths interest in the building was purchased for $350. This house is yet 
occupied by the society. Rev. Charles Richmond served as pastor one year, 
portions of 1863 and 1864. George W. Chapman served one year, term end- 
ing in 1865. W. B. Hendry served from fall of 1865 to fall of 1867. N. J. 
Aylsworth from October, 1867, to January, 1870. James Hadsel served in 
1870. J. M. Monroe was pastor from June, 1871, to November, 1872. J. 
E. Harris from December, 1872, to May, 1874 ; F. Grant, half of the year 
1874 ; R. S. Groves, a year and a half, 1875 and 1876 ; Elder Heard, a year 
and a half, 1876 and 1877 ; 0. Ebert, a year and a half, 1878 and until June 
1879; J. M. Monroe, from September, 1879, until the present, having entered 
upon a permanent pastorate. Mr. Monroe is a very capable and energetic 
man, and is greatly beloved by his congregation. The first revival was held 
by Benjamin Lockhart, of Ohio, in May, 1863, two weeks after the organiza- 
tion, at which time J. M. Fry, wife and daughter, Misses Mary Simmons and 
Addie Shipman joined the society. The first important revival was held by 
W. B. Hendry, in February, 1866. It grew out of a debate between Elder 
John W. Sweeny, of the Disciple society, and Rev. Cooper, of the Methodist. 
After the debate the meeting was continued, and among the conversions were 
L. J. Dunning and wife, W. A. Brown and wife, Peter Sisterhen and wife, 
Joseph Braden and wife, Charles Stites and wife, Riffle Hathaway and wife, 
Jessie and Lucinda Dunning, Nancy Stansbury, Jonathan Simmons, Jr., and 
Rebecca Huber. About this time there joined the church Dr. Adam Gants 
and wife, H. R. Cornell and wife, David Miller and wife, Mrs. A. C. Jones, 
Dr. Landon, Sarah Himes, Abraham King and wife, Mary Vincent, Margaret 
Parks, Josephine and Bell Chapman, Mrs. Finley Beazel, David Simmons and 
George Kuhn and wife. The second important revival was held by W. B. 
Hendry, during the pastorate of James Hadsel, or in March and April, 1870. 
This meeting was also preceded by a debate between Elder Sweeny and Rev. 
Chaplain, of the Universalist Church. Thirty-nine persons joined the society: 
John S. Ohlwine and wife, Matthias Marker, J. B. Stutsman and wife, Mrs. 
Fayette Peck, Mrs. Daniel Scott, Dickinson Miller and wife, Emmaret Stans- 
bury, Jennie Hathaway, Lena and Rosa Sisterhen, Emma Dunning, Helen 
Mayfield, Tillie Wolfe, Mrs. Jacob Huffman, E. A. Keasey, Dolphus Teal being 
among the number. The third revival was held in January and February, 
1872, by Rev. J. M. Monroe, Pastor. The number of conversions was eighty- 
two, being the largest in the history of the church. Among the additions were 
Albert Banta, Luzon Gilbert, John Speckun and wife, Mrs. Judge Wood, Mrs. 
N. R. Treash, Mrs. James Silburn, Orrie Sweetland, Pineo Pancake, Miss 
Madison, Mrs. Drumbeller and daughter, Isaac Todd, William Herbst, wife 
and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. George Campbell, Hattie Parks, Mrs. Jonathan 
Simmons, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. William Sisterhen, Thomas and Oliver Simmons, 
Moses Goshern, Allie Folk, Mrs. Niles, William Hays and wife and Sarah 
Meyer. Many others have since joined, until the society at present numbers 



TOWN OF LIGONIER. 



157 



214 members, being the largest in Ligonier, if not in the county. It has 
received into its communion 442 persons, a majority of whom have moved 
away. An efficient Sunday school is conducted by J. H. Huffman, Superin- 
tendent ; average attendance over one hundred. The society has organized a 
Woman's Christian Missionary Society, also a social society. The choir 
leader is Samuel Krashbaum ; organists, Katie Brown and Jessie Stutsman. 

The following interesting statistics of Ligonier were prepared for the year 
1878, by John W. Peters, foreman in the Banner office, to whom the historian 
is greatly indebted for the privilege of using the same : 



DENOMINATIONS. 



Methodist Episcopal.... 

Christian 

United Brethren 

Wesleyan Methodist 

Ahavath Sholom 

St. Patrick's (Catholic). 
Seventh Day Advent.... 



Total. 



MEMBERSHIP. 






42 
40 
19 
8 
20 
50 
16 



195 



84 
77 
42 
8 
25 
50 
27 



313 



o.2 

05 ■ 



■a 

a 

(M S BO 

«= ■£ 
<b "> 5 
b i? S 



o o 



21 



03,000 

2,000 
4,500 
1,500 
1,000 
2,000 
1,600 



115,600 



a 

O 1J 



CO 



$1,000, 
700 
600 
4U0 
500 
200 
370 



s a • 

a-2 a" 
o ■& o O 

'IS- 

E ^ C3 
SOS 

se S o 

gf* 



M 



pin 00 

195 40 
265 73 
50 00 
700 00 
400 00 
115 00 



$3,770 $1,837 13 



-B,a 
B o 
B * 



13 

9 

11 

1 

4 



38 



A 



c 



125 

70 

179 

23 

38 



435 



b;3 

•J . 
s 3 » 

® a £ 

boo 5 



a^ 



200 
175 
100 
30 
25 
70 
35 



635 



NEWSPAPERS. 

Ligonier Banner — Politics, Democratic ; published weekly; established, 1866; circulation, 
1,348; language, English ; employes, 4; average monthly wages, $30; size, 28x43. 

Ligonier Leader — Politics, Republican; published weekly; established, 1880; circulation, 
1,300; language, English; employes, 4; average monthly wages, $23; size, 30x44. 

PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 

Number of buildings 3 

Value of all school buildings $20,300 

Number of teachers 8 

Male teachers 2 

Female teachers 6 

Average monthly wages for male teachers $72 50 

Average monthly wages for female teachers $30 00 



Male pupils 

Female pupils 

Total white pupils 

Colored male pupils... 
Colored female pupils. 
Total colored 



352 

361 

713 

1 

1 

2 



PHYSICIANS. 



Number 13 

Value of library and furniture $7,000 

Value of office business 19,400 

Other expenses 3,525 



ATTORNEYS. 



Number 

Value of library and furniture $2,150 

Value of office business 4,700 

Other expenses 430 



158 



HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 



BANKING HOUSES. 

Number 2 

Banking capital $110,000 

Deposits to January 1, 1879 $105,000 

Employes 8 

Salaries $14,000 

Other expenses 2,000 



CLASSIFICATION OF MANU- 
FACTORIES. 


Number of 
Shops. 


Capital In- 
vested. 


RawMater 
ial Used. 


Va 1 u e of 
Products. 


Number of 
Employ- 
es. 


WagesPaid 
During 
Tear. 


All other 
Expenses. 


Blacksmithina: .' 


8 
4 
1 
4 
1 
2 
1 
1 
4 
4 
1 
1 
2 
2 
3 
2 
1 


$2300 
6850 
5000 

10250 

•^00 

4300 

20000 

10000 
9250 
2900 
4000 
2000 
3600 
1350 

16500 

1800 

300 


$6980 
8500 

16600 

350 

3400 

58820 

4000 

4300 

8500 

600 

2000 

7500 

425 

12000 

5000 

300 


$22700 
17000 

39670 

1400 

7248 

68391 

12000 

10500 

15400 

2500 

7500 

13000 

2405 

26182 

7500 

700 


16 
14 

16 

1 

10 
6 

11 
7 

12 
3 
6 
8 
3 

14 
4 
1 


$6996 
6300 

7820 

550 

3018 

3120 

4700 

2972 

3504 

800 

2184 

2540 

1110 

6898 

1808 

260 


$615 
375 


Boots and shoes 


Bre weries 






1510 




65 


Cooper shops 


410 


Flourin g mills 


3329 


Foundries 


300 


Furniture 


700 


Harness and saddles 


555 


Wooden handles 


100 


Marble works 


175 


Merchant tailors 


275 


Photographers 


400 


Planing mills 


400 




183 




15 






Totals , 


42 


$100800 


$136275 


$254096 


138 


$54580 


$9407 





OCCUPATIONS. 



Agricultural implements 

Boarding houses 

Books and news 

Boots and shoes 

Barbering 

Clothing stores 

Coal and wood 

Country produce 

Drug stores 

Dry goods 

Furniture dealers 

General merchandise 

Grain dealers 

Groceries and provisions 

Gunsmithing 

Hardware 

Hotels 

Jewelry, etc 

Liquor saloons 

Livery stables 

Live stock dealers 

Lumber dealers 

Millinery and dressmaking. 

Meat markets 

Saddles and harness 

Sewing machines 

Stove and tin dealers 

Tobacconists 

Wagons and buggies 

Well-digging and pumps.... , 



Number of 
Shops. 



Totals. 



4 
2 
1 
4 
2 
4 
1 
1 
4 
1 
4 
9 
6 
13 
1 
4 
1 
3 
4 
2 
4 
5 
7 
2 
4 
1 
1 
4 
8 
2 



Ave rage L , 
Value of 1 



Pur- 



Stock. 



109 



$3700 

800 

3275 

11400 

350 

20000 

60 

8000 

16000 

4000 

8200 

79600 

2900 

29275 

1100 

17200 

6000 

3200 

2650 

6100 

2600 

14000 

2425 

250 

3900 

250 

400 

1300 

4700 

350 



chases. 



§35900 

2100 

8000 

23675 

150 

53000 

720 

51630 

30800 

12000 

13200 

196000 

469200 

99927 

1363 

49200 

4000 

3600 

7100 

2182 

141000 

49100 

8280 

21000 

12600 

3000 

3000 

7400 

28870 

1550 



Total Sales. 



$251985 $1371947 



$50600 

4900 

9500 

31200 

3796 

63000 

720 

58180 

40000 

14000 

16900 

261000 

475900 

146938 

2500 

60500 

5500 

6600 

17740 

7500 

156750 

64442 

12775 

26500 

18100 

5000 

4000 

12400 

40550 

6500 



$1623941 



Employes. 





5 
2 

4 

4 

10 

1 
8 
8 
3 
4 

33 
6 

26 
1 

11 
9 
3 
5 
6 

10 
6 

20 
5 
4 
1 
1 
5 

11 
6 



Wages. 



223 



$3400 
1400 
1000 
2300 
2678 
6700 
25 
3500 
4020 
1250 
1700 

22850 
1300 

12113 
900 
5750 
2200 
1550 
2460 
2300 
6200 
2670 
2865 
3500 
2110 
550 
824 
2150 
3625 
2302 



Other Ex- 
penses. 



$1008 

225 

325 

850 

595 

1925 

35 

1850 

1770 

300 

950 

7800 

1025 

4890 

110 

1550 

2800 

400 

1385 

1065 

2775 

490 

1091 

915 

422 

300 

25 

365 

1350 

250 



$106202 



$38831 







mm 






QJattfiy 




LIGONIER 



CHAPTER VIII. 

by weston a. good? peed. 

Perry Township— Roll of Early Settlers— General Growth— Deer Hunt- 
ing by Night — Rochester, Washington and Hawville— Mills and 
Foundries— A Distinguished Frenchman— The Indians— Education and 
Religion. 

PREVIOUS to the year 1844, there had resided in Perry Township the fol- 
lowing men : Hugh Allison, William G. Allison, Edward Bouser, Daniel 
Bouser, Sebastian Bouser, Valentine Burris, John Billman, John Buzzard, Ed- 
ward Bailey, Andrew Bailey, William Bailey, Jacob Baker, William Bouzer, 
Allen Beall, Hartwell Coleman, John L. Conrad, Adam S. Conrad, Jeremiah 
Carstetter, Levi Carstetter, Isaac Caven, James Christie, Jonathan Caldwell, 
James Crook, R. D. Coldren, Francis Danner, William Denny, David Dun- 
gan, Francis Dungan, George Engle, Henry Engle, John Engle, Andrew En- 
gel, Felix Grimes, James Gordon, James Givens, Christian Heltzell, Henry 
Hostetter, Jr., John Hostetter, Benjamin Hostetter, James Hamilton, John 
Hamilton, William Hamilton, William J. Hamilton, George Hamilton, Solomon 
Harper, James Hoak, William Hoak, Cyrus Hoak, Henry Kline, Michael 
King, Samuel Kirkpatrick, James Latta, Perry Lee, Thomas W. Morrow, 
James Marker, George W. Miller, Seymour Moses, John Morrell, Philip Mil- 
ler, John Miller, Ambrose Miller, Solomon Miller, Henry Miller, Dickerson 
Miller, James McMann, James McKinney, Henry May, Linderman May, 
Perry McMann, Alexander McConnell, Andrew Newhouse, Jonathan New- 
house, Josephus Neff, North Neff, Hiram Parks, James Ramsby, Levi Reeves, 
Thomas Stone, Daniel H. Stukey, Jacob Stage, Gideon Schlotterback, Elijah 
Shobe, Daniel Shobe, Silas Shobe, Henry Shobe, David Smalley, James 
Smalley, John Summers, Isaiah Thomas, George Teal, Joseph Teal, John 
Tomlinson, Jacob Wolf, Jeremiah Wolf, Jacob Vance, Harrison Wood, Ham- 
ilton Wilmeth, Joseph H. Woodell, Reuben Warner, James Wilmeth, George 
Welker, and several members of the Harsh family. There were many others 
who resided in the township during the interval mentioned; but their names, 
unfortunately, cannot be remembered, those given having been placed on record 
at the county seat as owning land and entitled to their vote. The first settle- 
ment in the township, and, indeed, the first large permanent settlement in the 
county, was made in this township, beginning in 1830, at which time Levi 
Perry, Isaiah Dungan and Richard Stone settled on Perry's Prairie (named 
for the first settler, Levi Perry). In 1831, there came in Jacob Wolf (yet 
living), Henry Hostetter, Sr., and his family of boys, Adam Engle and his 
family, Jacob Shobe and family, Joseph Smalley and family, Henry Miller and 



162 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

family, and a few others. These arrivals (all being excellent people) assured 
the permanency of the settlement on Perry's Prairie. Large crops were put 
in ; and within two years these families had an abundant supply of grain and 
provisions. Those who located in the heavy woods in other portions of the 
county had a much harder time, as the forest must be cut down and consumed 
before crops of any consequence could be raised, and, even then, for many 
years, the growth was scanty and sickly, owing to the stumps, roots and re-ap- 
pearing underbrush. The granaries of the new settlement became filled, like 
those of Egypt, with corn and other grains ; and the impoverished pioneers 
throughout the surrounding country made "pilgrimages to Egypt" (as they 
called it) to buy corn and provisions. Thus Perry's Prairie became a famous 
place — famous for its excellent families — famous for its hospitality — famous for 
its generosity to those who came to buy or trade. Here, the first post office in 
the county was established ; and here it was that selections were made for the 
first county court and for the first township officers. Others came in 1832 and 
1833, during which time all the land of value on the Prairie was entered, and 
turned up by the plow. The land was filled with tough roots of brush, etc., 
but heavy plows, capable of turning over nearly a yard of earth, and drawn by 
eight or ten yoke of oxen, soon transformed the wild and irregular surface into 
smooth fields of growing grain. John Hostetter was perhaps the first to settle 
in the extreme northern part ; but, in 1836, he was followed by many more, 
each selecting his home where it best suited him, and all going to work in ear- 
nest. 

The first township election was held at the house of John Hostetter, but 
the names of the first officers are forgotten. There were twenty-five voters 
present. Reference is not made to the election while Perry was a part of La 
Grange County ; but to the first one held after Noble County was created. 
Through this township the White Pigeon road was opened by the State in about 
1835. The State devoted 3 per cent of the receipts from the sale of land to 
the opening and improving of roads. But it was many years ere the roads 
were made pleasant. The Elkhart River which meandered through the town- 
ship was a beautiful stream in early years. Its banks were bordered with 
heavy woods or open glades ; and its clear waters were filled with the finest fish. 
Some of the stories as to the number of fish taken out in a few hours seem 
marvelous. The ordinary wild animals were present, except the bear, which 
had retreated to the heavy pine forests in Michigan. One manner of hunting 
deer (and a very successful one) was to float down the river at night with a 
bright light ; and the animals which came at that time to drink would stand per- 
fectly still, and stare at the light until shot down. Harrison Wood and a com- 
panion were at this work one night, when, just as they were about to fire at a 
fine buck, they managed to capsize the canoe. Away scampered the deer, and 
the nocturnal Nimrods had a " sweet " time getting out of the river and home. 
The Indians were verv numerous, and resorted to all sorts of devices to secure 






PERRY TOWNSHIP. 163 

provisions or whisky. As usual, they were badly treated by some of the 
whites. Mrs. Galbreth, who lived in the northern part, had been captured 
by the Indians in Pennsylvania many years before, had seen her mother and 
sister cruelly tomahawked and scalped, and had been dragged far off into the 
wilderness by the savages, with whom she remained many wretched years, 
though she finally either managed to make her escape, or was given up by her 
captors. The story of her captivity would be one of absorbing interest. 
Hugh Allison erected a saw-mill at Rochester about the year 1834. The dam 
was washed away several times ; and, after running a few years, the mill was 
abandoned. In about 1842, Seymour Moses erected a saw-mill on Elkhart 
River, two miles northwest of Ligonier. He conducted the mill a few years, 
and then transferred it to the Miller Brothers, who neglected it, permitted the 
dam to break, and then dropped the whole business. In 1843, Seymour Moses 
began the construction of a carding mill near the site where his saw-mill was ; 
but, just as it was about completed, he died, and the project died with him. An 
early saw-mill was operated at Rochester by the " Iron-Works Company." 
Adam Engle conducted an early " corn-cracker " at the northern extremity of 
Indian Lake. The mill was built about 1835, had one set of niggerhead buhrs, 
cracked a great deal of corn, and made the attempt to grind wheat. It was 
operated five or six years, when the dam was destroyed by some one whose land 
was flooded by the back water. 

Rochester was laid out on Section 26, Township 35, Range 8, in Novem- 
ber, 1836, by Simpson Cummins, proprietor. Fifty blocks and fractional 
blocks were surveyed on the river bank, each full lot comprising eight lots, four 
lots being donated for school and church purposes. The lots were immediately 
offered for sale ; and the village grew rapidly. Several houses had been 
erected before the village was laid out. Powell (afterward joined by McCon- 
nell) opened an excellent store in about 1837, at which time some seven fami- 
lies resided there. Nelson Prentiss became their clerk. An iron factory was 
started about the same time, or a little later, by Baldwin, French, and, perhaps, 
others. Eight or ten teamsters were employed to haul iron ore from " Ore 
Prairie," in York Township ; and the business began to thrive. Both Baldwin 
and Frank died about the same time ; and then Mr. Lee assumed control. 
Richmond & Beall finally started a foundry about 1844, where plow-castings, 
pots, kettles, etc., etc., were manufactured in considerable quantity. These 
manufacturing interests called to the village a population, in 1840, of about 
sixty, and, in 1845, over one hundred. It was at that time one of the largest 
and most enterprising towns in the county. A number of years later, McCon- 
nell & Cummins erected a three-storied grist-mill, placing therein three run of 
stone. It became an excellent mill, and is yet there, having passed through 
many vicissitudes. A saw-mill has been there much of the time since 1834. 
A multiplicity of causes contributed to the death of Rochester, though the 
decay was lingering and painful. Ligonier grew from its ashes. In June* 



164 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

1837, Isaac Caven laid out a village of sixty lots on Section 2, Township 35, 
Range 8 east, and named it Washington. The village was properly recorded; 
but, alas ! the poor thing did not grow higher than the paper upon which it was 
platted. The little village of Hawville first found an existence many years 
ago, though but few families have resided there. The village is popularly 
known as "Buttermilk," a very euphonious cognomen, truly. 

David P. Bourette (or Bourie), a Frenchman, whose father, L. B. Bou- 
rette, established himself as a trader among the Indians, at Goshen, in 1800, 
claims to have passed the winter of 1829-30 among the Indians in northern 
Perry Township. He packed several ponies with goods at Fort Wayne, and 
remained with the large encampment of Pottawatomies in northern Perry, dis- 
posing of his goods for money and furs. In 1831, he built a storeroom in 
Elkhart Township, in the history of which will be found a further account of 
this well-known man. He was raised among the Indians, and it is claimed 
that Indian blood flows in his veins, although this he indignantly denies. The 
report is probably a mistake or a slander, as no satisfactory proof has ever been 
produced to show that he is other than what he claims — a full-blooded French- 
man. Until such proof is obtained, the tongue of slander should hush. 
Bourie lived in southwestern Perry for many years. Mrs. Bourie composed a 
very popular song, which is sung at all the old settlers' meetings. It has five 
or six verses, one of which is : 

" The wilderness was our abode 
Full fifty years ag6 ; 

And, if good meat we chose to eat, 
We shot the buck or doe. 

For fish we used to hook the line ; 

We pounded corn to make it fine ; 

On Johnny-cake our ladies dined, 
In this new country." 

Mr. Bourie tells many interesting stories about the Indians. One time, 
down on the Wabash, he says, the Indians, in some way, got possession of a 
considerable quantity of whisky against the orders of the men who had been 
appointed to treat with them ; and an effort was made to recover the liquor 
ere the Indians were under the influence. Two old squaws were out in the 
woods drinking as fast as they could of the fiery liquor ; when, seeing a white 
man looking at them, one, with wicked eyes, expressed herself as follows : Kit- 
wassenock co-she-ah shin-go-lah hiceo dosh-ish-ah caw-a-lah (what does he want; 
I hate him, I detest him ; I'll split his brains out). But the old lady of the 
woods came to time when a rifle was presented in her dusky face. 

In about 1860, the big fires in the pine forests of Michigan caused many 
bears and other wild animals to come down into Indiana and Ohio. A large 
black bear came to Mr. Bourie's residence, and was first seen by Mrs. Bourie, 
from the window, but was thought at first to be a black sheep. The animal 
finally jumped over a fence, and then the truth was revealed. Mr. Bourie, 
and one or two others that were present, immediately started at the top of their 



• 




" 



PERRY TOWNSHIP. 167 

speed for the animal, which made for the river, but, by means of a boat, was 
driven from the island where it had taken refuge, but finally eluded its pursuers 
by entering a dismal swamp. 

In the autumn of 1836, a small log building designed to answer the dou- 
ble purpose of a church and schoolhouse, was erected in the northern part, one 
mile west of where Salem Church now stands, by Seymour Moses, Isaac Caven 
and a few others. Mr. Moses was one of the first teachers in this house, as 
was also Miss Axy Kent. School was taught there after that without inter- 
mission. The Episcopal Methodists began holding their meetings there, but a 
little society had been semi-organized as early as 1834, and had met in the cabins. 
Of those belonging to this society were James Latta (a well-remembered local 
minister and a very worthy man), Robert Latta (of La Grange), Samuel Kerl, 
Abel Thomas, James Taylor (of La Grange) and John Thompson (of La 
Grange). Ministers of other denominations preached as freely in the house as 
the Methodists themselves, though the latter were the builders. A Sunday 
school was early organized, Seymour Moses being one of the first Superintend- 
ents. In about 1849, the old schoolhouse at Moses' Corners was abandoned, 
and a larger, hewed-logr structure erected where the Salem Church now stands. 
This was used as a schoolhouse until 1856, when a frame house was built by 
Eli B. Gerber, at a cost of about $350. In 1845, a rupture occurred in the 
Methodist society, and the Episcopals went into Eden Township, La Grange 
County, where they built a church, while the Protestants remained in the old 
schoolhouse until 1849, when they built Salem Church. This building served 
the society long and faithfully, or until 1879, when the present fine structure 
was built, at a cost of $3,200. The old log schoolhouse on Moses' Corners 
was used by all living in the northern part of the township. It was not until 
between 1845 and 1850 that the population had become sufficiently dense to 
warrant building; others within two miles of it. On account of a schoolhouse 
in northern Sparta Township, at an early day, none was built on Perry's 
Prairie until 1841. The one where Henry Hostetter, Jr., used to live, was 
built a few years later. 

A number of years ago, the Dunkards in the southern part trans- 
formed a schoolhouse into a church, where they now worship in their 
peculiar way. Some eighteen or twenty years ago, the Amish built a small 
church on the northern line, which they continued to occupy for a number of 
years ; but finally the property passed to the control of the Dunkards, who, in 
1879, put up a much better building. The United Brethren, about six years 
ago, became so strong in the northwestern part that they felt capable, finan- 
cially, of erecting a church, which they did, constructing it wholly of brick. 
The society is now in good circumstances. Perry Township owns a third inter- 
est in the fine High School building in Ligonier. That was certainly a move 
in the right direction. Send your young ladies and gentlemen there to school. 



CHAPTER IX. 

by weston a. goodspeed. 

Town of Albion— Catalogue of Patentees— First Cabin in the Township 
—Platting of the Village— Early History and Subsequent Growth- 
Incorporation — Industrial Statistics — Education and Religion — 
schoolhouse bonds— sketches of the religious societies— the flre 
Fiend. 

T I ^HE founding of the town of Albion, and its rapid growth and promised 
-*- permanence, gave rise to the conditions requiring the creation of Albion 
Township. About seven years after the county seat had been finally fixed, and 
Albion in swaddling clothes had been ushered into life, the importance of hav- 
ing a voting precinct other than the centers of York and Jefferson Townships 
became evident to the villagers, and proceedings were begun in 1854, having in 
view the creation of a new township that should comprise four sections of ter- 
ritory, with Albion at the center. If any opposition was encountered from the 
Trustees of the townships, that were to be mutilated in the operation of creating 
the new, such fact is not now remembered. It is denied by some that a peti- 
tion, signed by perhaps all the citizens of Albion, was presented the County 
Commissioners, praying that Albion Township might be created ; but the bur- 
den of evidence is in favor of the existence of such a petition. It was out of 
the question for the village to be so divided that the citizens living east of 
Orange street must go three miles east to poll their votes, and those on the west 
side, three miles west. There was too great a division of pecuniary interest in 
such a separation ; for, according to the Scriptural judgment, " A house divided 
against itself must fall." It is possible that the remembrance of this injunc- 
tion was in the minds of the citizens in 1854, and caused them to adopt the 
better policy of unity. At all events, during the June term (1854) of the 
County Commissioners, the following bounds were ordered set off, to be known 
thereafter as Albion Township ; Sections 18 and 19, Township 34, Range 10 
east (Jefferson) ; and Sections 13 and 24, Township 34, Range 9 east (York). 
This was the first step toward creating concerted action in public affairs. All 
the land within the present limits of the township of Albion was entered as 
follows : 



NAME OF PATENTEE. 



LOCATION. 



Acres. 



Cost. 



Date of Entry. 



Henry Harvey and William Baker 

Winthrop Wright , 

Ira Harriman 

Winthrop Wright 

Henry Harvey and William Baker 
John Sawyer and T. A. Johnson.. 
John Sawyer and T. A. Johnson.. 



N. E. ] and S. W. J 
N. W. i 

N. E. \ and S. W.'J! 

N. W. I- and S. E. J- 

E.}N. E. I 

W. JN. E. i 



18 
18 
18 
19 
19 
18 
13 



34 
84 
34 
34 
34 
3 1 
34 



319.91 
159.71 
160.00 
319.65 
319.83 
80.00 
80.00 



$389.89 
199.64 
200.00 
399.56 
399.79 
100.0U 
100.00 



June 4, 1 
July 18, 1836. 
Oct. 5, 1836. 
July 18, 1836. 
June 4, 1836. 
July 20, 1836. 
July 20, 1836. 



TOWN OF ALBION. 



169 



NAME OF PATENTEE. 



LOCATION. 



Acres. 



Cost. 



Date of Entry. 



Stephen Warner, Jr. 
Ephraim G. Bassett. 
William F. Engle.... 
William F. Engle.... 
William F. Engle.... 
James McConnell.... 
James McConnell — 
William F. Engle.... 

John Bonnar 

John B. Tinker 



E. JN.W. J.. 
W. £N. W.J. 

w. i s. w. \. 

W. } S. E. i. 



E. iS. E. 



E. 4 S. W. \. 

N.W. J-andW.£N.E.i 

E. £ N. E. I 

B.W.J 



S. E. \. 



34 

?A 
34 
34 

.",4 
34 
34 

84 
34 

34 



80.00 

80.00 

80.00 

80.00 

80.00 

80.00 

240.00 

! 80.00 

160.00 

160.00 



100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
250.00 
480.00 
100.00 
300.00 
100.00 
200.00 
200.00 



Aug. 
July 
July 
July 
July 
July 
July 
July 
Aug. 
July 



13,1836. 
23, 1836. 
20, 1836. 
20, 1836. 
20, 1836. 
21, 1836. 
21,1836. 
21,1836. 
11,1836. 
30, 1836. 



Not one of these men built a house at the time of entering the land. 
Hiram Bassett, son of Ephraim, built a log house across the line on Section 14, 
early in 1837 ; and soon afterward a barn was built on the east half of the 
northwest quarter of Section 13. The latter was undoubtedly the first build- 
ing of any kind that was erected in Albion Township. The first dwelling was 
erected very probably by a squatter, named Isaac Brewer, as early as 1842, on 
the farm of Abel Barnum. Brewer was an excellent man, and had suffered 
the misfortune of serving a short time in the Ohio Penitentiary for a crime 
committed by another man, who had contrived to saddle the responsibility and 
punishment upon him. He did not own the land, but was suffered to reside 
thereon, until several years after the county seat had been located at Albion. 
He cleared and put under cultivation about twenty acres, and was informed that 
he could live there until he chose to leave, which time was not far from 1850. 
He has a daughter now living at Kendallville. Jacob Cordell located on Sec- 
tion 19 about the year 1844. He was probably the first man to erect a dwel- 
ling in Albion Township, the land being owned by the builder. 

As stated elsewhere in this volume, the county seat was located at Albion, 
in 1846. Much of the land there had been entered by speculators, or after- 
ward purchased by them, as it was naturally supposed that the county seat 
would not be far removed from the center of the county. As soon as the cen- 
ter was selected by the Commissioners appointed to locate the county seat, some 
important changes were made in the ownership of the land ; and the center, 
which had previously been a wilderness, was visited by the curious and the 
speculative. Albion was laid out in November, 1846, by Samuel Hanna, 
William F. Engle, John L. White (by H. H. Hitchcock, his agent), Warren 
Chaffee and James L. Worden, County Agent. The land laid out on Sections 
13 and 24, York Township, was owned by Samuel Hanna, William F. Engle, 
and John L White, each of whom owned an undivided one-third interest. Mr. 
Chaffee owned the land on Section 18, Jefferson Township, and Henry Harvey 
that on Section 19, same township. A portion of the town was at first laid out 
on Mr. Harvey's land, but he died about the time the work was in progress, 
and, owing to the unsettled condition of his estate, that portion of the village 



170 HISTORY OP NOBLE COUNTY. 

plat had to be vacated, and the street which had been projected from the west 
across the line on his land, was located several rods north to meet the street on 
the Jefferson side. His land was thus avoided. There was a difference of 
nearly three rods from where the Jefferson center line met the boundary be- 
tween the townships Jefferson and York and where the center line of the latter 
met the same boundary, the former point being north of the latter. This was 
why the western street was thrown north to meet the eastern Jefferson street. 
The village plat, then, as corrected, shows fifty lots laid out on Mr. Chaffee's 
land, and eighty- two lots and the court house square on the west side of the 
township line, on both Sections 13 and 24. The additions have been Harvey's, 
Prentiss', Denny's, Black's, Stewart's, Kimmel's, Bowen's, Sallady's, Baker's, 
Acus', Seneca, Tiffin, Harkins', Clark's, and one or two others. 

Not far from the same time, in about February, 1847, two dwellings were 
built, one by Mrs. Washburn, and the other by Isaac Swarthout. These were 
probably the first. During the same year (1847), the following citizens, among 
others, probably located at the center, or Albion : Mr. Reynolds, William F. 
Engle, who built the American House (the present Worden House) ; David 
Monroe, who built quite a large structure in which to board the workmen who 
were employed on the court house ; Judge Worden, who built where Dr. Lem- 
on now resides ; EL H. Hitchcock, who built the Franks House ; Dr. Will- 
iam Clark, Dr. Harkins, James Gillespie and Joshua Wade, a shoemaker. It 
is said that the Monroe boarding-house was owned by Ephraim Walters. Mrs. 
Washburn also kept boarders. During the summer and fall of 1847 there was 
a great rush into Albion, and a great demand was thus created for houses. 
There also came in, probably prior to January 1, 1848, Henry Bowman, Dan- 
iel Bowman, Erastus Spencer, William M. Clapp, Simeon Gillespie, Elijah 
Wright, Henry Barkelew, John McMeans, Jeremiah Low, Mr. Graden, and 
perhaps others. At the last-mentioned date, there were living in Albion at 
least seventy persons. In 1850, the population had reached about 250. 
County officers and lawyers appeared, and the court brought many strangers to 
the village. 

It has been said that the proprietors of Albion gave every third lot to the 
county in consideration of having the county seat located there. This, it is 
said, was why James L. Worden, as County Agent, was interested in the laying- 
out of Albion. The growth of the new county seat was at first very rapid 
until a population of about 350 was reached, after which period improvements 
took place only as the surrounding country became more populous. During 
the summer of 1847, S. T. Clymer, sub-contractor of the court house, brought 
a few hundred dollars' worth of a general assortment of goods to the village. 
This was the first stock offered for sale in Albion. Two or three years later, 
he was succeeded by Dutton & Clymer, and they, in turn, by Clymer & Miller. 
Spencer & Barkelew, merchants, appeared about this time ; also Clapp & 
Hitchcock. Since that time the following, among others, have been in busi- 



TOWN OF ALBION. • 171 

ness in Albion : Dry goods — Day & Culp, Clark & Bronson, Black & Zimmer- 
man, Owen Black, Black & Son, Phillips & Walters, Black & Foster, Black & 
Son, Love & Black, J. D. Black, Black Brothers at present, Prentiss & Cosper 
(about 1861), Nelson Prentiss, Prentiss & Trump, Prentiss, Trump & Mc- 
Means, Trump & McMeans, Prentiss & Landon, W. M. Clapp, Clapp & Phil- 
lips, Clapp, Phillips & White, Phillips & White, C. B. Phillips, Moltz 
& Bayer, D. E. A. Spencer, Charles Moltz, Worden & Son, grocers ; Adams, 
Palmer & Co., at present; Markey & Walters, Frank Clapp, at present; 
Hamlin & Jourdan, grocers; Moltz & Hadley, S. J. Hadley, Adam Kimmel, 
Sloan & Tidball, W. K. Knox, agricultural implements ; F. Buetner, clothing ; 
druggists, Norman & George Teal, Henry Stoney, Alfred Stoney, Leonard & 
Denny, Dr. Cox, Barnet & Dunshee, Dunshee & Leonard, Leonard & 
Skinner, Skinner & Mendenhall, Mendenhall & White, Gray & Spencer, F. 
D. Spencer, Hamlin & Skinner and R. L. Stone, the last two at present. The 
Kimmels were in with hardware at an early day. Of course Albion has been 
represented from the first by the usual number of mechanics, artisans, profes- 
sional and business men and numerous miscellaneous shops and pursuits. 

George Powers, at quite an early day, began manufacturing shingles on a 
small scale. Jacob Bruner opened a cabinet shop as early as 1850. Various 
specimens of his workmanship may yet be seen in private dwellings in Albion. 
Elmer Dakan erected a shop in about 1854, and began making wagons. A few 
years later, Alpheus Jacquays undertook the same pursuit. John McMeans 
began a general pottery business in 1855, coming from Port Mitchel, where he 
had followed the same occupation. He continued the business in Albion neaxdy 
three years, turning out milk crocks, jugs, pots, pitchers, etc., but the enter- 
prise proved unprofitable, as no suitable clay could be found near the village. 
Mr. McMeans and Owen Black burned brick in an early day. Elijah Wright 
burned brick in x\lbion in 1848. George Harvey burned the brick 
for the court house — the one standing at this writing. Mr. Reynolds, 
in about 1848 or 1849, built a hotel on the south side, where he sold 
liquor. In about 1851, Joshua Wade erected a hotel on the southeast corner, 
where the hardware store is now standing. In June, 1867, Singrey & Hass 
opened a sash, blind and door factory. Some time afterward. Mr. Hass was 
killed by being caught in the machinery in some manner. His head was hor- 
ribly crushed, leaving his brain exposed, and permitting a portion to escape. 
Some time after this sad event, Mr. Eby became the partner of Mr. Singrey. 
Michael Beck began manufacturing wagons in 1860, and once in awhile turned 
out a buggy. In 1864, J. E. Huffman became his partner, and after this the 
business was greatly increased, continuing until about 1872. They manufact- 
ured as high as forty vehicles in one year. This was one of the most extensive 
enterprises ever in Albion. In 1876, William Dressel, of Tiffin. Ohio, erected 
a large brick building, intending it for a sash and door factory ; but his peculiar 
and untimely death caused the enterprise to collapse at the time of its incep- 



ii 



172 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

tion. The building cost about $4,000, and is standing unoccupied. In 1862, 
Owen Black erected the grist-mill now running in the northern part of town . 
The building was immediately rented to Fisher Brothers, who placed therein 
three sets of buhrs, and the other necessary machinery for grinding all kinds of 
grain. This mill has had a peculiar history. It has been sold and repurchased 
three times by Mr. Black. Each time Mr. Black would fit it up in excellent 
shape, and sell it at a good round figure ; and then, after the buyers had tried 
the business and failed, he would buy it back for half he sold it for, and again 
fit it up to be sold. In this manner he cleared several thousand dollars. 
Askew & Miller now own it, and from appearances Mr. Black will not have 
another opportunity to clear several thousand dollars after the old fashion. The 
mill at present is furnishing excellent flour. In 1863, Mr. Black built a saw- 
mill close to his grist-mill. The saw-mill was rented, and has passed through 
a checkered career. Henry Shirk has been manufacturing carriages quite 
extensively for the last two years. Mr. Sim Conkle, a first-class workman, has 
charge of the painting department. Their shop is the old schoolhouse. In 
1876, Harvey & Eby built a sash and door factory near the depot. Mr. Eby 
left the partnership two years ago. Mr. Harvey has been manufacturing 
staves for butter kegs. He is now making " Hogan's Propeller," a churn, pat- 
ented by Mr. Hogan. Mr. Harvey has the exclusive right of sale in the 
United States. In 1875, Baughman, Hyter & Co. erected a brick foundry in 
the southeastern part of town. Here they remained until 1878, doing an 
extensive amount of general repair work, in the meantime manufacturing two 
fine engines, one of which is now used in the same building. A business of over 
$3,000 was done annually. In 1878, the partnership was divided, Mr. Baugh- 
man taking the machinery, and Mr. Hyter, the building, etc. Mr. Baughman 
is yet in the same business near the depot. He has lately invented an ingenious 
and valuable safety railroad signal lamp, also a self-extinguishing lamp. After 
the dissolution of the partnership, Baughman, Hyter & Co., Mr. Hyter began 
the milling business with Mr. Ludlow, under the name, Ludlow & Hyter. The 
old foundry building was fitted up with four runs of stone, and the 
building has since been known as a grist-mill. Charles Boetcher, in 
August, 1880, purchased Mr. Ludlow's interest. Thus the partnership 
remains. R. B. Stone and E. J. Thompson, railroad men, are operating one 
of the finest saw-mills in the county. They are now preparing heavy railroad 
lumber, mostly for the roads west of Chicago. Some thirty " hands " are at 
work in the various departments of this mill. Large tracts of land are being 
stripped of timber. Harron Brothers are at present operating a saw-mill near 
the depot. 

Among the tavern keepers in Albion have been Michael Coon, Mr. Rey- 
nolds, Isaac Swarthout, Joshua Wade, Jeremiah Low, William F. Engle, Al- 
fred Jacquays, James Wright, Mr. Trussell, Charles Woodruff, Mr. Russell 
Mr. Worden, J. H. Bliss, Eli Dice, John Sloan, Thomas Salsgiver, Samuel 



>■•■>;? 




COUNTY AUDITOR 



TOWN OF ALBION. 176 

Salladay, Haggarty & Bryant, Austin Jennings, Henry Tuck and Hiram 
Bradley. Among the physicians have been Drs. Clark, Harkins, Boetcher, 
Spencer (two), Dunshee, Barnet, D. W. C. Denny, Cox, Nimmons, Wheeler, 
Leonard, Lemon, Hays, Pickett and Martin. Among the liverymen have been 
John Sloan, John Bliss, William Coon, Stoops & Greenman, John Walters, 
Ed. Engle and Stoops & Hart. Among the Postmasters have been William F. 
Engle (perhaps Clapp or Hitchcock), Abel Warner, Nelson Prentiss, A. J. 
Kimmel, John Hiskey, James Evans, John De Camp, James Evans, Emma 
Jane Douglas, William Snyder, A. J. Kimmel and Isaac Mendenhall. 

The Sons of Temperance instituted a lodge in Albion not far from the 
year 1852. The life of the organization was brief and short. The " Wash- 
ingtonians "' were present for a short period. The Good Templars have had 
one, and perhaps two, organizations in town. Albion, for many years, was one 
of the pleasantest towns in Northern Indiana, in which to reside. But little 
drinking was indulged in, scarcely a drunken man being seen on the street. 
There is more liquor consumed in the town at present than ever before. The 
fines for drunkenness and the license paid by the liquor dealers are at present 
an important source of revenue. 

In 1875, W. M. Clapp began a general private banking business under 
the name " The Bank of Albion," continuing until his death in January, 188L 
The business was then closed ; but, as soon as the books and the estate could 
be settled, Charles M. Clapp, in September, 1881, again opened the bank for 
the transaction of business. 

The Masonic Lodge at Albion, known as Albion Lodge No. 97, F. & 
A. M., was instituted in February, 1853, by S. D. Bayless, Deputy Grand 
Master of the State of Indiana. The charter members were Leander B. 
Eagles, Nelson Prentiss, Jacob Stage, Hosea Gage, J. W. Leonard, D. W. C. 
Teal and William M. Clapp. The first officers were : Nelson Prentiss, W. M. ; 
Jacob Stage, S. W. ; Leander Eagles, J. W. ; Hosea Gage, S. D. ; William M. 
Clapp, Secretary. The charter is dated the 25th of the following May. The 
hall rented by the lodge was dedicated by Dr. Collins, on the 27th of June, 
1853. At the time " The Pinery " was burned, nearly all the lodge propertj 
was destroyed. Considerable money was lost by other misfortunes, until th« 
present financial condition is not as good as might be expected. The present 
officers are : James Roscoe, W. M. ; J. A. Hamlin, S. W. ; Ezekiel Teagarden s 
J. W. ; William Trump, S. D. ; A. J. Doular, J. D. ; C. B. Phillips, Secreta- 
ry ; George Hines, Treasurer, and S. M. Foster, Tiler. Out of the territory 
covered by this lodge have been instituted lodges at Ligonier, Avilla, Wolf 
Lake, Kendallville and Churubusco. 

North Star Lodge, No. 380, I. 0. 0. F., was instituted September 13, 1871, 
by District Deputy Grand Master J. B. Kimball, under a 'dispensation from 
W. H. De Wolf, G. M. of the Grand Lodge of the State of Indiana. The 
charter members were Eden H. Fisher, Isaac Mendenhall, William Z. Holver- 



176 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

stoll, Hollabert H. Brown and William C. Williams. The first officers were 
William C. Williams, N. G. ; Eden H. Fisher, V. G. ; Isaac Mendenhall, 
Treas. ; W. Z. Holverstoll, Sec. The total number of members admitted since 
the institution of the lodge is sixty-four. Of these, three have died, many 
have moved away and joined other lodges, some have been dropped for non-pay- 
ment of dues, and some have been expelled. There are now in active member- 
ship thirty-nine — as many or more than at any one time since the organization 
of the lodge. The financial condition of the lodge is good. It has invested in 
hall furniture $425, and in regalia $75. It also has on hand and at interest 
$345.49 general fund, and $113.02 orphan fund. It is slowly and steadily 
growing, both financially and in membership, and promises to be soon one of the 
strong lodges of the State. Its present officers are : D. C. Baughman, N. G. ; 
Charles Boetcher, V. G. ; E. F. Coats, Rec. Sec. ; Ed. P. Ray, Per. Sec. ; 
Piatt B. Bassett, Treas. The lodge has expended by way of relief up to De- 
cember, 1880, $237.80. 

At the March term of the County Commissioners, in 1874, a petition, 
signed by seventy-eight qualified voters of Albion, was presented them, praying 
as follows that the village of Albion might be incorporated : 

The undersigned qualified voters of Albion, Noble County, Indiana, would respectfully 
petition your honorable body to issue an order declaring that so much territory of Albion Town, 
■ship, of said county and State, as is embraced within the map and survey hereunto annexed, be 
organized as the " Incorporated Town of Albion," under the following bounds : The northwest 
quarter of Section 19, Township 34, Range 10 ; southwest quarter of Section 18, Township 84, 
Range 10 ; west half of northeast quarter of Section 19, Township 34, Range 10; northeast quar- 
ter of Section 24, Township 34, Range 9 ; southeast quarter of Section 13, Township 34, Rauge 
'9 ; and out-lots 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, Section 13, Township 34, Range 9, in Clark's Addition to the 
town of Albion. 

In accordance with the prayer of the petitioners, the Commissioners 
ordered an election to be held on the 24th of March, 1874, to ascertain the 
will of the citizens as to the incorporation of the village. At the June term 
(1874) of the Commissioners, James Greenman, John II. Bliss and Franklin 
B. Kiblinger, Inspectors of the Election, reported that eighty-five votes bad 
been cast for the incorporation of Albion, and forty-four against the same ; 
whereupon the Commissioners, on the 8th of June, 1874, ordered the creation 
of the -'Incorporated Town of Albion." Notice was issued that, on the 23d 
•of June, 1874, an election of town officers would be held at the court house. 
On this occasion, Alexander Fulton, Sherman J. Hadley and Jacob J. Fischer 
were elected Town Trustees, and Merritt C. Skinner, Clerk, Treasurer and 
Assessor. At the first regular meeting of the Board of Trustees, Peter A. 
Sunday was chosen Town Marshal, and at the second meeting Thomas M. 
Eells was chosen Town Attorney. A town seal was ordered obtained on the 
•8th of July, and at the same and subsequent called meetings various town ordi- 
nances were adopted. . Sidewalks were petitioned for and built, thus supplying 
i, convenience and want that could not be satisfied by voluntary action on the 



TOWN OF ALBION. 177 

part of property owners. It is proper to add here that a number of prominent 
citizens stubbornly opposed the incorporation of the village from the start, for 
reasons best known to themselves. But the friends of the measure were too 
numerous, and. when the opening of the B., P. & 0. Railroad gave Albion a 
decided "boom," and gave the citizens assurance that the county seat was 
fixed beyond a doubt (a circumstance in doubt previously), it was thought best 
to have a municipal government, and Albion was thus incorporated. Subse- 
quent events have proved the wisdom of the majority. The first sidewalk peti- 
tioned for was the one on the west side of Orange street, from Main street to 
the depot. This was on the 27th of August, 1874. 

The first term of school in Albion was taught during the winter of 1847- 
48, by Ephraim Walters, in a small log house owned by himself, and located on 
the west side of South Orange street. He had enrolled about twenty scholars, 
and taught three months. Miss Kedsie taught a short term during the follow- 
ing summer. By this time, the rush into Albion had become so great that 
about sixty scholars were ready to attend during the winter of 1848-49. Abel 
Barnum and his wife were accordingly employed to direct this large flock of in- 
nocents. The session was held in a log house owned by Mr. Pepple. DuriDg 
the autumn of 1849, a small frame schoolhouse was built in Albion by Samue^ 
Devenbaugh. A young man named Abel Warner, who had been clerking in 
the store of Clapp & Hitchcock (?), was employed to teach in this house during 
the winter of 1849-50. This building, which is yet standing, adjoining the 
residence of Nelson Prentiss, was used continuously until 1863, when the large, 
two-storied frame building, now occupied as a carriage factory by Henry Shirk, 
was constructed by James Prouty, at a cost of about $1,500. Abel Warner 
was also the first teacher in this house. Here school was held until the pres- 
ent building was erected in 1876. Two teachers were employed as early as 
1848-49 ; but after that, and until about 1858, one teacher, save in a few ex- 
ceptional cases, was capable of managing the attendance. Assistants have been 
added from time to time since the last mentioned date, until the instructors at 
present number six. In 1849, at the time the first schoolhouse was built, a 
number of the citizens, headed by William F. Engle, wished the house located 
in the northern part of the village ; while another party, at the head of whom 
was Isaac Swarthout, insisted on having it built southeast of the court house. 
Considerable feeling was incited by the opposition of the two factions ; but at 
last the Swarthout party gained the victory, and decided the question of loca- 
tion. At the time Albion Township was created, another mild outbreak oc- 
curred regarding the division of the school fund of the Townships York and 
Jefferson. Albion Township, having been created from those townships, 
claimed a share of their school fund, and was awarded a portion on the basis of 
population in the sections stricken off to form the new township as compared 
with that of the remainder of those townships. The question arose as to 
whether the new township had any just claim to the school fund arising from 



178 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

the sale or rent of the lands of Section 16 in those townships ; and, if the 
writer is correctly informed, the right to a portion of such fund was denied Al- 
bion Township. 

During the last few months of the year 1875, the old schoolhouse having 
become dilapidated and dangerous, the citizens began discussing the propriety 
of constructing a new and better one. Nearly all the citizens were at this 
time in favor of the project, or at least were neutral. The School Trustees se- 
lected a site for the building on the land of Owen Block ; but, owing either to 
some alterations in the price of the land, or some alleged imperfections in the 
deed of transfer, or both, they withdrew from the partially-formed contract, and 
purchased for $1,100 the lots where the school building now stands. As soon 
as this purchase became known, and it became apparent that the School Trust- 
ees expected town bonds to be issued whereby to pay the expense of construct- 
ing a costly brick schoolhouse, a decided division in public opinion became man- 
ifest. A number of prominent and wealthy citizens, upon whom much of the 
burden of taxation would fall, stubbornly opposed the project, possibly from 
partly private, personal or pecuniary motives. Their real reasons remain to 
this day a matter of speculation. A little later, they brought suit in the Cir- 
cuit Court to enjoin the collection of a certain school fund which might be ap- 
plied toward the construction of the proposed house, but they were defeated. 
Just before the contract for building the house was let, a meeting of those op- 
posed to the scheme was called at the court bouse, and numerous dis- 
couraging speeches were delivered to a room full of citizens. A paper was 
circulated and signed by nearly twenty opposers ; but the list was afterward 
increased to more than forty. Still, the majority were not shaken in their de- 
termination to build the house. The Town Board at this time were William 
Trump, J. J. Fischer and Owen Black. The School Trustees were Dr. W. Y. 
Leonard. William S. Kiser and C. A. Howard. The contract for building the 
house was let to John Lichtenberger, of Fort Wayne, and T. J. Tolan & Son, 
also of Fort Wayne, were the architects. The contract price was $15,300. 
Work was immediately begun on the house, and the Town Board was asked to sell 
$17,000 worth of the corporation's bonds to defray the entire expense. At this 
stage the opposition sued out an injunction to restrain the Town Trustees from 
issuing the bonds ; but, although the question of the right of the Town Trust- 
ees to pass an ordinance authorizing the negotiation and sale of bonds of the 
corporation to defray the expense of constructing a school building was taken 
first to the Circuit Court and thence to the Supreme Court, the case, in both 
instances, was decided adversely to the plaintiff. This was about the last stand 
made by the opposition. Town bonds to the amount of $17,000 were ordered 
printed and sold, that sum being considered necessary to cover the cost of the 
house, the cost of the land, and some miscellaneous expense. The bonds were 
issued in sums of $250 and $500, bearing 8 per cent interest payable semi-an- 
nually, and were strictly 5-20 bonds. They were sold in various localities, 




COUNTY RECORDER 



TOWN OF ALBION. 179 

some in New York City, some in Ohio, and some to persons in different por- 
tions of Indiana. None of the bonds have been taken up, although the inter- 
est is promptly paid when due. Owing to the opposition to the sale of the 
bonds, and the distrust thereby incited, those first issued were sold at a slight 
discount. This caused a loss of several hundred dollars to the town. 

The several law-suits growing out of the schoolhouse question cost the 
town nearly $1,500 ; this expense was covered by the bonds. The terms of 
the contract were not complied with by the contractor, who fraudulently 
reduced the height of the upper story about nine inches, cut down the size of 
the upper windows, and failed to put the plaster on in the required manner. 
The fraud was discovered almost by accicj^nt by Dr. Leonard almost at the 
last moment. The work was permitted to go on until completed, and then the 
School Trustees at first refused to accept the building. This they were advised 
to do by the architect, who had himself failed to discover the error during the 
work of construction. The contractor became a beggar and importuned the 
Trustees to have mercy, and finally the building was accepted at a reduction of 
about $900. 

TOWN ORDINANCE NO. 23. 

Whereas, The town of Albion has a voting population of less than sixteen thousand, as 
shown by the votes cast for Governor at the last regular election, and, whereas, the said town 
has an indebtedness of $17,000, evidenced by bonds to that amount issued for the purpose of 
purchasing ground and erecting thereon and completion of a schoolhouse owned by said town, 
and said indebtedness being now due at the option of said town, and all bearing interest at the 
rate of 8 per cent per annum, payable semi-annually. 

Now, therefore, for the purpose of funding said indebtedness of said town, and for the 
purpose of reducing the present rate of interest on said indebtedness, the following ordinance 
be enacted : 

Section 1. Be it ordained by the Board of Trustees of the town of Albion, in special ses- 
sion assembled, that for the purpose aforesaid, the said town do issue its bonds, with coupons 
attached, to the amount of $17,000, said bonds to be of the denomination of $500 each, num- 
bered from one to thirty-four, inclusive, payable twenty years after the date thereof, bearing in- 
terest at the rate of 6 per cent per annum, payable semi-annually, interest payable at. the First 
National Bank of the city of New York, in the State of New York, on presentation and delivery 
of coupons, said bonds to be redeemable and payable at the pleasure of said town after the ex- 
piration of five years from the date thereof, and further that all of the several bonds authorized 
by this ordinance bear date of January 1, A. D. 1882, and the interest coupons be due and 
payable on the 1st day of January and July of each year. 

Section 2. That said bonds and coupons shall be in the following form to wit : 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, STATE OF INDIANA, 

TOWN OF ALBION. 
.NUMBER. "1 J DOLLARS. 

/ \ $500. 

FUNDING BOND. 

Twenty years after date, the town of Albion, in the county of Noble, in the State of Indi- 
ana, promises to pay to the bearer at the First National Bank of the city of New York, in the 
State of New York, $500, with interest thereon at the rate of 6 per cent per annum, payable 
semi-annually at the same place, upon presentation and delivery of the proper coupons herewith 
attached, without any relief from valuation or appraisement laws of the State of Indiana. This 
bond is redeemable at the pleasure of the Board of Trustees of said town after five years from 



180 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

the date hereof, by said Board of Trustees giving notice to said bank, at the time of payment of 
any coupon, of their intention to do so at the maturity of the next succeeding coupon. 

This bond is one of a series of $17,000 in denomination of $500 each, authorized by the 
said town by an ordinance passed and approved by the Board of Trustees thereof, on the 8th 
day of December, 1881, entitled "Town Ordinance No. 23, in relation to the issuing of bonds of 
the incorporated town of Albion, Noble County, for the purpose of funding the outstanding bonds 
of said town " 

In witness whereof the said Board of Trustees of the town of Albion, Indiana, have caused 
this bond and coupons thereof to be signed by its President and attested by its Clerk, and the 

seal of said town hereto attached, at the town of Albion, this the day of 1881. 

President. 

Attest. Clerk. 

It may not be improper to state at this point that the growth of Albion 
has been very much retarded by the lack of public spirit shown by some of its 
leading men. Capital from abroad has often sought investment, but has been 
prevented by the peculiar conduct of these men. Land upon which to erect 
business blocks could not be purchased at any price, and at Albion could be 
seen represented the sad, though familiar, spectacle of the dog in the manger. 
Better things are expected in the future. 

The present Presbyterian society at Albion was organized on the 16th of 
December. 1848, by Revs. E. Bascom and A. H. Kerr. The first members 
were Erastus Spencer, Amanda M. Spencer, Adaline Wade, William Crispell, 
Sarah Crispell, Catharine Coon, Andrew Woodward, Polly A. Basset, Lucia 
Basset, E. M. Wright, Abigail Wright and Isaac Arnold. William Crispell 
became Ruling Elder. Of the above first members, Lucia Basset is the only 
one now living. The accessions to the society have been gradual, the greatest 
membership being seventy, about three years ago. The present membership is 
sixty-three, and the average, since 1848, about forty. Services were first held 
in the court house, but, later, in the Lutheran Church, toward the construction 
of which the Presbyterians contributed several hundred dollars. The present 
Presbyterian Church was constructed during portions of the years 1875 and 
1876. The total cost, including the furnishings and the land, was about 
$7,100. The work was begun in August, 1875, and the house was dedicated 
November 12, 1876. by Rev. James Pollock, of Tiffin, Ohio. The ministers in 
charge of the society have been E. Bascom, Mr. Snyder, William Boner 
(about eight years, beginning in 1851), Charles A. Munn, S. V. McKee, 
J. P. Moore (from near the close of the war until about five years ago), 
Preston McKinney (four years), and G. W. Barr, a young man of fine ability 
and promise, at present. This is the strongest society in town. 

The Evangelical Lutheran society was organized in April, 1848, by Rev. 
J. Siedle, the first members being Phillip Bowman and wife, David Bucher 
and wife, Henry Bowman and wife, Stephen Pratt and wife, James Pepple and 
wife, and Abraham Hosier and wife. The pastors have been Revs. G. A. 
Exline, J. Siedle, G. Walker, R. L. Delo, J. H. Hoffman, J. N. Barnett, J. 
Boon, Sink, William Waltman, W. H. Keller, B. F. Stultz, O. W. Bowen 



TOWN OF ALBION. 181 

and J. Shaffer. For many years, during the early history of the society, it 
was the strongest in membership in town. The first church was built by them 
in 1855. From that on, for a number of years, four different denominations 
met regularly in this house. The church is said to have cost $1,200. Considerable 
assistance was furnished by the other societies, with the understanding that they 
were to have the use of the house at stated periods. This building is yet occu- 
pied by the Lutherans. The above facts of the Lutheran society were furnished 
the writer by Mr. James Pepple. Elder Blanchard, of Wolcottville, established 
a Baptist society in about the year 1849, but the doctrine of salvation by the 
water route was accepted by only a few, who, after a few years, dispersed and 
joined other societies. Mr. Pepple says the Methodists organized the first class 
at Albion very early in the year 1848. Unfortunately, the writer was unable 
to learn the early history of this society. Mr. Spencer thinks the class was 
formed during the autumn of 1847, and that the parsonage was begun that 
year, but is not certain. Rev. Stout is said to have been the first pastor, and 
Rev. Hall the second. The class started out with a small membership, and at 
first met in the court-room, but finally used the Lutheran Church. The follow- 
ing have been the ministers since 1861, from records furnished by Mr. Wood- 
ruff: Rev. Nash (before 1861), Revs. Sell, Ayers, Barnard, J. M. Mann, J. S. 
Sellers, H. L. Nickerson, J. W. Smith, William Comstock, W. B. Graham, C. 
H. Wilkinson, James Greer, and J. W. Smith. In 1861, the membership did 
not exceed twenty, and has never been more than fifty. Probably the average 
is not far from thirty. The society has paid its minister from $100 to $260 
per year, Albion being one of four points (formerly six) attended by him. The 
Methodist Church was built in 1875, at a cost of $3,000, about one-third of the 
amount being furnished by members of other churches and outsiders. The 
last of this was paid off two years ago. In 1874, when the new railroad was 
opened, the Methodists ran an excursion to Chicago, and cleared over $700 
cash. This helped them out with their church wonderfully. Some two years 
later, they also, by the same means, cleared about $300. 

The United Brethren organized a society, probably in 1867, among whom 
were the following members: Samuel Woodruff, Emma (Woodruff) Black, Dr. 
C. Woodruff, Jane Woodruff, John Decamp, Deborah Decamp, Samuel De- 
camp and Elizabeth Decamp. There were five or six others. This society was 
really formed from the class of the Wesleyan Methodists. It was organized by 
Rev. George Wansbrow. Among the ministers have been Revs. Prouty, Jacob 
Albright, E. Johnson, Joseph Bechtel, J. V. Terflinger, L. Morrison, D. D. 
Bowman, J. G. Knotts and E. Seithman. The lot for the parsonage was fur- 
nished by Emma Black and that for the church by Charles Woodruff. The 
present church was built, and $600 was raised by subscription on the day of 
dedication. The average membership is about thirty and probably has not 
exceeded fifty. 

In 1874, Father Duehmig, of Avilla, began raising money to build a Cath- 



182 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

olic Church at Albion. In 1875, the building was erected at a cost of about 
$>2,000. The leading contributors were William Storey and John Morehouse, 
Sr. The congregation numbers some fifteen families. Father Duehmig was 
pastor until 1878, when he was succeeded by Father Franzen. who remained for 
one year. Father Ege, of Girondot Settlement, has had charge of the society 
since. Fathers Duehmig and Ege are both prominent and able men. Perhaps 
Father Duehmig has done more than any other living man to build up the Cath- 
olic cause in Northern Indiana. 

In about the year 1854, Rev. Bell organized a class of Wesleyan Method- 
ists, east of town, at the Harvey Schoolhouse. This class, at first, consisted 
of George Harvey, Mary Harvey, Thomas Beyner, Jane Beyner, John Bailey 
and Susan Bailey. Others were afterward added. The class met in the old 
schoolhouse and occasionally in the court room at Albion, and at last, for about 
two years preceding the erection of their church, in the U. B. Church at Al- 
bion. In 1877, their brick church was constructed, the cost amounting to 
about $2,300. The Harvey family paid of this about $600. Among the min- 
isters of this society have been Revs. Bell, Charles Wiggins, Paxton, Bassett, 

Henry Stoney, Armstrong, Teeter, Jesse Hyatt, Hyatt, Aaron Worth, 

and the present pastor, Mr. Northam. The average membership has been 
about twenty ; present membership, about thirty. 

Albion has been visited by many disastrous fires. The following is an 
approximation of the losses : 

Sidle House, 1857 $500 

Court House, 1859 Indefinite. 

Barns owned by Knox & Edwards, after the war 300 

Owen Black, S. M. Foster, Leonard & Denny, Nelson Prentiss, Mr. Stephens, Mr. 
Munn, Dick Spencer, Mr. Haas; William Baughiuan and others, in the spring of 

1867 20,000 

W. R. Knox, Fogleson & Stoops, Scott & Shessler and others, December 11, 1877 2,500 

W. M. Clapp, R. L. Stone, Marquardt & Smith, Moltz & Hadley, Dr. W. B. Olds, Ma- 
sonic Lodge, J. D. Black, John McMeans, Denny & Kiblinger, \V. L. HofF, Denlar 
& Frazure, J. C.Wolf, Nelson Prentiss, Fulton & Kasterday, Samuel Freeman and 

others, Sunday morning, April 11, 1878 23,000 

B. & O. Elevator, June 4, 1878 2,500 

Owen Black, J. I). Black, S. S. Fitch, C. B. Phillips, S. J. Hadley, B. F. Frazure, J. M. 

Denny, John McMeans and others, July 20, 1879 24,000 

Adam Kimmel, W. W. White, J. B. Prouty, Mr. Franks, Alexander Fulton and others, 

September 24, 1879 2,500 

Cost office, etc., July 17, 1880 2,400 

W. M. Clapp, C. B. Phillips, Charles H. Moltz, Bank of Albion, Adelphian Dramatic 

Company, P. A. Sunday and others, October 7, 1880 21,000 

Dr. Lemmon, summer of 1881 9,000 

Grand total, excluding court house $107,700 

Owen Black's loss, about 32,000 



CHAPTER X. 



BY JAMES M. DENNY. 



Jefferson Township— First Families— Journey to the West— Indians— Pio- 
neer Industries— Organization— Churches— Schools— Incidents— Ag- 
riculture — Antiquities— Manners and Customs— Cemeteries— Stock- 
Raising. 

IN this brief sketch, the writer acknowledges his indebtedness for many facts 
therein contained to Jehu Foster, Mitchell Potts, Alfred Skinner, Abram 
Carey, Mrs. John Ely, Frederick Acres, Luther Spencer, D. E. A. Spencer, 
James Sweet, John W. Moorhouse and others, who were all among the early 
settlers of the township. Much is necessarily omitted here which will appear 
in the biographical sketches and general history of the county, now being writ- 
ten. 

The first land entered in the township was the northeast quarter of Sec- 
tion 5, by a man named Miller, and now constitutes a part of the large farm 
owned by William Huston. The first white settler was David Herriman, who, 
with his family, came from Richland County, Ohio, early in the year 1836, 
and entered and settled on the northeast quarter of Section 12. He lived 
thereon about one year, and sold it to Samuel C. Spencer, who came from 
Huron County, Ohio, in 1838, and took possession of the same. Mr. Herri- 
man left the State immediately. Mr. Spencer resided there for many years, 
and sold it to George Harvey, the present owner. Mr. Spencer then pur- 
chased land one and a half miles southeast of Albion, upon which he resided 
until his death. It is now owned and occupied by his son, Luther Spencer. 
In October, 1836, Lewis Potts, Benjamin Potts, Jehu Foster, James Thomp- 
son and Manassa Thompson, from Richland County, Ohio, and James Skinner, 
from Huron County, Ohio, came with their families, purchased and settled 
upon Sections 10 and 11, and made fine improvements upon the same. Of 
the above settlers, Lewis Potts, Benjamin Potts, Manassa Thompson and James 
Skinner died several vears ago, on their respective farms, much, lamented by 
all. Jehu Foster and James Thompson still reside on their first-made homes, 
surrounded in their declining years with peace and plenty. John Peabody, in 
the spring of 1839, purchased and settled on land in Section 15, where he 
resided until 1848, when he sold it to Joseph B. Riddle, the present owner, 
and removed to Allen County, Indiana. Stephen Barhan came in 1837, and, 
being destitute of the means necessary to purchase land, he labored for James 
Skinner and others until the requisite amount was obtained, when he purchased 
the land upon which he now resides, which, by his unremitting industry, is at 
present one of the best-improved farms in the township. In 1838, John Call 
entered and settled upon the land now owned by John A. Singrey, at present 



184 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

one of the County Commissioners, sold the same and moved to Albion when 
the town was first laid out, and where he died about twenty-five years ago. 
Between the years of 1836 and 1838 (exact date not known), Alfred Martin, 
Martin Smith, John Grubb, Smith Ashley and Henry Carothers settled in the 
township, near the settlement above mentioned. The aforementioned James 
Skinner, Jehu Foster, Benjamin Potts and Lewis Potts fir3t landed in the 
county at the cabin of Jackson Sawyer, in Wayne Township, adjoining the 
present site of the city of Kendallville, and about six miles northeast of their 
place of destination. Mr. Sawyer received them hospitably, and, in common 
with the rest of his few scattering; neighbors, rendered them all the assistance 
possible. Here they left their families, goods and teams for about a week, 
while they were cutting roads to their land. For the first month they camped 
together on the land of Mr. Skinner, under shelter of a large oak, sleeping in 
their wagons and cooking by a log fire, during the time they were building their 
cabins and making the necessary preparations for housekeeping. At the rais- 
ing of these cabins there were present those living about eight or ten miles dis- 
tant. The cabins were built of small round logs, the cracks between them 
being "chinked and daubed" with clay, while the floor was of puncheons. 
They were furnished with bedsteads, tables, stools and other necessary 
articles of furniture, made from split puncheons and small saplings. They 
each cut down a few acres of timber "eighteen inches and under," girdling all 
over that size ; trimmed, piled and burned the brush, and cut the logs ready 
for rolling. From these "little patches" they raised enough corn, potatoes, 
buckwheat and "other truck" for their families the next year, depending 
mainly upon wild game for their meat ; and for their horses and cattle, chiefly 
on pastures in the summer and marsh hay and browse in the winter. Each 
family, we understand, brought but one wagon, and that loaded with only such 
articles of furniture, provisions, etc., that they deemed'absolutely indispensable. 
The roads during most of their journey were new, rough and muddy, and they 
made slow progress, being from four to six weeks on their way. Most of the 
way the families walked, and drove the few cattle and sheep they brought with 
them, preferring this to riding over the rough roads. They generally stopped 
one day each week to rest and do their washing. Between the years of 1838 
and 1845, the following persons emigrated to this township, with their families : 
James Halfeerty, William Inscho, John Moorhouse, Benjamin Melvin, Amos 
Black, Joseph B. Riddle, William Skeels, John Barhan, Abram Carey, Jerome 
B. Sweet — who represented this county one term in the State Legislature — 
Abel Barnum, Henry Brewer, Joseph Ogle, John Cromer, Adam Sheffer, 
Adam Shafer, Lewis Cravens, Leonard Myres, J. Follett, Samuel Rayner and 
Jacob Lamb. Among these early settlers, Joseph Ogle was counted a great 
hunter, and as one of his neighbors once expressed it, " When Joe Ogle looked 
through the sights and pulled trigger, something generally drapped." And 
according to the testimony of other of his old neighbors, a good many deer, 



, . 




mm 
Mm 

Wm 








r & 



JEFFERSON TP. 



JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 185 

turkeys and squirrels, killed by him, " drapped " into the larders of his neigh- 
bors who were not so successful in procuring these necessaries. But although 
Joseph's vision was by no means defective, in one instance his eyesight proved 
at fault. On account of the pressure of home duties his faithful old rifle had 
been permitted to hang upon the wooden hooks, nailed against the inner wall 
of his cabin, and consequently the supply of meat was not as plentiful as usual. 
So, late one afternoon, telling his wife that he would go to the woods and bring 
some venison, he started out, and, after traveling until twilight overtook him 
he saw before him, partly hidden by the brush, what he supposed to be a 
fawn, and the longer he looked the more he became convinced he was not 
deceived. He even saw the young deer cropping the tender blades of grass, 
and admired its beautiful spots. Feeling sure of some nice tender venison for 
breakfast, he raised his unerring rifle and fired, and to his great astonishment 
and consternation he heard a hideous piercing cry, and at the same time a huge 
lynx bounded about ten feet up a butternut tree, and sinking its long sharp 
claws into one of the limbs of the tree, hung there until it died, which, from 
the description of the wound, was in about a minute, but to the terror-stricken 
hunter seemed much longer. According to his best recollection, he then and 
there made the lengthiest and most fervent prayer of his life, besides consider- 
ing the probability of being called upon to exchange his rifle for a harp. But 
at last, to his great relief, the huge, savage animal relaxed its hold, and its 
lifeless body fell to the ground. Immediately the green fields "over there" 
faded from his vision, and all idea of becoming a harpist was abandoned, and 
he summoned the assistance of his neighbors in taking home his substitute for 
the " beautiful fawn." By honest, persevering industry, these early settlers 
managed to procure a competency of this world's goods. As the plan of the 
history forbids a - more extended notice here, the reader is referred to the bio- 
graphical department ; and as the privations and hardships above enumerated, 
together with the brief allusions to the manners and customs already given of 
the few first settlers, are undoubtedly very similar to the experiences of those 
who followed them, their repetition here would be useless. We would remark, 
however, that from the best information obtainable, the pathway of the latter was 
in-some respects smoothed by those who preceded them. In the expressive lan- 
guage of an early settler, " those who came first had gotten hold of the ropes, 
and could give them to those who came after." 

But the early settlers claim that these privations were largely compensato- 
ry. They point back to the sociability that existed in those days, when every 
man they met was a friend who stood ready to help them in time of need. They 
refer with evident pride and satisfaction to the spirit of equality existing in 
their little society; they tell us that their wants were less numerous then than 
now, and more easily satisfied. That broadcloths, silks and satins and costly 
diamonds were not then as now considered indispensable prerequisites to an en- 
trance into respectable society, and that consequently the labor in procuring 



HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 



the necessities of life was much less. Some of them claim that real cases of 
suffering from want were no more common then than now, and that the" 

"was the' if Were t aSS ' 8t ; (1 "» *™"™g «• " What," asked one of them! 
was the use for us to go hungry when the earth brought forth, spontaneously 
and abundant y wild fruits cf various kinds, when the forest was f uU of w d 
game and the lake near us full of fishes ? - Again, they refer ns to the "m 
mum y, m those days, that the young enjoyed from many of the evil and de- 
morahsmg influences that surround those of the present, and, in short thev 

of Ihel'^es JS With CTident SatiSfaCti0 " aDd C ° nSidCT *» *• H-S 

Jefferson Township is bounded on the north by the Township of Oranse- 

It hi W At» b M 0rk a " d Alb 7 ; ° n the ^ »/«-n, P and „:?h; 

ill! % t "^ ° rgm ' 2ed ia the Sprin « of 1838 b J th ° Section of 

TJ TJ' W,S P0 " 8 a " d Jehu Fo9ter > T ™ s 'ees; Jchn Call, Justice- 

Weston, TT C ° nStab,e - A ' thiS eleCti0D ' th " e — »™ -te east.' 
These officers had no competitors. As the emoluments of the offices at that 

t.me, were very small, or, as an old settler expressed it, "as therT s no 

money in the treasury to steal, office seekers were very scarce." These all had 

Ae.mphct confidence of their neighbors, and were' unanimously -e ted 

Te settlers usually got their grinding done at Stoufer's Mil,, situated „„ the 

Elkhart River, two miles northwest of Goshen, in Elkhart County, a distance 

of about thirty-five miles. Several days were required to make the ^. Eaol 

—"r'trt ; g " iS ' S t 86 T' neighbOTS - At that '™ e «" f - ™ 
1 21 I ft J" 6 ' Ut th ' rtJ mileS distant ' was *eir place of market 
It took about three days to make the trip, as the roads were very rou.h and 
muddy and the hills long and steep. Several went together, and joined teams 
m pulling throng the deepest mud, and up the steepest hills The^to . Z 
visions for themselves and horses, and camped out at night. Their next trad 
ing point was Kendallville, which it continues to be for tlfe northeaste n po mn 

Th rfi 7 d' P; , an t C : V ' he remainin « P ° rti0n Albioa is *« center'point. 

En afm F f i ^ P""" '" "" """""P '" a Ctran "7 •*>» started bv 
Ephia.m Poster about fifteen years ago, in a part of his large farm dwelling 

house, and which is still kept by him. It consists of dry goods, groceril ^ 

ions and ready-made clothing, and proves to be a great eonv nlnce ' the 

surrounding country, as well as profitable to the owner. The firs, saw mil! 

erected was by Samuel C Spencer, in 1846, on a small streak c^d" 

oeT Fori n" 7 / °" ?* ^ '" ° WDed * his •». *«*« Spen- 

h s mfl W> ° year8 ' ' he SaWi " S &r 8CTeral m ' hs mmi ™ *>« »t 
h s m,l, , but lt 18 not now operatlom There are two others 

h p, however, now m operation, one owned by George Inscho, and situated at 
the g ographmal center thereof, and the other by Thomas Hudson, and situated 
near the southeast corner. Both are propelled by steam, and do a thriving 



187 
OEFFEKSON TOWNSHIP. 



u ■ TW are no grist-mills in the township, and never have been The 

business. There are nog ^^ rf ^ part rf the ferm 

first schoolhonse was <>™ ted in < and Kendallville road and direotly 

of James Skinner lying ^ **• £ n ^ covered 

west of the Union « ^ • weight-poles, and 

with the old-fashioned clapboards wmc „ M buiU outs ide of the 

ith a fioor madec. ££5*^ £ «. fire . place with " nigger- 
ouse with log -d *£ ^ ^ ^ 

Ir • ^ ZL g and dinner baskets ; two, however, were reserve an d saere 
lvset anart for the schoolmaster to keep his "gads on. 1 his structure 
served as am del for other districts for many years, until they erected frame, 
Thlre are ^present eleven schoolhouses in the township, and through the kind- 
Lss of John P WMoorho„se, the present competent and efficient Trustee, we 
"five been furnished with the following as to the time; of t eir erec ion and 
m aterials used : District 1 (not learned) bnck ; District 2, 1878, brick , D 
™. f o 1R71 frame - District 4, 1868, frame; District 5, 1859, trame, lis 
tnct 3, 1811, rame, juiot , brick p.^^ 

.virt 6 1880 brick; District 7, IS I J, once , i>»uu-« , ' „_, 

tnct o, looo, ui >, , . .„.„ 1874 br C k; District 11, 1875 

9, 1876 or 1877, brick ; District 10, 187S or is l *, one , 

or 1876, brick. h defective- 

uess rr^" Mr 8 Mo»Lris n ve e ry g :irs in the cause of educa 
Tn °1 tinle buildings will undoubted* soon give way to subs., j£ 
bri eks. As the record is silen, £»*. cost, *» — ^l^— fu 
..not of the brick buildings is about qt>i,uuu. xuc »^nuu 
wTth^SxU, blackboards and other convenient and necessary apphance . 
Th e Irst school taught in the township wa 6 j» a small cab, on thejhrmrf 
David Herr man, in the winter ot 18d8, tor tne ieim ui 
On Watkins, of Orange Township. He was paid «1 50 per scholar As t 
was the usual custom in those days for the teacher to "board round in tront- 
Ter ala.ee, he lived like a "fightin> cock," for it was always ^ known ,h. 
week before where he would be the next, and as he was generally held next in 
Tp rtal to the preacher, great pains were taken to provide «"**»£? 
delicious character than usual. Again, he always s ept in the high bed 
which, as there was but one room in the cabin, was always curtained, in order 
to protect the stranger while retiring. 

The first sermon in the township was preached by Elder bpears, 



188 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

Close Communion Baptist Church, at a private house, very soon after the first 
cabins were erected. The ministers in the Western country in those days were 
generally missionaries, and made it their business to follow the new roads, be- 
lieving that their divine commission required them to go wherever sinners were 
to be found, and yellow-legged chickens crowed, even into the depths of the wild, 
gloomy forest. They always traveled on horseback, with "saddle-bags" under 
them, which contained a few articles of wearing apparel, notes of sermons and 
a Bible. And especially in this particular locality were they made welcome, 
as these settlers were all from moral neighborhoods, where the Gospel was reg- 
ularly dispensed every Sabbath. These, therefore, generally threw open their 
rude cabins for preaching in the winter and during bad weather in the summer, 
"God's first temples" being preferred in pleasant weather. This custom 'pre- 
vailed until schoolhouses were erected, which were afterward generally used. 
As hymn books were scarce, the preacher lined two lines of the hymn at a 
time. In place of a choir, there was a Clerk, whose duty it was to start tunes. 
We are told that neither time nor melody was particularly required, only that 
they "sung with the spirit and understanding." Soon the pride of some of 
the Clerks led them to "send East" and procure a tuning fork. As for in- 
strumental music, it was out of the question. True, some of the old settlers 
brought their fiddles with them ; but in these, it was generally considered by 
the ministers, the devil made his headquarters; and while it is true that most 
of the churches in the township have organs and well trained choirs, still the 
introduction of instrumental music was necessarily slow and gradual, owing to 
the deep-seated prejudice of many of the churches against it. Not many years 
ago, a minister in an adjoining township, while the people were assembling, 
was observed to "look daggers" at the choir and organ; but, being a' stranger 
in the neighborhood, said nothing until he arose to read the hymn, when his 
sense of propriety gave way to indignation, and he gave expression to it in the 
following language: "The choir will please fiddle a tune to hymn 289." But 
such prejudice seems to have fled with the wolves and Indians. Elder Spears 
preached in the neighborhood occasionally, and was succeeded, we believe, by 
Elder Blanchard, who also remained with them a number of years. This de- 
nomination has members residing in the township, but no regularly organized 
church. The next minister of the M. E. Church was named Miller, and at 
the close of his first sermon informed his congregation that exactly four years 
from that time he would preach to them again, and he punctually kept his 
appointment and preached to them several times afterward. The first church 
edifice erected in the township was Hartman Chapel, by the*M. E. society, in 
1856, about one mile east of the residence of John Foster and on the Albion 
and Kendallville road. It is a frame structure, plain but commodious, in 
which religious services are held every two weeks. The church, we understand, 
is in a flourishing condition. The second church building, "Rehobeth," was 
erected by the Lutherans in 1857, a small, neat, frame house. The third was 




p» 



V 





JEFFERSON TR 



JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 191 

"Zion Chapel," a frame building, built by the U. B. denomination. It is sit- 
uated near the northeast corner 'of the township and is regularly used. The 
fourth was erected by the Old School Baptists, some ten years ago, about one 
and a half miles east of Albion. It is a frame, tasty and commodious, and is 
in constant use. The fifth and last, the " Union Church," was erected in 1876, 
situated north of the Kendallville and Albion road, directly opposite the Skin- 
ner Cemetery. It is a brick structure and cost about $3,090. In this all 
denominations have the privilege of worshiping. 

The population of the township in 1880 was 1,226. The total value of 
taxable property for the year 1881 is $598,770. There is one blacksmith shop 
in the township, belonging to Uriah Trumbo, at Baker's Corners, on the Avilla 
road. The first white settler in the township under five minutes of age was 
"little Johnny Andrews." His parents came from Huron County, Ohio, in 
the spring of 1837. Johnny landed at the house of his grandfather, Samuel 
C. Spencer, January 12, 1840. 

It is said that, on his arrival, he was received with greater hospitality, and 
had more kind attentions paid him, than had been given to any other early 
settler, and that his example in braving the hardships of the wilderness was 
imitated by many more immigrants of the same age, to that immediate neigh- 
borhood. 

The number of volumes in the township library is 230. The total amount 

of revenue for school purposes, for the year 1881, is $3,484.40. Amount of 

common fund expended since September 1, 1880, $1,981.70. Amount of 

special fund expended since September 1, 1880, $1,091.53. Average daily 

attendance of children in. schools of the township for the year 1880, 229. 

Average length of schools taught within the year in days, 143. Total number 

of male pupils admitted in the schools within the year, 168 ; that of females, 

161. From the slight investigation recently made by amateur archseologists, 

unmistakable evidences have been discovered of a once extensive settlement 

within the boundaries of Noble County of the pre-historic people called 

"Mound-Builders." Mounds have been found containing human skeletons, 

with ashes and charcoal, and in some instances implements and ornaments. In 

this township, a few mounds have been examined, with like results as above, 

and many more believed to exist. Those examined are situated near the east 

banks of the Sweet and Skinner Lakes. Another discovery about two years 

ago, in this township, was made by Mr. Lewis Seeley on his farm in Section 7, 

which seems to point back to a very remote period. In boring for water, and 

when at a depth of ninety-nine feet, the auger entered a piece of timber which, as 

evidenced by the auger chips, was in a sound state of preservation, and on the 

same evidence was pronounced pine. It is probably a portion of the glacial 

deposits of the great Mississippi Valley, brought down from the north by ice. 

From the time of the arrival of the first settlers, the Indians, until 1840, were 

numerous, and some traces of their trails are yet to be seen. During all that 

jj 



la " HISTOKY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

time they were peaceably disposed toward the white settlers, and, in fact we 
have learned of but one incident that their conduct savored of barbarism This 
is related by eye-witnesses as having occurred on the east bank of Sweet Lake 
Late one pleasant afternoon, while one of the squaws with along wooden paddle 
was stirring a pot of hot mush, a little Indian boy annoyed her to such a degree 
as to give her passion control of her better judgment. Snatching the mush- 
besmeared paddle from the pot, she severely chastised the little red boy The 
ettect of this hot mush poultice upon the little naked denizen of the forest can 
be better imagined than described. It created quite a commotion in the camp 
and in a few minutes after the painful occurrence, the loud screams of the 
frantic little suiferer had brought a large assembly of both sexes, who became 
very much enraged and cried for summary vengeance on the cruel offender 
Some were m favor of blows, while others, more merciful, suggested the applh 
cation of a pont.ee of the hot mush. As the witnesses left previous to The 
settlement of the vexed question, it is not certainly known what disposition 
was made of the cruel female. 

Perhaps there is no township in the county more attractive to the agricult- 
urist than this. It is gently rolling, with but very few marshes or swamps. 
The general character of the land is a rich black surface with a elay sub-soil 
which produces excellent crops of wheat, oats and clover; also peaches, apples' 
and various other kinds of fruits. It is, or was, covered with a large and v In 
able growth of timber, such as black-walnut, poplar, oak, cherry ash, beech 
hard maple, etc. It is well improved, and perhaps no township in the county 
Possesses a more thrifty set of farmers. A majority have large and comforteb e 
dwellings together with good barns and stable room, and, in short, all conven 
.ences and appliances possessed by the thrifty farmer. The soil shows as httl 
evidence of impoverishment from the removal of mineral constituents by crops 
as any township in the county ; such waste being generally carefully supplied 
each year by barnyard compost, and when this is not sufficiently abundant 
resort is had to mmera fertilizers. For several years past, considerable atte, I 
t.on has been paid to the subject of drainage, and resort is being had to at - 
fica drainage where nature has left this important task unperformed. Ink- 
ing the various portions of the township, our attention is attracted by the rap d 
improvement in stock within the past few years. Many importations of te 
be blooded stock to be found are being made by farmers. The township is 

unrestrained in the woods. When want , thly Z I b TC e T "' "i 

t^;t m d'tia T ;e : yt:: :: nt:?; and h »^"- 

adepts in the Indian ar/of ^^tTiTSr 
One afternoon, they started for their cow somewhat later taj^^™, 



JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 19 S 

after finding her and starting for home, darkness overtook them, and they were 
compelled to remain in the woods until morning. Rover, the faithful com- 
panion of all their forest rambles— a large, courageous black dog— was with 
them as usual. Being unable to proceed further, they all lay down together 
—the boys dog and cow. Egyptian darkness so thoroughly shut out every 
object from their vision, that the presence of the dog could only be determined 
by the friendly beating of his tail against their little bodies. The boys fell into 
a deep slumber, and were only once interrupted during the night, and then by 
the fierce growls of the faithful dog as he had chased away some animal which 
had approached them. At early dawn, they were awakened by » old whitey" 
and the fondling of Rover, who seemed to understand the responsibility that 
rested upon him in the care of his assumed charge. They started the cow, and 
by her were led homeward. The mother, who had spent a night of grief closely- 
bordering on despair, in her close watch for the least sign of their coming, upon 
the first glimpse of their presence rushed to receive them in her arms, overjoyed 
at their rescue. The anxious father and several of his neighbors, who had 
spent the night in fruitless search, were called home by certain signals. There 
was joy and thanksgiving in the little household, and it is needless to say that . 
the faithful dog then and during his life-time was fondly cared for. During 

those early times, as now, 

" Death rode on every passing breeze 
And lurked in every flower." 

Therefore, in a short time after the settlers had cleared spots for the rude- 
cabins of the living, it became necessary to prepare one also for the windowless* 
houses of the dead. In the year 1838, the death-angel made his first visit to 
this little colony, and mercilessly snatched the fairest little bud from the home 
of Alfred Skinner. At that time, no spot of earth in the township had been, 
set apart for a burial place, and, after the death of his child, Mr. Skinner's- 
brother, James, kindly tendered an elevated sandy spot on the northeast corner 
of his land, lying south of the Kendallville road, in which to deposit its 
remains. In a short time, another of his little children, as if to relieve the 
loneliness of the first, was laid by its side. This spot was shortly afterward 
dedicated exclusively to the burial of the dead. It is one of the most beautiful: 
cemeteries in the county. It is filled with beautiful marble slabs and monu- 
ments, two or three of which cost about $500 each. Some of these point back- 
to the earliest scenes of the township, and pour into the ears of the writer the 
sad and solemn story of the final rest of the old pioneers. There is one other 
cemetery in the township, near Rehobeth Church, which was established many 
years after the one above described. It is neatly arranged, and also contains 
many beautiful marble tombstones. 



C HAPT EK XI. 

by weston a. goodspeed. 

Orange Township— Interesting Facts of the Early Settlement— Early- 
Pioneers— Incidents in the Backwoods— Saw-Mills, Grist-Mills, Tan- 
neries, Woolen Factories, Etc.— Rome City and the Reservoir— Brim- 
field and Northport— The Teacher and Preacher— Island Park As- 
sembly. 
IN the year 1844, the following persons owned land in Orange Township : 
Eri iUlen, Jonathan Alexander, Samuel Alcott, Josiah Arnold, Oliver At- 
wood, Jeremiah Andrews, Leonard Appleman (Northport), John B. Bowie, 
Leonard Barber (Northport and Rome), David Bratton, Henry R. Burnam 
(Northport), Rufus Berry, Samuel Booth, John Beam, John Riley, Chester 
Baxter, David Bidlock, Alonzo Bashee, Asa Brown, John Barrett, William 
Barrett, David Bixler, Samuel Comstock, James Cummings, Hiram H. Chip- 
man (Rome), Levi Cunningham, Stanfill Corbin, John Corbin, Joshua B. Cut- 
shaw, Joseph Comparet, David H. Colerick, Joseph Caldwell, Constant Cook, 
William Callett, James Crofoot (heirs), Chancey Carter, Francis Comparet 
(Northport and elsewhere), Joseph A. Crosby, Joseph Calkins, James Camp- 
bell, Joel Doolittle (Northport and Rome), Calkin Disbrue, John Dunbar, J. F. 
Dunbar, Arthur Dunbar, Lewis Dunbar, William M. Dales, Ichabod Dicker- 
son, William Dickerson, William Denny, Lewis Druillard, William Dunlap, 
Mason Dunlap, Christian Eaton, Levi Eaton, William Engle, Alexis Edwards, 
David S. Fields, Joseph Freelove, Benjamin F. Fields, Christian Foster, Da- 
vid Fulton, F. N. Fellows, R. H. Fowler, Anson Greenman, David Gardner, 
David B. Herriman, Samuel Hitchcock, William Hitchcock, Hall Hubbard, 
John Hardy (Rome), Jacob Heater (Northport), Stephen Harris, Ira Hovey, 
N. G. Hale, Jacob Holdren, John Hofferman (Northport), Comfort Hiller, G. 
W. Hatch, John M. Herndon, Benjamin Jones, R. M. James, Alexander John- 
son, Ebenezer Jessup, T. A. Johnson, Rufus Reeler, Thomas Koon (Rome), 
Homer King, Jonathan Law (Rome), John Lamm, William Latta (Rome), 
George Lymore, William Leverick, William Lady, William Long, Peter Lamp- 
son, Henry Lotz, R. L. Longwell, H. P. Lampson, Charles Mitchell, D. A. 
Munger, James Madison (no land), John Myers, J. A. McQueen, Thomas Mc- 
Leland, Don C. Mather, Abel Willington, William Matthews, William Morris, 
Ezra Morse, Archibald McVickers, Hiram Mucker (Rome), Robert Mucker 
(Rome), George Mcllvain (Rome), Joseph B. Martin, George Nichols, William 
Nesbit, Oliver Osborn, Daniel Price, Benjamin Potts, Margaret Perkins, Eben- 
ezer Pierce, Sanford Pierce, Betsey Parker (Rome), Lorenzo Payne (Rome), 
Isaac F. Rice, Charles W. Rockwell, Gideon Reynolds, Moses Rice, John Rup, 
Thomas H. Roberts, Daniel Rice, Finley Stephens (Northport), John Strous 



ORANGE TOWNSHIP. 195 

(Rome), Abraham Shears, Ezra Sanford, Joseph Steinbarger, William Taylor, 
Peter Thatcher, Herman Thatcher, Richard Thomas, William Liff (Rome), Jo- 
seph Thompson, John Vancelder, German Warren, Samuel P. Williams, Ozias 
Wright, Timothy Watkins, Orlin Watkins, Phineas Williams (Rome), Levi 
Wildman (Rome), George Wolcott (Rome), Christian Wolf, H. W. Wood, 
Francis Woldbald and John Winton. Among the very earliest settlers in the 
township were the following : Eri Allen, William Wright, David B. Herri- 
man, David Bidlock, Samuel Smith, David Law, Charles Law, David S. Field, 
Luke Diggins, Timothy Gaby, T. M. Watkins, Joseph Doolittle, William Imes, 
Stephen Harris, John and S. Corbin, J. F. Brothwell, Abraham Shears, Orlin 
Watkins, J. A. Waldron, Archibald Crofoot, James Kelley, James Madison, 
William Latta, David P. Bowrie, Jacob Heater, Francis Comparet, William and 
Samuel Hitchcock, and many others, some of whose names appear above. 

It is not known who was the first permanent settler in Orange Township. 
Several have claimed the distinction, but no one has successfully proved his 
claims. It is likely that the first came about the year 1833, or perhaps 1834, 
probably not sooner, as no evidences now exist of an earlier occupation of the 
soil by white men. It is probable that white hunters, those who followed that 
pursuit exclusively, had dwelt temporarily in the township before the appear- 
ance of the first white settler. This is always the case in a new country. A 
band of hardy hunters and trappers move over the country between the van of 
the army of civilization and the rear guard of the army of barbarism. They 
are a sort of a connecting link (not Darwin's) between the Indians and their 
white successors. Orange evidently furnished good hunting, as the numerous 
swamps, forests, lakes and oak openings clearly prove. Hundreds of wary deer 
wandered across the woodland, cropping the rich June grass which grew in 
abundance at each little opening. It was no trouble to shoot them, and each 
cabin had its choice venison steak. Wolves were numerous, and proved a 
serious drawback to the rearing of sheep. Many a fine flock of the latter 
have been attacked in the night, and when the fond owner went to feed them 
the next morning have been found mangled and dead. Then it was that the 
owner violated one of the injunctions of the decalogue. Bears were rarely seen 
when the settlers first came in. They had been driven off by the appearance 
of white men. The Indians were still numerous, two of their temporary vil- 
lages being in Orange Township — one near the " Narrows," at Sylvan Lake, 
and the other in the western part, near Waldron Lake. They mingled freely 
with the settlers, but were not feared unless when drunk. Then their savage 
and vicious dispositions came out in their true colors, and people had to beware. 
On one occasion they had had a shooting-match at their village on the " Nar- 
rows," and many of them had become intoxicated on whisky which had proba- 
bly been obtained of Jacob Heater at Northport. Two drunken Indians pass- 
ing by the cabin of James Madison came to the door just at night, and wanted 
to come in, but were prevented by the inmates. It was cold weather, and they 



196 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

were evidently suffering severely. They insisted on coming in, and kept say- 
ing, as their frames shook with cold, Ca-sin-e-ah (meaning very cold). When 
they found that they could not gain admittance, they became loud and boister- 
ous, but, finally, took their departure. The Indians were notorious beggars, 
rivaling the modern tramp in skill and expediency. They were in the habit of 
resorting to all sorts of tricks and connivances to secure whisky or provisions. 
They would enter a cabin without warning or invitation, and quietly demand 
piri-e-ack (potatoes), daumin (corn), nop'-e-nee (flour), co-coosh (pork), or what- 
ever their wants or fancy indicated. If they were refused they would probably 
scowl and say: Me-ah-net shi-mo' -ka-mong kin-a-poo (very bad white man, me 
kill). If their wants were supplied, their dark eyes would gleam, and they 
would say : Nish-a-shin shi-mo-ka-mong (very good white man). Several of the 
old settlers had fights with them, and many interesting stories relative thereto 
will be found narrated in various parts of this volume. 

The settlers first built rude log cabins, as there were no saw-mills nor lum- 
ber in the country. A large, rude chimney was built on the outside of one end 
of the cabin, and one or two small windows furnished the only light for the 
dismal room. The ample fire-place and a few pots and kettles were all that 
were necessary in preparing a bountiful repast. A small clearing was first 
made around the cabin, and this was gradually enlarged as time passed. The 
men spent their time in clearing, fencing and improving their land, while the 
women had all they could do to make clothing for the family and prepare the 
meals. There were no loafers in those days. All were as busy as bees, and no 
one waited for an invitation to assist at a log-rolling or cabin-raising. Waving 
seas of wheat and corn were soon seen where erst the song of the red man 
resounded. Cabins dotted the forests, and the step of progress could be heard 
through the land. 

So far as now known, the first saw-mill in the township was built by Will- 
iam Latta, in about the year 1836 ; it was located on the river near the head of 
Sylvan Lake, and in its time became a noted place. It did good work for a 
number of years, sawing large quantities of lumber for the dam at Rome City 
and culverts over the canal, but when this work was finished the usefulness of 
the mill had gone. It became a notorious resort for the " blacklegs " during 
the dark days, when counterfeiters and horse-thieves overran Noble County. 
John Weston built a saw-mill quite early, locating it on the outlet to the 
" reservoir ;" it was a frame mill with an over-shot wheel, and up-and-down 
saw ; it was afterward owned by John Kessler, who sawed shingles, lath, etc.; 
it afterward went to the Geisendorffs, who permitted it to run down. This was 
an excellent mill in its day, and sawed large quantities of lumber from native 
wood. Leonidas Jennings also owned a saw-mill on Section 14 ; it was operat- 
ed by steam, and was finally destroyed by fire. Mr. Jennings owns a saw- 
mill at present. Murray Cazier owned and operated one on John Corbin's 
farm many years ago. It was also a good mill. Other mills have arisen from 



ORANGE TOWNSHIP. 197 

time to time, as they have been called for by the demands of the citizens. 
William Mitchell and John Weston built the grist-mill at Rome City in the year 
1851, Samuel Hosier being the architect. It is yet standing and running, 
and has been one of the best mills in the county, and, indeed, in Northern In- 
diana ; it has a twenty-seven foot head of water, and, in later years, has run 
day and night, furnishing the surrounding country with fine flour, and shipping 
lai'ge quantities to distant points ; it was one of the first industries to quicken 
Rome City into life, and the village may date its first noted impetus to the time 
of the erection of this mill. The Geisendorffs owned it for a number of years. 
J. M. Shackelton owns it at present. It is ordinarily the case that each town- 
ship can boast of having had within its borders more than one grist-mill; bat 
not another one in this county can boast of having had a better one than the 
Weston Mill. There has been no necessity for more than the one, as it was 
amply sufficient, with its three sets of buhrs and facility for rapid grinding, to 
furnish five times as much territory as Orange Township with flour and meal. 
Its presence at Rome City was a lodestar to immigrants seeking homes in 
Northern Indiana. It has thus been the means of attracting into the township 
excellent men and women from Eastern States, together with many who were 
not so excellent. In truth, Rome City and vicinity has had a checkered career. 
It became a principal rendezvous for the "blacklegs," who congregated there 
by scores to carry on their unlawful practices. The old log schoolhouse in the 
village was transformed during the night into harbors for counterfeiters and 
horse-thieves. It is stated that at one time it was not safe for an honest man 
to walk the streets of the village with $5 in his pocket, if such a fact was known 
to the blacklegs. 

No distilleries have ever been conducted in the township, although, of 
course, the early settlers, and some later ones, have managed to consume large 
quantities of " the drink which inebriates." Temperance societies have sprung 
up to counteract the influence of the consumption of liquor ; but time alone 
has partly neutralized its effect. Whisky was looked upon in early years as 
one of the necessities of life. When people came into the backwoods, if they 
had no cow, whisky was brought along and was regarded as an excellent sub- 
stitute for milk. Children learned to cry for it, and tired mothers braced them- 
selves up on the stalwart arm of King Alcohol. We surely, to a large extent, 
inherit our appetites, and is it any wonder, then, that the generations of to-day 
can scarcely resist the tendency to drink ? Kill the appetite and the traffic is 
ended. 

The village of Northport was laid out in December, 1838, by Francis 
Comparet, owner and proprietor, on Section 9, Township 35 north, Range 10 
east. It was surveyed into blocks of twelve lots each, there being a total of 
103 lots. Mr. Comparet expected that his village would become a populous 
place. He offered the lots for sale at reasonable prices and endeavored to 
induce mechanics and artisans to locate there; but he soon found that it was 



198 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

easier to build a town on paper than in reality. In 1839, there were some five 
families living in the village. Comparet was a Frenchman, who had traded 
with the Indians for many years. He, immediately after the village was laid 
out, opened a small store, and began selling whisky and a small amount of cal- 
ico and groceries to the whites and Indians, the latter going in large numbers 
to his store for whisky. Or perhaps they went to the hotel of Jacob Heater, 
as such an institution was opened to the public about the time that Comparet 
began to sell goods. At least, the bar-room of Heater's Hotel became a noted 
resort for convivial spirits, who were wont to assemble there to crack jokes, 
drink whisky, sing songs and tell tales that would test the credulity of those 
present. It is said, that Mr. Heater had a mysterious jug from which he could 
sell any kind of liquor desired. The jug required no special preparation, but 
seemed to possess the singularity of holding any number of mixed or pure 
drinks : at least, so the story goes. Comparet continued to sell goods until the 
canal enterprise collapsed. Heater kept an excellent tavern for that day and 
made considerable money. Goods have been sold in Northport much of the 
time since, until the last few years. David Law, one of the oldest settlers, 
opened a store there quite early, and sold goods for many years. A man, 
whose name is forgotten, sunk three or four vats and began tanning hides as 
early as 1837. He did not continue long, however, for reasons unknown. 
Perhaps no more than twelve families have ever lived in Northport at any one 
time. It bid fair, at one time, to become a large and thriving place ; but Rome 
City came into existence, with its water-power, lake, springs, etc., and soon 
overshadowed the former village. It is now deserted, and the epitaph of 
Carthage may be inscribed on its monument. 

Rome (or Rome City, as it has since been called) was laid out in June, 
1839, about six months after Northport started up. The proprietors were John 
C. Mather and Ebenezer Pierce, who laid out 216 lots of the usual size and 
seven out-lots, on the northwest quarter of Section 16. This was the school 
section, and the men above named, who were Township Trustees at that time, 
were obliged to get the consent of the School Commissioners before they could 
lay out the town. The Trustees could derive no profit from the sale of lots, as 
every cent thus realized properly belonged to the school fund. It was the usual 
case that Section 16 of each township was the last to be taken up, and, for that 
reason, the fund with which to support the early schools was missing. Not so 
with Orange Township. The land was not only sold early, but was sold as 
town lots (a portion of it) and the proceeds devoted to the support of the early 
public schools. The first school taught in the village of Rome City (that 
sounds paradoxical) was supported by funds from the sale of lots. It is said 
that Joel Doolittle built the first house. It was a low, long frame structure, 
and in it were placed a few goods, perhaps $300 or $400 worth. Here he re- 
mained a few years, selling goods and some whisky, and then erected another 
building, a short distance east, and opened a hotel. He soon gained a pay- 






<^/XK 




ORANGE TP. 



ORANGE TOWNSHIP. 201 

ing patronage. Of course, he kept a bar-room and sold all sorts of liquors. 
A hotel without a bar-room, where liquor could be obtained, was not a success- 
ful investment, and, for that reason, the man who was sufficiently in advance 
of his age as to be an abstainer was careful not to open a hotel, as he would 
receive but little or no patronage. Mitchell & Weston are said to have opened 
the second store in Rome City. When this was done cannot be definitely 
ascertained, although Doolittle probably began selling soon after the village 
was laid out. Mitchell & Weston had a fair stock of goods and were well 
patronized. They bought some produce, or rather gave goods in exchange. 
George L. Gale was another early merchant. He was a strong anti-slavery 
man from principle, and, after the enactment of the fugitive slave law, assisted 
runaway slaves to the dominion of the British Queen. He is known to have 
helped off fifteen or twenty slaves. He was intelligent and had great force of 
character, especially as regards the propriety of human conduct. It is related 
that on one occasion, just at dark, a travel-worn runaway came into his yard, 
and in the most abject and servile manner took oif his hat and bowed himself 
into the presence of Mr. Gale, who was probably sitting in the yard. The 
poor black man called him "Massa," and begged for food and protection. Mr. 
Gale immediately told him to put on his hat and stand erect, and not call him 
"Massa" any more, as he was not his master. The runaway was treated like 
a man and sent on his way rejoicing. Such a man could not help becoming a 
good merchant. Other merchants have been Edward B. Parkman, Arthur 
Miller, Andrew J. Cullum (who was in business during the last war), Geisen- 
dorff & Gower, Kettel Brothers, Hamlin Brothers, Alexander Brothers (who 
kept the first express office), Adam Rickel, Mr. Adee, John Bigler, H. G. 
Cobbs, F. N. Miller and others. John Hardy was an early blacksmith. He 
also kept hotel. A man named Rose manufactured wooden bowls quite early, 
but only for a few years. 0. F. Rogers & Son manufactured clothes' racks 
quite extensively aud made a great deal of money. Doolittle was the first 
Postmaster in Rome City. The office was first established in Northport, and 
David Law was appointed Postmaster; but after Rome City killed Northport, 
the office was removed to the former place. Dr. Stephens was an early physi- 
cian at Northport. Dr. Barber was also in early. Both men were good doc- 
tors, and traveled over extensive sections of country. Early doctors rode twice 
as far as they do at present. It was no fun to be a good physician in early 
days, as many an old doctor with a broken-down constitution has declared. 
Dr. W. W. Martin, an excellent man and an eminent physician, practiced at 
Rome City over thirty years ago. He finally moved to Kendallville, where, 
borne down by cares and reverses, he suicided. Dr. Hersheiser is another 
physician of the township. Dr. E. W. Myers was in quite early. Soon after- 
ward came Dr. James Gower. A great many have come in since. The rail- 
road company, which owns the mineral springs at Rome City, is at present, 
and has been for the last few years, endeavoring to fit them up, in order that 



202 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

their full value and virtue may be given to invalids. The • various springs 
(about a dozen) are said to contain bicarbonate and protoxide of iron, carbonate 
of lime, chloride of sodium, bicarbonate of magnesia, phosphate of lime, sul- 
phur, carbonic acid gas, organic matter, etc. The railroad has established a 
"Mineral Springs Therapy and Surgical Institute" at the place, and will have 
suitable buildings erected by next year, all to be in charge of Charles A. Wil- 
son, M. D., a graduate of Harvard College and an eminent young physician. 
The railroad company is fitting up Sylvan Lake, intending to make it the 
"Chautauqua of the West." Some two hundred small boats have been placed 
upon the lake, as has also a small steamer. Various buildings have been con- 
structed, and the work is going rapidly forward. There is no reason why Rome 
City cannot become a widely celebrated watering-place. 

When the project for building the canal was abandoned by the State, 
Mitchell & Weston succeeded in getting a lease of the water-power at Rome 
City (the reservoir was originally constructed as a feeder to the canal, and is 
really nothing more than a huge dam), for the term of ninety-nine years at 
$33.33^ per year. It is said that they managed the terms of the lease in such 
a manner that they succeeded in avoiding making any payment. The lease is 
equivalent to a title in fee simple, because every time it is transferred, there is 
also a renewal of the period of the lease — ninety-nine years. These men 
leased the water-power about the year 1840 or 1841, and kept it until about 
1859, when the lease was purchased by William Geisendorff (he bought the 
grist-mill, the water-power and the necessary land, paying something like 
$5,000) and his brothers, perhaps ; but some time afterward, about the close of 
the war, William transferred his interest to his brother J. C, in whose name 
the title remained until two years ago, when, J. C. having died, the title passed 
to his wife. The writer cannot say whether the title is clouded or not. The 
dam has broken three different times, and each break has been attended with 
great destruction of property, not only at Rome City, but for miles down the 
valley of the Elkhart, together with loss of life. Eleven persons, including 
several women, have been drowned in the treacherous waters of the reservoir ; 
but this has often been owing to their own carelessness. 

In 1855, Bliss, Poole & Co. erected a large, three-storied, frame wool- 
en factory, in which were placed " three sets of machines." The building 
was about 60x110 feet, and soon became the great center of attraction. Stock 
in the enterprise was subscribed by large numbers of the farmers, who pledged 
their farms as security for the payment of the subscribed stock. The factory 
under the management of Mr. Bliss entered upon a season of great prosperity. 
Some sixty employes, nearly half of whom were women, were hired to operate 
the different departments, and soon there were turned out large quantities of 
flannels, yarns, cassimeres, jeans, broadcloths, fulled-cloths, shoddy, satinet, 
doeskins, etc., etc. Under the stimulus of the presence of this important in- 
dustry, the village of Rome City began to grow, and soon the population was 



ORANGE TOWNSHIP. 203 

doubled and trebled. The grist-mill first roused the town into activity ; but 
when the factory was built, the village received an impulse that has been per- 
manent. An annual business of nearly $70,000 was done for some four years, 
when, for some reason or other, the enterprise seemed to fail for lack of funds, 
and a number of the farmers who had pledged their farms as security for the 
payment of their stock were compelled to sell out in order to get means to set- 
tle the claims against them. Many of the citizens living at Rome City are bit- 
ter in their denunciations of the management of the enterprise. The property 
was finally sold at Sheriff's sale, and was purchased by Mr. Bliss, who soon af- 
terward traded the factory to Clement & Kennedy for another factory in 
Charleston, 111. These men did not accomplish much with the factory, 
and it soon fell into the hands of William Geisendorff, who ran it successfully 
for a few years, when the title was transferred to his brother J. C, who owned 
it until it was destroyed by fire in about 1871. As soon as William Geisendorff 
sold the factory to his brother, the former immediately erected another woolen 
factory at the village ; but it was not so large nor extensive as the other. It 
was a two-storied frame building about sixty feet square, and gave work to some 
thirty employes. This was operated some two years, when it was vacated, but 
started up again after the other had burned, under the ownership of Clapp, 
Fisher & Zimmerman, who continued it until 1877, doing an annual business 
of from $30,000 to $40,000. Some say it was destroyed by fire generated by 
spontaneous combustion, while others assert that it was a case of incendiarism. 
The truth will probably never be known. These factories were the most im- 
portant industries ever in the township, and were the making of Rome City. 
The Masons organized a lodge at the village some ten years ago, and the Good 
Templars started up about twenty years ago. 

The village of Brimfield was laid out by William Bliss, owner and propri- 
etor, on the south part of the east half of the southwest quarter of Section 29, 
in March, 1861. Twenty-three lots were laid off by E. B. Gerber, County 
Surveyor. The first house was built by Daniel Brumbaugh, who had located 
there as early as 1840. Soon after this, Jacob Long located in what is now the 
village, as did also a little later Reason Dye. David and John Seeley opened 
a store immediately after the laying-out of the village. They owned a small 
stock, and were soon followed by Kinney & Rhodes, who began selling hard- 
ware. John Seeley became the first Postmaster. Other merchants have been 
George Gale, Mr. Wilbur, Huston & Mahood, Jones & Weaver and Andrew 
McCollum. Judge Seeley built the saw-mill at an early day. It has been an 
excellent mill in its time. The boiler bursted on one occasion and killed Will- 
iam Collett, three Cooper boys, and a young fellow named Hewett. 

The Odd Fellows at Brimfield were organized August 25, 1881, with 
the following charter members: A. C. Emahiser, J. W. H. Charablin, A. J. 
Niswander, C. P. Hart, T. L. Imes and C. B. Hart. The first and present 
officers are : A. C. Emahiser, N. G. ; C. B. Hart, V. G. ; J. W. H. Cham- 



204 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

blin, Sec. ; A. J. Niswander, Treas. The lodge is doing well. The business 
of Brimfield is as follows : Hart Bros., general merchandise ; Coldren & 
Gaby, same ; G. W. Cosper, same ; A. J. Niswander, druggist ; W. B. Dunn, 
groceries ; J. W. H. Chamblin, groceries ; C. W. McMeans, hardware ; Cora 
D. Reynolds, millinery; A. C. Emahiser, hotel; H. G. W. Briggs. hotel ; A. 
Waddel, livery ; Mr. Briggs, same ; W. C. Lane, saw-mill ; J. S. Dusler. 
wagon-shop ; M. Hart and F. M. Parks, blacksmiths ; J. L. Trader, physician 
and surgeon. The pride of the town is a literary society which has an admit- 
tance fee of $5. 

In 1839, a combined church and schoolhouse was built at Northport. 
Every one turned out and helped erect it. The Presbyterians and Methodists 
were to use the building, which was built of logs, while it was not devoted to 
school purposes. The name of the first teacher is not remembered. This old 
house was used until 1843 or 1844, when a log schoolhouse was erected at Rome 
City. Mr. Babcock and Mr. Barnum were two of the early teachers 
at Northport. Good teachers were employed at Rome City, as there was 
considerable money from the sale of town lots to pay them, and to support 
the school. The bar-room of Hardy's Hotel was fitted up for a school- 
room, and Miss Aurelia Andrews was employed to teach the first term 
of school held in Rome City. This was during the summer of 1843, but dur- 
ing the fall of that year, or perhaps the next spring, she was employed to teach 
the first term held in the old log schoolhouse. She thus enjoys the distinction 
of having taught the first two terms in Rome City. Mr. Greenman was one 
of the first teachers. Miss Marilda White, now the widow of Hon. J. F. 
Brothwell, remembers of attending spelling-school in this house in 1844. This 
building was used until 1856 or 1857, when the schoolhouse now used as the 
town hall was erected. This was used until some ten or twelve years ago, at 
which time the present commodious structure was built. Prof. Watts Denny, 
of Albion, is the present Principal. After the erection of the first schoolhouse 
in Rome City, the school at Northport slowly died out. The best school in the 
township is at Rome City. The room in which the Principal teaches is said 
to have the finest apparatus of any in the county. A log schoolhouse was built 
half a mile north of Brimfield at an early day, probably about 1842. Among 
the early teachers were James Lake, Joe Warner and Mary Ann Nash. Ten 
years later a frame schoolhouse was built just south of the railroad bridge, and 
was used nearly twenty years, when the present two-storied frame structure was 
erected. The second house is now used as a dwelling in the village. Brim- 
field has had good schools from the beginning. It was about 1844 that various 
log schoolhouses were built throughout the township. The first rough ex- 
perience of backwoods life had given way before the march of progress, and 
the youth growing up must have schools. Parents, though at first careless, 
soon realized the value of schools for their children, and soon ceased to say, 
" Why, I got along without any ' edication,' and I guess my children can do so, 



ORANGE TOWNSHIP. 205 

if I did." That idea was soon discarded, and the schoolhouses began to dot 
the forests. The schools were at first taught by subscription, and the teacher 
was doomed to pass through the terrible ordeal of "boarding around." That 
is perhaps the most cruel trial to which an inoffensive teacher can be subjected. 
Each scholar paid from $1 to $2 for the term, and the old log houses with their 
puncheon floors and desks, their two or four small windows, their large mud 
chimney and huge fire-place, were filled with tow-headed urchins, eager for fun 
arid frolic. A log school house was built on Dutch street quite early. Another 
was soon seen two miles northwest of Rome, and still another southwest. The 
township is well supplied with good schools. The history of the seminary at 
Wolcottville will be found in another department of this volume. 

Probably the first church in the township was the combined church and 
schoolhouse at Northport. As above stated, it was built in 1839 by the Pres- 
byterians and Methodists, and was used for a number of years after it was dis- 
used as a schoolhouse. Rev. Cory, of Lima, quite an able man, was the Pres- 
byterian minister. The Methodists employed the Rev. Hall. These men were 
the typical backwoods ministers, possessing great enthusiasm in their calling, 
and constitutions capable of sustaining any amount of hardship and exposure. 
They traveled on long circuits, preaching to pioneer assemblies every day of 
the week, and completed the circuit at the end of the month. In 1841, one of 
the largest revivals ever had in the township was instituted and conducted by 
these men. Almost every person in the neighborhood was converted, and the 
excitement spread to more distant localities. Boys and girls were converted, 
and prostrated by the "power." Speaking meetings were organized at the 
private dwellings, and all — old and young — were called upon to tell their relig- 
ious experience. The society was so strengthened that the influence has 
endured until the present day. Mr. Shears was one of the early church lead- 
ers. A log church (Close Communion Baptist) was built at an early day one- 
half mile south of Wolcottville. Among the early members were the Tay- 
lors, McQueens, Mungers and Pierces. A Deacon named White was prominent. 
Members of other denominations met with the Baptists, and all together made a 
large, fine congregation. This old building was used until a short time before 
the last war, when a frame structure was built in Wolcottville to take its place. 
The present church at the last-named village was built a few years ago, and the 
society which assembles there has the reputation of being the largest and 
strongest in the township. The German Lutheran (and possibly the German 
Reformed) Church, on what is called Dutch street, was built at an early day. 
The old settlers speak of great revivals in early years at this house. It was 
used to some extent as a schoolhouse, as several terms were taught there, one 
of the teachers, a very homely German, teaching the mother language to the 
children in attendance. This old schoolhouse was one of the first frame build- 
ings in the township, and was regarded as quite a curiosity when first built. 
The Free- Will Baptists built a church in the northeast part early, and this 



206 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

church is yet occupied by a thriving congregation. It was built about the 
beginning of the last war. The Methodist Church at Rome City was erected 
not many years ago, the United Brethren assisting in the cost, with the under- 
standing that they were to have the use of the building. The last-named soci- 
ety has slowly scattered, and now but a few of the old members remain. The 
present town hall, erected first for a schoolhouse, was used as a church by a 
small society of Baptists. A number of years ago the Methodists began hold- 
ing meetings in the schoolhouse at Brimfield ; but, although the attendance 
was quite large, no effort was made to build a church until the spring of 1875, 
at which time a start was made, but the building was not completed until the 
following year. The building Trustees were William Bliss, William Huston, 
James H. Fisher, Charles Beidelman and Joseph Bailey. The house cost 
about $2,700, the society receiving much outside assistance. The first minister 
was the Rev. Mr. Hartman. The present one is the Rev. Mr. Johnson. 

Early in 1878, Mr. W. B. Cory, of Lima, called on Rev. A. H. Gillet, of 
Sturgis, Mich., to talk of Sunday school matters. In the course of conversa- 
tion, the many attractions of the lake and island at Rome City, as a place for 
Sunday school gatherings, was alluded to, and the conclusion reached to invite 
a number of Christian men, interested in Sunday school work, to meet them at 
an early day, and consider the propriety of forming an organization for the 
holding of annual gatherings in the interests of Sunday school work and Chris- 
tian culture. The meeting was held early in May, an organization formed 
entitled the "Rome City International Sunday School Congress," and, in the 
succeeding month, a congress of four days was held, which was largely 
attended, and gave great satisfaction to all. Finding the plan of organization 
not adapted to permanent work and to the laws of the State for incorporation, 
the association met October 15, 1879, and re-organized on a more substantial 
basis, and with a wider plan, modeled after the great Chautauqua assembly, of 
New York. The name was also changed to the " Island Park Assembly." 
The incorporate members were at first limited to fifty, but has now been 
extended to seventy-five. The Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad Company, 
owning the island, at once began extensive improvements, building a large 
tabernacle capable of seating some three thousand people ; put up a building to 
cover a model of the land of Palestine, constructed by Rev. W. H. Perine, of 
Albion, Mich., laid out avenues, built bridges, a boarding-house, docks, etc. 

In June, 1880, was held the first assembly, distinctly on the Chautauqua 
plan. It was in session fourteen days, holding from day to day a Pastors' 
Institute, a Sunday School Normal, a Secular Teachers' Congress, Musical 
Convention, Oriental exhibitions, lectures on the models of Palestine, and 
three platform lectures each day. The men in charge of the several depart- 
ments of instruction were all of distinguished reputation, and on the platform 
appeared some of the ablest speakers of the land. 

The second session of the assembly was held from June 29 to July 15, 



ORANGE TOWNSHIP. 207 



1881, with improved and still larger programme. Before this session, the 
Assembly bought some eighteen acres of land of John Kerr, adjoiniug the 
lake on the south, and leased a body of woodland of Isaac Barber, cornering on 
this. These lands have been platted, and a number of lots sold, and it is 
expected that the year 1882 will witness marked improvements in the way of 
cottages and suitable arrangements for the accommodation of the people dis- 
posed to seek rest and recreation, where they may, at the same time, enjoy the 
most favored opportunities of improvement in all that pertains to the develop- 
ment of Christian manhood and higher culture. The managers have all worked 
without fee or compensation for time or labor, and besides have incurred per- 
sonal liabilities to the extent of thousands of dollars to start this institution — 
one they fondly believe will eventuate in much public good. 

Rev. A. H. Gillet, of Michigan, has so far been, and is now, the Superin- 
tendent of Instruction, having charge of the preparation and execution of the 
programme. Dr. J. H. Rerick, of La Grange, has been and is now the Presi- 
dent of the association. Rev. C. U. Wade, of Roann, Ind., was Secretary 
until August, 1881, when, declining renomination, P. N. Stroop, of La Grange, 
was elected. The present Board of Managers are : Rev. A. E. Mahin, Fort 
Wayne, Ind.; F. W. Keil, Fort Wayne, Ind.; Rev. C. U. Wade, Roann, Ind.; 
Rev. R. S. Goodman, Kendallville, Ind.; John Mitchell, Kendallville, Ind.; 
G. W. Mummert, Wawaka, Ind.; 0. B. Taylor, Wolcottville, Ind.; H. L. 
Taylor, Wolcottville, Ind.; J. H. Rerick, La Grange, Ind.; P. N. Stroup, La 
Grange, Ind.; Rev. T. E. Hughes, La Grange, Ind.; W. C. Glasgow, La 
Grange, Ind.; S. D. Moon, La Grange, Ind.; R. S. Hubbard, La Grange, 
Ind.; W. B. Cory, Lima, Ind. -And the officers are as follows : President, 
Dr. J. H. Rerick, La Grange, Ind. Vice Presidents — Rev. T. E. Hughes, 
La Grange, Ind.; George W. Mummert, Wawaka, Ind.; Rev. A. E. Mahin, 
Fort Wayne, Ind. Secretary, P. N. Stroup, La Grange, Ind. Treasurer, 
John Mitchell, Kendallville, Ind. Executive Committee — W. C. Glasgow, 
La Grange, Ind.; II. L. Taylor, Wolcottville, Ind.; S. D. Moon, La Grange, 
Ind. Auditing Committee — W. C. Glasgow, La Grange, Ind.; 0. B. Taylor, 
Wolcottville, Ind.; G. W. Mummert, Wawaka, Ind. 



CHAPTER XII. 

by weston a. goodspeed. 

Allen Township— First White Settler— Catalogue of Pioneers— Growth 
and Decay of Industries— Villages of Lisbon and Avilla— The Un- 
derground Railroad— Mr. Baker and the Indian Squaw— Outwit- 
ting a Bear— The District Schools— Teachers and Preachers— The 
Catholics. 

ALLEN TOWNSHIP has a history essentially similar to that of every other 
in the county. There was the coming of the first settler, the rearing of log 
cabins and the clearing of the land, the adventure in pursuit of wild animals, 
the struggle to make an honest living in the woods, the erection of mills, 
schoolhouses, churches, etc., and the gradual increase in population. The 
name of the first settler is always a matter of interest, yet, unfortunately, it 
cannot in all cases be remembered. This is not true of Allen, for it is certain 
that George T. Ulmer, who settled in the township in 1834, was the first. Mr. 
Ulmer, a native of the Pine Tree State, came from Summit County, Ohio, 
with his family drawn by a large yoke of oxen, and with a few young cattle 
driven along by a member of the family, and located on eighty acres, which he 
entered on Section 4. With him came a young man named Alvord, of whom 
but little is known, as he shortly departed for some other locality. Ulmer had 
a wife and several children, and it is remembered that to these parents was born 
the first white child in the township, though nothing further than that can be 
told for want of information. The second child was Chloe Wadsworth, whose 
birth occurred on the 6th of November, 1836. The second settler was Samuel 
Weimer, who appeared in the spring of 1836. He located on what he thought 
was his farm, but soon learned he was improving gratis some other man's land, 
whereupon he moved to what he again thought was his claim ; but again was 
doomed to disappointment, and had to try the third time, which proved to be 
the charm, as he had at last found his future home. The third settler was 
Alpheus Baker, who came to the township during the fall of 1836, while about 
a month later, in the month of October, Elihu Wadsworth, who is yet living on 
the old farm, appeared with his family, and began to improve his land. He 
pointed to the writer of this chapter, within a few rods of his house, a white 
oak stump, from which the tree was cut, during the winter of 1836-37, by 
himself and a young man named Dorus Swift, who had come with him to the 
county, the stump being yet in a fair state of preservation. Soon after the 
arrival of these men, and prior to 1844, there came in, among others, the fol- 
lowing settlers: Ryland Reed, Asa Brown, Edward Adams, John Geiser, 
Hiram Iddings, Francis Boerck, Evan Jones (the first one in the southern part), 
M. P. Rickett, Alfred Rice, Orrin Rice, Alvin Rice, Alonzo D. Whitford, Har- 



ALLEN TOWNSHIP. 211 

rison Whitford, Augustus H. Whitford, Matthias Woodruff (the first black- 
smith), George Berry, Washington Bidwell, Clark Bidwell, Joel Berry, Andrew 
Bixler, William Broughton, Joel Carpenter, Daniel Hide, Charles Harding, N. 
I. Hill (the first settler at Avilla), S. P. Haynes, Hosea Hunter, Jackson Id- 
dings, Lewis Iddings, Ezra T. Isbell, Philander Isbell, A. E. Littlefield, Bar- 
net Laller, John McBarns, W. H. Potter, L. D. Payne, Reuben Ross, Edwin 
Randall, Hiram Roberts, Matthias Saylor, John Steele, Moses Tryon, Albert 
Wilson and James Roth. Others were in before 1844, but their names are not 
remembered. 

The settlement of the township, when well begun, was very rapid. Im- 
provements of all kinds were swiftly pushed to completion, and very soon the 
old log cabin was replaced with one of better appearance and pattern. The 
first marriage was contracted between William Hill and Mary Keeler. It is 
said that Mary had some property of her own, which was used in making their 
home comfortable after marriage. William probably thought as did Robert 

Burns * 

" Awa wi' your witchcraft o' beauty's alarms 

The slender bit beauty you grasp in your arms ; 

0, gie me the lass that has acres o' charms, 

0, gie me the lass wi' the weel stock it farms. 

Then hey for a lass wi' a tocher, then hey for a lass wi' a tocher, 
Then hey for a lass wi' a tocher — the nice yellow guineas for me." 

The marriage was celebrated in 1837, but the Justice of the Peace who 
performed the ceremony lived at Wolf Lake, whither William went for him. He 
made the two "one flesh" (very difficult of execution if considered literally). 
and then left them to enjoy the wedding supper, which consisted of Johnny 
cake, baked beans, pork, etc. At the third marriage that took place in the 
township, music and dancing ruled the hour. A few pioneer boys in homespun 
and girls in ditto assembled to enjoy the event, and perhaps to institute new 
marriage contracts for — 

" I've often heard my father say, and so I have my mother. 
That going to a wedding will bring on another." 

The "French four" and the " Scotch reel" and other varieties of reel 
were indulged in, and the boys with their heavy " brogans " came down on the 
" double shuffle," and cut the " pigeon's wing " like masters of the art. Going 
home with the girls ! Ah, that's what captivated the boys, and on that ques- 
tion all degrees of courage were exhibited. Of course, the girls must look 
demure and modest, and wait the approaches of the sterner sex. And then 
came the walk or drive home through the dark woods. It is the old, old story 
— ancient and antiquated — yet, withal, it is new, because the characters are 
new. The stage is the same, the scenery the same, the shifters the same, but 
the troupe of actors are not the same. 

On the 6th of March, 1838, David Wadsworth died and was buried in 
Elihu Wadsworth's orchard ; this was one of the first deaths. In the month 
of August, 1837, the first township election was held at the residence of Mr. 

KK 



212 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

Ulmer, on which occasion, although there were nine persons present, but two — 
Ulmer and Hill — were entitled to vote, they alone having been in the town- 
ship and State the requisite time. This election, therefore, was not an elec- 
tion. The second election was held during the following year, and was more 
of a success. It was held at Asa Brown's cabin, and at its conclusion the 
returns were sent to Sparta, then the county seat ; but as they had to go via 
Fort Wayne, it was three weeks before the Spartans received them. At that 
period there were two mail routes through the county, one extending from 
Fort Wayne along the Goshen road, and the other from the same place, toward 
Lima, along what afterward became the plank road. 

Soon after 1840, Samuel Haynes built a water saw-mill on Sycamore 
Creek, securing water-power by means of a dam. This is said to have been 
the first mill in the township. Not long afterward, Gilbert Sherman also built 
one on the same stream, and his was also operated by water-power. A few 
years later, Asa Brown, who had located where Lisbon now is, and had built 
the first frame house in the township there, erected a steam saw-mill, which, 
for many years, did good good work. Mr. Brown was an enterprising man, 
but he was grasping in financial matters, so much so that he finally ruined 
Lisbon by his refusal to 3ell corner and other valuable lots in the village, and 
by steadfastly denying that he was under any obligations to use his influence 
in securing the location of a railroad through his town. Further than that, 
he said he did not believe in railroads, and his infidelity on this question 
wrought his ruin, as Kendallville succeeded in getting the road, which, properly 
managed and influenced, would, beyond doubt, have passed through Lisbon. 
Mr. Brown had money. He came into the wilderness well supplied in this 
particular ; but his knowledge was greater than his wisdom. His house had 
been erected in Lisbon in 1837, from lumber obtained, if reports are true, at 
Stephen Sawyer's mill, then operating near the present site of Kendallville, 
but in Wayne Township. Some say that Asa Brown's saw-mill was the first 
in the township, and that it was built within a year or two after the erection of 
his frame house. In 1840, he built an ashery, and began, on an extensive 
scale, to manufacture black and white salts, and a fine article of pearl-ash, con- 
tinuing the pursuit for several years, until the quantity of ashes failed, manu- 
facturing in the meantime, per annum, some twenty tons of the ash, which 
was shipped by wagon to the market at Fort Wayne. He continued some 
ten years, and during a portion of this time, Hiram Roberts, an experienced 
ash-burner, was in his employ. About the time the ashery was started, Mr. 
Brown built an addition to his house, designing it for a store-room, into which 
he placed a large and handsome stock of goods, too large and costly to be prof- 
itable in the backwoods. Goods were given in exchange for ashes, and sold on 
credit, which proved to be long and troublesome. Brown also opened his house 
for the entertainment of the public, and his hotel became widely known on 
account of the hospitality of the landlord. The ill success of the mercantile 



ALLEN TOWNSHIP. 213 

enterprise compelled Mr. Brown, after many years of ups and downs, to sell his 
farm to pay his debts and remove the incumbrances. In about the year 1845, 
a traveling circus and menagerie came through and " showed " at Lisbon. The 
advertisements were flaming, rivaling in hideous exaggeration those of to-day, 
while the real merits were generally inferior, though in some particulars supe- 
rior. There was a herd of five performing elephants. Mr. Brown had his 
town, Lisbon, surveyed and platted in October, 1847, at which time, twenty- 
four lots were laid out along the Lima and Fort Wayne road. From the fact 
that he had an abundance of ready money, he was enabled to command a wide 
influence, which had the effect of bringing to the village mechanics and arti- 
sans of all descriptions. But these men were too poor to pay several hundred 
dollars for a small lot upon which to live, and so they were compelled to go to 
some other locality. At first, Mr. Brown did not observe the injury he was 
doing his town, as he thought that the village must grow, and that sooner or 
later the prices demanded for the lots must be paid. But he suffered for his 
want of foresight, and when it was too late his prices for lots were lowered. 
But then other towns had sprung into existence all around him, and the death 
song of Lisbon had been sung. 

Ryland Reed built the second house in Lisbon soon after the town was 
laid out. Samuel Minor was the first Postmaster. Other men who sold goods 
were Lorenzo Tyler and Abraham Warner. These men were partners, and 
began soon after 1852, or about the time that Brown went out of business. 
James Walker conducted a good store there for many years, beginning not far 
from 1853. T. P. Bicknell opened with a drug store soon afterward. Robert 
Hay sold goods there for a few years. Mr. Baughman also had a good store 
there. In about 1852, the village was visited by a conflagration, which, in a 
short time, destroyed seven buildings, and a considerable amount of furniture 
and other property. There has been no store there since the last war. The 
epitaph of Carthage may be appropriately written on the monument of Lisbon. 

A man named Taber owned and operated a saw-mill between Jefferson and 
Allen at quite an early day. Mr. Littlefield conducted an ashery near Avilla 
moderately early, and after him Jefferson Smith followed the same pursuit for 
a short time. At a very early period, as Mr. Wadsworth was one day walking 
through the woods near his house, he saw a large log which had been so split 
that the upper portion was a slab, and was pinned down by means of horizontal 
cross-pieces held in place by posts on either side of the log ; thinking it was a 
bear-trap he struck his ax into the slab and split off a portion, and then saw that 
the log had been hollowed out by human agency, after which the slab had been 
fastened to its place as stated. Mr. Wadsworth peered into the opening, and 
saw lying within the well-preserved corpse of an Indian woman. Death had 
occurred but a few days before, as decay had but just set in. The slab was 
re-adjusted and the dead was left at rest. Not long afterward, the log and its 
occupant were burned by Mr. Baker, who covered both with a heap of brush- 



214 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

wood, after which the fire was kindled, and the first cremation in the township 
took place. 

It is related that one of the Whitfords was one day in the woods with his 
gun, when, in walking along, he suddenly saw on the opposite side of a large 
log a dark animal that appeared to be a hog rooting in the leaves, and making 
quite a noise. A closer inspection revealed the fact that the animal was a bear. 
It suddenly raised its head, and, seeing the hunter, reared up on its hind feet, 
the position always taken by a bear in close quarters. Mr. Whitford quickly 
fired, and the bear dropped, but immediately arose and started in fury toward 
the hunter, who took to his heels down a long hill, closely pursued by the in- 
furiated animal ; the hollow was soon reached and the ascent on the opposite 
aide began ; the hill began to tell on Mr. Whitford, who recollected, as he 
strained and panted along, that it was said that a bear could run up hill as fast 
as down. As he could make better speed down hill than up, he took a circle 
and went down again at a furious rate, closely followed by the bear. In order 
to run down hill, it was necessary to also run up on the other side, and this was 
done, although the wind of the settler was almost gone. Upon looking around 
at the summit, the exhausted man saw the bear below in the hollow whirling 
round and round like a drunken man. At the same instant some of his folks 
put in appearance, and the bear was quickly dispatched. It had been mortally 
wounded, but had possessed strength enough to give Mr. Whitford the longest 
and best race he probably ever made. Had the bear's strength held out, there 
would probably have been a funeral in the Whitford family. 

At quite an early day Noah I. Hill built the first house in Avilla, con- 
verting it into a tavern, and opening in one room a small stock of goods, which 
"was offered for sale. In the bar-room of his tavern, liquor, old and young, was 
kept for the thirsty travelers, who stopped for refreshments while on the Lima 
road. The goods which were unceremoniously offered for sale did not exceed 
$300 in value, and were soon closed out, or, rather, driven out, by the appear- 
ance in the village of experienced and capable merchants, with fair stocks of a 
general assortment of goods. Mr. Hill not only sold liquor, but enjoyed the 
glass himself, and drank a great deal in social conversation with travelers and 
•customers. The bar-room of his tavern became well known to all the teamsters 
•along the road, and is yet remembered by old settlers in the neighborhood as a 
noted resort for those who loved the flowing bowl. In winter evenings, while 
3torm and darkness were intense without, and the angry wind dashed the rain 
or snow into every crack or crevice, the old bar-room was lighted by the ruddy 
glow of the blazing logs, and the travelers and host beguiled the lagging hours 
with drinks, jokes, stories and songs. Bumpers were filled, and the ruby 
liquor was drained to the dregs, while over all arose the merry voice — 

" No churchman am I for to rail and to write, 
No statesman nor soldier to plot or to fight, 
No sly man of business contriving a snare — 
For a big-bellied bottle's the whole of my care. 



ALLEN TOWNSHIP. 215 

" The peer I don't envy, I give him his bow; 
I scorn not the peasant tho' ever so low ; 
But a club of good fellows, like those that are here, 
And a bottle like this, are my glory and care. 

" I once was persuaded a venture to make, 
A letter informed me that all was to wreck ; 
But the pursy old landlord just waddled up stairs 
With a glorious bottle that ended my cares." 

The old hotel, though subsequent improvements have greatly altered its 
appearance, is yet standing in the village, and is known to all the citizens. Hill 
was a good man, and an enterprising citizen of excellent judgment ; and was 
accordingly honored with the then prominent official porition of Justice of the 
Peace, and was continued thus for a long period of years. Among the early 
business men of Avilla were Jefferson Smith, Baum & Walters, Mr. Stewart, 
Henry Vogading, H. H. Haynes and others. Later have been Mr. Ran- 
dall, Henry Fryer, Mr. Hartman, Lewis Scutt, Mr. Johnson and others. The 
Yeiser brothers built a steam saw-mill a number of years ago, which has been 
operated since. A planing-mill connected with it dresses a considerable quan- 
tity of lumber, much of which is used at home, and the balance shipped to oth- 
er localities by rail. Wood & Haynes built a hoop factory some two years ago, 
but, although it was pushed in the work, it was not as profitable as expected. 
They are now manufacturing a large number of pumps, and have several wag- 
ons on the road selling all the time. They also manufacture cider, cane sugar, 
jelly, etc. The large grist-mill erected by John D. Shafer a number of years 
ago, is one of the best in the county, for quality of flour. The mill is a large 
frame structure, and is a credit to the place. Considerable flour is shipped by 
rail. Twenty years ago, Maternus Blust began burning brick a short distance 
north of Avilla. During the first year, 280,000 were made, and 112 cords of 
wood were consumed in the process. The business was steadily increased under 
a splendid sale, both at home and abroad, until, at the end of twelve years, it 
was found that an average during that period of 500,000 brick had been 
burned, each year's burning requiring on an average 150 cords of wood. Mr. 
Blust then moved his factory to Avilla, where he has since continued — some 
seven or eight years — to manufacture on even a greater scale than he did north 
of town. Seven years ago, he began burning tile, from two and a half to eight 
inches opening, and since the first year has manufactured a yearly average of 
25,000. The great bulk of this vast business is shipped away, though the 
number of brick buildings of all kinds in the town and vicinity show that the 
citizens appreciate the importance of the industry. Many assistants are em- 
ployed to carry on the business. 

Noah Hill was the first Postmaster at Avilla, and was succeeded by Mrs. Eliz- 
abeth Swarthouse, Postmistress. S. P. Stewart, a genial gentleman, is the pres- 
ent agent of Uncle Sam. Dr. Fryer, whose death occurred but a short time ago, 
appeared in the village in 1857, and practiced his profession until his death. 



216 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

After he had been in town a few years, Dr. Weisen appeared. Since then have 
come Drs. Wright, Maloney, Scutt and Cessna, the last three being yet at the 
village. Eight or ten years ago, a Masonic lodge was organized in the village, 
and about two years ago, the Good Templars sprang to arms to resist the fol- 
lowers of King Alcohol. The latter has too many vassals in the town and vi- 
cinity. Tavern has been kept since Hill first threw open his doors to the pub- 
lic. There are three at present, the last — St. James House — having an excel- 
lent reputation among experienced commercial men. Within the last few years, 
Avilla has developed wonderfully as a grain market. It is asserted that, owing 
to freightage and a competition of markets, a higher price can be paid for grain 
at Avilla than at Kendallville. At any rate, farmers often find that they can 
get more for wheat at the former place than at the latter ; and hence, many of 
those living near and north of the latter convey their grain to the former mar- 
ket. Vogading & Son have been buying grain extensively since the comple- 
tion of the railroads. S. K. Randall has undertaken the same pursuit within 
the last few years. In 1876, a petition signed by a large majority of the legal 
voters of Avilla was presented to the Commissioners of the County, praying 
for the incorporation of the town, and, as no special objection was presented, 
the prayer was granted, and an election of town officers ordered. This was 
done with the following result : Trustees, S. P. Stewart, Maternus Blust and 
Henry Yeiser ; Clerk and Treasurer, E. D. Haynes ; Marshal, Samuel Hoke. 
In 1878, these officers were re-elected. In 1879, Mr. Hoke took Mr. 
Blust's place, L. A. Lobdell took Hoke's place, and W. D. Carver sup- 
planted Mr. Yeiser. In 1880, Thomas Story took Stewart's place, and 
Jonas Strouse took Hoke's. In 1881. Matthew Stewart supplanted Car- 
ver, Enoch Johnson Lobdell, and Saul Baum E. D. Haynes. It is re- 
lated that for many years before the last war, a well-traveled line of under- 
ground railroad extended across Allen Township. Many a load of fugitive 
slaves has been seen conveyed along this line, stopping here and there for re- 
freshments. Augustus H. Whitford is said to have been in the employ of this 
celebrated road, serving in the capacities of station-master, engineer, conduct- 
or, and train dispatcher. Mr. Waterhouse, residing in La Grange County, was 
a sort of a Tom Scott or William H. Vanderbilt on this road, and at all hours 
would order out special trains. Mr. Wadsworth one day saw a load moving 
rapidly along, when, upon turning a corner swiftly and suddenly, the wagon 
very nearly overturned, causing several woolly heads to appear in alarm from 
the covering. Mr. Wadsworth called out to the driver, "Ah, here's your Un- 
derground Railroad ! " " Yes," answered the driver, " they're going it almost 
every night." Many an unfortunate colored man or woman, aiming by the 
north star for the dominion of the British Queen, has received much-needed 
assistance from the John Browns and Owen Lovejoys of Allen Township. 

In 1837, Messrs. Ulmer, Baker, Wadsworth and two or three young un- 
married men assembled, with axes and ox teams on Ryland Reed's farm on 



ALLEN TOWNSHIP. 217 

Section 4, and erected, in one day, the first schoolhouse in the township. 
The building was rudely constructed of round logs, and, from the fact that no 
window was made, the logs were all peeled, that as much reflection of light as 
possible could be secured within the dark room. A rough clapboard floor was 
put down, and on the roof clapboard shingles were held in their place by weight- 
poles, while at one end of the building a large opening was left, over which was 
afterward erected a huge chimney, built of a mysterious mass of sticks, stones, 
mud, and hay used to hold the mud together. The building was not over 15x20 
feet, and on dark, warm days, the teacher, it is said, would adjourn her classes 
to the door-yard, that a better light might be obtained. The first teacher was 
Miss Julia Burnam, who taught during the summer of 1837, for $1 per week 
and boarded around, her scholars, eight or ten in number, coming from the 
families of Ulmer, Baker, Wadsworth and perhaps one or two others. This 
house was used for the purposes of education some ten years, when a better 
building was erected on the farm of Hiram Iddings, to take its place. A 
number of years ago, this house was abandoned and its successor occupied. 
The second schoolhouse in the county was built in the northeast corner, in the 
Whitford neighborhood, and must have been erected soon after the one referred 
to above. The following men were interested in this school: Ross, Whitford, 
Isbell, McBarns and Adams. They, or the most of them, assembled one day 
and built a small log schoolhouse, that was used a number of years, both for 
school purposes and for those of religion, as several of the aforesaid men were 
earnest workers in the vineyard of the Lord. The best early schools in the 
township were taught in this house. Many rousing spelling-schools were held, 
as several of the old settlers well remember. A log schoolhouse was erected 
at an early day in Avilla, about where the livery barn now stands. But little 
is remembered of the early schools there. After a number of years, a better 
house was built near the Randalls, about half a mile west of town, and soon 
afterward another was built half a mile east. Children living in the eastern 
part of the town went to the house east and those in the western part went to 
the Randall house. This state of things continued until the erection of the 
brick schoolhouse in Avilla, a few years ago. The building cost $2,700 and 
is a credit to the town. Two teachers are employed and the enumeration of 
pupils is over a hundred. This is large, considering the fact that the Catholics 
have as many more. Lisbon had an early school, as did also the southeastern 
part of the township, the first house in each case being constructed of round 
logs. Father Schaefer, the first resident priest, established a school in 1855 
for the Catholics. In 1878, a parish school building was erected. It is a two- 
storied brick, 23x58 feet, and cost $2,000. The school was taught by secular 
teachers until 1873. It is now taught by the Sisters of St. Francis, about 
one hundred children attending regularly. It is known as " St. Augustine's 
School." 

The first schoolhouses were also the first churches. In quite early times 



218 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

religious denominations were organized in various parts of the township. These 
continued, until the erection of the first churches, when the shifting of meet- 
ings from house to house ceased. In 1873, a talented young man — Rev. E. 
D. Einsel — a professor of the Albright faith, began holding a series of meet- 
ings in Avilla, and was warmly assisted by Jacob Beckley, Samuel Hoke and 
others. A small society was soon organized, which, within the next year, 
attained a membership of about thirty. This little society went to work in 
earnest, and erected a neat frame church at a cost of about $1,400, locating it 
on a lot which cost $200. A Sunday school was organized about the same 
time. The membership of the church is now about thirty-five. The Lutheran 
Church in the western part was built quite a number of years ago. The Whit- 
fords, in the northeastern part, were instrumental in organizing a Methodist 
society in their neighborhood at a very early day. They and the Adamses, the 
Isbells, the Roberts, the Warners and others used the old schoolhouse for many 
years, until at last their church was built. A Disciple church was partly built 
at Lisbon many years ago, but was then removed to Kendallville, where it now 
stands. " The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin " (Catholic) 
was first organized about the year 1854, and was attended by Father Faller, of 
Fort Wayne, about eight families belonging. The first church, a small frame 
building, was located about half a mile north of town. The leading members 
at this time were Thomas Storey, F. Bork, John Morehouse, John Geiser and 
Albion Myers. The first pastor was Father Henry Schaefer. His succes- 
sors have been Fathers Deipenbrock, Wenhofte, Oechtering and Duehmig. 
The latter is yet pastor. The first church was dedicated in 1855 by 
Rt. Rev. De St. Palais, Bishop of Vincennes, Ind. On the 22d of 
February, 1867, Father Duehmig became assistant on the Avilla charge; and 
on the 12th of May, same year, was installed pastor of it and its various mis- 
sions. The present church was begun in 1876 ; the corner-stone was laid May 
27, 1877, and, on the 19th of May, 1878, it was dedicated by the Rt. Rev. 
Joseph Dwenger, Bishop of Fort Wayne The new church is located in the 
northern part of town, on the old Weimer farm ; and its site, six and one- 
fourth acres, was donated by Mr. Thomas Storey. The church cost only 
$9,000, as the brick were made within a few yards of the church. Some 
eighty families now belong. The present officers of the church are Fi'ederick 
Bork, President; M. Blust, Vice President; A. Vogeding, Secretary; George 
Drerup, Treasurer. The Sunday school has been conducted since the society 
was organized ; D. Duehmig, Superintendent ; 160 children attend it. Too much 
cannot be said in praise of Father Duehmig, who more than any other man, 
has built up the charge and its various missions. He is a man of great useful- 
ness, intelligence and influence. 

In 1876, four Sisters (Anastasia, Brigetta, Barbara and Zilla) of the 
Order of St. Francis came to America to look up a location for a convent. 
Through the influence of Rev. D. Duehmig, they were induced to locate at 



MmM 






77 U 

ELKHART TP. 



<L& 



ELKHART TOWNSHIP. 221 

A villa. They immediately purchased 200 acres of Thomas Storey for $12,000 ; 
and, in June of the same year (1876), took charge of the premises, 
upon which was the residence previously occupied by Mr. Storey. Not 
long after this, twenty more Sisters came ; and, since then, ten others 
have been added, making a total of thirty-four. These Sisters have estab- 
ished the following branch missions ; one in Swan Township, Noble County ; 
one at Hesse Cassel, Allen County, Ind. ; one at Crown Point, Ind. ; 
another at Dyer, Ind. ; one at Joliet, 111., and one at St. Joseph, Mich. In 
the spring of 1881, the Sisters purchased forty acres of Mr. Weimer for $2,- 
600 ; and are now engaged in building thereon a house to cost not less than 
$30,000. It is intended as a home for the aged, unfortunate, crippled, etc. 
There are ten resident Sisters at the convent at present, who have charge of 
eighteen aged and helpless persons, two being hopelessly insane. Nine orphan 
children are cared for by these good Sisters. The new building will be called 
*' The Convent of the Sacred Heart of Jesus." 



CHAPTER XIII. 
by weston a. goodspeed. 

Elkhart Township— Life in the Backwoods— Mr. Bourie and the Indi- 
ans—Anecdotes of the Chase— The Early Residents— Tibbot and the 
Wounded Buck— Pittsburg, Springfield and Wawaka— Education 
and Religion — Pioneer Preachers and Teachers — Incidents. 

THERE is some conflict of opinion as to who was the first settler in Elk" 
hart Township. It is quite certain that Samuel Tibbot built his dwelling 
there as early as 1832, and it is equally certain that the Knights and a Mr. 
Austin and David P. Bourie were in about the same time. Isaac Tibbot did 
not reside permanently in the township until 1834. It is certain that Mr. 
Austin built his log-cabin near the bank of Elkhart River, in the southwestern 
part, during the year 1832, and immediately thereafter, Mr. Bourie erected a 
rude log storeroom within a few yards of the Austin mansion (?), and began sell- 
ing from a stock of goods valued at about $1,000 at first, but subsequently (within 
three years) increased, until worth $4,000. Mr. Bourie owned the land and 
gave Mr. Austin permission to build and reside there, as the former, being then 
single, wanted a place to board. Mr. Bourie did not enter his land at first 
(1831), but postponed that event until almost too late. In 1832, after his store 
was established, two men appeared and examined the premises, arousing a sus- 
picion in Bourie's breast that all was not right. He suspected that the men 
intended to proceed to Fort Wayne and enter his land, as, after they had exam- 
ined the premises, they started in the direction of the land office. Mr. Bourie 
immediately assumed the garb of an Indian, with blanket and feathers and 
tomahawk and war paint, and mounting his pony, as a true Indian should, he 



222 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

started, hoping to pass the men before they reached Fort Wayne, trusting that 
his disguise would prevent them from recognizing that he was the owner of the 
premises, from whom they had just parted. He met several of his old acquaint- 
ances along the road, none of whom recognized him. He met Mclntire Sey- 
mour and John Hall in Noble Township, to whom he revealed himself, much 
to their astonishment. On he went, like the wind, whooping and swinging his 
tomahawk and reeling on his pony like a drunken Indian. He came up in 
this manner with the two men, both of whom thought him to be what he pre- 
tended — a drunken Indian. He reached Fort Wayne long before they did, 
entered his land and had the pleasure of seeing the land hunters discomfited 
when they discovered that they had been outwitted. The following is a portion 
of one of the bills of goods bought by Mr. Bourie in 1833 : 

Fort Wayne, August 15, 1833. 
Bought of Merriam § Bourie: 

4 pair calf-skin boots, fine, @ 28 shillings $14 00 

8 pair thick boots, @ 19 shillings 19 00 

3 pair calf-skin shoes, @ 12 shillings 4 50 

4 pair calf-skin shoes, @ 10 shillings 5 00 

5 morocco pumps, @ 9 shillings 5 63 

4 seal-skin pumps, @ 9 shillings 4 50 

6 Prunell boots, @ 12 shillings 9 00 

7 pair thick shoes, @ 8 shillings 7 00 

3 fine hats, @ 32 shillings 12 00 

1 piece white list blue cloth, 19| yards 27 50 

1 piece yellow list blue cloth, 24 yards 66 69 

1 piece scarlet list blue cloth, 13 yards 22 75 

1 piece super-blue list cloth, 6 yards 31 50 

3 pieces fancy calico, 84 yards 24 36 

8 pieces Merrimac calico, 160 yards 27 20 

Etc., Etc., Etc., Etc. 

And so the bill continued until nearly $800 was reached, all sorts of good 
being purchased at enormous prices. To the amount of one of Mr. BourieV 
bills, the merchants of Fort Wayne added 25 per cent for transportation. The 
greater portion of these goods went to the Indians, who were inordinately proud 
of display, and clothed themselves, at whatever cost, in the gaudiest and most 
costly apparel. The three silk hats mentioned above were sold to chiefs, who, 
when they had on a breech-clout, a blanket of fancy colors, and one of those 
hats, were enrobed in the height of Indian fashion, and would strut before the 
dusky maidens of their acquaintance like turkey-cocks before Christmas. After 
the Indians had had their selection from these goods, the white settlers took the 
remainder. Bourie's brother was one of the partnership from whom he bought. 
Bourie failed in business in 1835, and then went to Good Hope, in northern 
Sparta Township, where he opened a small grocery with one of the Knights as 
a partner ; but the latter fleeced him in a short time of all he had, and he has 
been a comparatively poor man since. 

Mr. Bourie had a favorite dog that had been trained to do almost any- 
thing. It would bring the cows from the woods, go across the river and brino- 



ELKHART TOWNSHIP. 223 

back a canoe, and carry articles here and there. It was so trained that, if 
anything was taken from the store, the animal would soon discover it, and would 
trace by its keen scent the spot where the article had been hidden. One day 
a number of Indians were at the store, and one of them, not thinking his rifle 
was loaded (or at least declaring that he did not, afterward), placed the ramrod 
in the barrel, and playfully snapped the gun at the dog's head ; this he did 
several times, until an old hen belonging to Mrs. Austin ran by him, when he 
turned and snapped the gun at it ; a sharp report followed, and the unfortunate 
fowl went squawking away, transfixed by the ramrod; out came Mrs. Austin, 
with fire in her eye, and a rolling pin in her hand (possibly), and demanded who 
had treated her fowls - foully. Seeing the trouble, she immediately went to 
Bourie, and told him that he must take care of his Indians, and not let them 
trouble her fowls again. Bourie, when he learned the truth, was so incensed 
at the Indian for snapping at his dog (which had narrowly escaped being shot), 
that he seized the unfortunate redskin and butted his head again and again 
against a log until his face and scalp were covered with bruises and blood. He 
also seized the gun (a fine silver-mounted rifle) and bent it almost double across 
a log, utterly ruining it. The Indian came back the next day, demanding 
amends for the loss ; but Bourie shrewdly stated that he (Bourie) had been 
drunk the day before, was sorry if the Indian was, and there the matter was 
dropped, as the Indians forgave wrongs done while under the influence of 
liquor. 

The following is as complete a list of the early settlers as could be obtained. 
The names are taken from the records at Albion, and indicate those who owned 
land in 1844. The names of the earliest, who lived in the township before 
1844, but sold out before that date, cannot be given : Isaac Arnold, William 
Albert, William Bradford, John F. Brothwell, Abraham Brown, James Boyd, 
Daniel P. Boner, Francis Brown, Moses Ball, John Bird, William Caldwell, 
Andrew Curry, George Domer, Moses Domer, Samuel Domer, Jacob Domer, 
Perry Dempsey, Jacob Gerber, David Gibson, W. K. Gibson, John Gibson, 
Hosea Gage, Fred Hartsock, W. H. Herriman, Luther Herriman, Jonathan 
Hoak, Jacob Holden, W. H. Holden, Jacob Hoff, Abraham Hoff, Nathaniel 
Hamilton, W. H. Hall, Thomas Inks, Ralph Hardenbrook, Daniel Lower, 
William Maywhorter, Lewis Mills, George Moore, David Ream, William 
Stienberger, John Smith, Fred Schlieff, D. M. Shoup, Joseph Stewart, James 
Scrivener, Isaac Tibbot, David Tuttle, James Thayer, William Waldron, Lewis 
Waldron, Hiram Waldron, Wesley Waldron, Wilson L. Wells, Henry Walker, 
David Woodward, Nathaniel Woodward, George Woodward, John Zimmerman 
and others. 

But little need be said regarding the general growth and improvement. 
The earliest settlers in any new country are a courageous class of men known 
as "squatters," whose occupation is hunting and trapping,' upon which they 
almost wholly depend for subsistence. As soon as the game begins to disap- 



224 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

pear, they likewise disappear, following the retreating animals out into the wil- 
derness. In their places came the vanguard of the grand army of settlement 
and progress. It is always. the case that the enterprising, the energetic and 
ambitious, are the ones who first brave the hardships of a new country ; and 
who thereby write their names on the most prominent page of the history of 
their locality. It is always the venturesome, the daring spirit, that swings off 
from the great army, and battles desperately and singly in new fields of 
achievement. Such men are not imitators ; they are imitated. They do not 
follow ; they lead. They do not wait, like Micawber, for something to turn up ; 
they turn something up. They are the initiators of genuine progress, the sons 
of genius, and the founders of civilization. The faces of these men are yet 
seen in the county, though their ti*aps and rifles have been exchanged long ago 
for plows and reapers. Every stream knew them ; every hill and dale felt the 
pressure of their feet ; every grove re-echoed with their shout, or with the 
report of their rifle. Their rude dug-out canoes swept silently across the lakes 
beneath the strength of their sturdy arms. All is changed. Waving seas of 
grain flood the uplands and the lowlands ; the stealthy footfall of the Indian 
hunter is no more ; the busy hum of human life has taken the place of silence 
and shadow. 

Mr. Isaac Tibbot, about whom a great deal has been written, has resided 
permanently in the township since 1834. He is a man of enormous will 
power, in whom a settled conviction amounts to reality. He tells many inter- 
esting stories concerning the early settlement of the county. One day in mid- 
winter he saddled his horse, and started out to hunt deer. He soon ran across 
the fresh "spoor" of two very large bucks that apparently had gone into a 
swamp not over five minutes before. He tied his horse and started in with 
rifle ready ; but a moment later the wary animals, hearing his footsteps on the 
snow, ran out of the swamp and away at a rapid rate into the forest. He hur- 
ried back, mounted his horse, and swiftly followed. He saw them far ahead, in 
open land, turning at right angles to their former course; and, knowing 
that he could head them off, he ran across (leaving his horse), and, stopping 
behind a tree, shot the leading buck dead, knowing that by so doing he could 
get the other, as it would wait for its comrade. The living animal came up to 
its companion, but was so concealed by brush that the hunter could only suc- 
ceed in wounding it in the ribs, at which it made off in short bounds, being 
badly hurt, and stopped a short distance to look back for its mate. Again the 
brush was so thick that a second shot only wounded it in the jaw, but the animal 
was brought to the ground. Mr. Tibbot ran forward to cut its throat, but it 
scrambled to its feet, and, with fiery eyes, and fur erected along its back like a 
cat, dashed headlong at the hunter, knocking him violently into the snow. He 
quickly recovered, and, leaping up, with one blow severed the jugular vein of 
the angry animal standing over him, whereupon it fell and was soon dead. Mr. 
Tibbot also tells that he one time chased on horseback, on " Ore Prairie," in 



-y^>- 




HffKwn* 







■ 




/71^m6&<7-/£j&st^' 



ELKHART TP. 



ELKHART TOWNSHIP. 225 

York Township, a large bear, and was often within a few feet of it : but, hav- 
ing no gun, the animal escaped. 

The village of Pittsburg was laid out by John and William Knight, proprie- 
tors, on the east half of the northeast quarter of the east half of the southeast 
quarter of Section 30, Township 35, Range 9 east, in June, 1837 ; and was 
about eighty rods from the juncture of the two forks of the river. Ninety-six 
lots were laid out in blocks of eight lots each ; and a number of the former 
were donated for public purposes. An effort was made to sell the lots, and 
build up the incipient village; but, beyond the partial erection of a single 
building for Jacob Kessler, nothing was done, and Pittsburg died on paper. 

In about 1838, Joseph Steinberger erected a saw-mill at what is now Spring- 
field. Although the mill was a good one, it ran slowly, like those of the gods, 
often continuing during the entire night, so great was the demand. In a few 
years, Mr. Steinberger died, and his son William assumed control; but, after a 
number of years, the property was destroyed by fire, probably by an incen- 
diary. William Colwell erected a "corn cracker" on the river, farther west, 
about the time the county was organized. The event was celebrated with a 
country dance. Gideon Schlotterback was the fiddler, and, it is said, he ac- 
quitted himself in the most superb manner. A floor of puncheons had been 
laid and some seven or eight couples were present to enjoy themselves. The 
boys filled themselves with the proper quantity of the "extract of corn," and 
then the way they came down on the "double shuffle," the "Virginia reel" 
and the "French four" was a sight to behold. If you want any further par- 
ticulars, dear reader, you must question Isaac Tibbot, who swung himself on 
that occasion. Ask him about those pies. The mill, in addition to cracking 
corn, also tried to crack wheat into flour, but the specimen turned out, unbolted 
and unclean, was not regarded as the best that could be done, even in the back- 
woods. The mill ran about two years. About this time, the Stumps, father 
and son, erected a saw-mill on the same site. It did not amount to much and 
soon ceased running. Mr. Steinberger also built a grist-mill at Springfield 
and operated it from the same water power that ran his saw-mill. It had two 
run of stone and was an excellent mill for that day. It was destroyed with the 
saw-mill. John Colwell conducted a distillery in the western part for a short 
time, at a very early day. The first bridge in the township, across Elkhart, 
was constructed, in about 1838, by six or eight of the old settlers. It was 
nearly a month before it was finished. John Zimmerman erected a tannery a 
short distance north of Wawaka in 1842, and conducted it until 1869, making 
large quantities of excellent leather, which found a ready sale. Mr Zimmer- 
man is now a merchant in Wawaka. 

If the plat of the village of Springfield was ever recorded, such fact is 
not known to the writer. Lots were laid out, probably by William Pierson, 
who built the first dwelling at quite an early day. David Chapole started the 
first store, having a small stock of dry goods, groceries and whisky. A Mr. 



226 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

Farver opened the first store of any consequence. He sold from a large, fine 
stock of goods. Mr. Smith probably came next with goods. Then came John 
Knepper, William Stienberger and others. The village reached the pinnacle of 
its fame in 1845, at which period it was considered a promising town, having 
two stores, a saloon, a grist-mill, a saw-mill, a church, a schoolhouse and about 
fifteen or more families. A post office was established early, being a station on 
a mail route extending from Good Hope to Lima (probably). The lots were 
first laid out not far from 1838, very probably by Mr. Pierson. After 1845. 
the town began to decay, new buildings failed to appear, old ones became dingy 
and dilapidated, the streets became almost deserted and Springfield remained 
but the ghost of its former fame. The ghost yet lingers, reluctant to leave the 
old place, so fraught with dim but cheerful memories. 

Wawaka owes its life and existence to the Lake Shore Railway. Eighty 
lots (a portion on each side of the railroad) were laid out in February, 1857, 
by Isaac Tibbot, proprietor. Tibbot's residence was the first at the village, 
having been erected in 1834. William Knepper built the next house, early in 
1857. George Stienberger (the miller) erected one about the same time. The 
growth was slow but sure, as still waters run deep. Mr. Tibbot erected the 
first store-building, into which Mr. Miles placed an average stock of dry goods 
and notions. After a few years, David Hale succeeded him, and finally, Elias 
Strous, of Ligonier, obtained possession of the building. John Knepper was 
the second to begin merchandising dry goods and groceries. John Thomson 
soon appeared and began labor at the same pursuit. Since then, many changes 
have been made. Dr. Goodson went into the Strous building with a stock of 
drugs. Carpenters, blacksmiths and business men of all kinds appeared, and 
the outlook of the village was bright. In about 1867, Ellis & Mummeit (the 
latter owning a one-fourth interest) erected a large, frame, three-storied grist- 
mill, placing therein four run of stone, the whole structure completed costing 
$15,000. This was an excellent thing for the village, and the mill soon re- 
ceived an excellent patronage. Farmers from all quarters came to mill and, 
of course, traded more or less with all the business men. All this had the 
effect to infuse life into industrial pursuits in the village. The mill manufact- 
ured as high as 100 barrels of flour daily, much of which was shipped East. 
The plan of the owners was to buy their wheat at the board of trade in Chi- 
cago at times when the markets were very low, shipping the grain to Wawaka, 
where it was made into flour, then re-shipping it, in the latter form, to the 
Eastern market. The railroad company permitted them to do this, charging 
them for freightage as if the grain had not been unloaded at Wawaka. This 
enabled the owners to make handsome profits from their sales. By an unfort- 
unate accident, the mill and all it contained were destroyed by fire in 1874, 
and has not since been rebuilt, greatly to the misfortune of the village and 
surrounding country. At the same time, a shingle factory and saw-mill were 
also burned. It is said, that the erection of the mill enhanced the value of 



ELKHART TOWNSHIP. 227 

real estate for several miles around, and that when the property was destroyed 
by fire, town and country values slightly depreciated. If this is true, it would 
be profitable to the citizens to offer some man a bonus to build another mil} 
of the same kind. Immediately after the destruction of the grist-mill, Mr. 
Mummert built his present saw- mill, placing therein a fifty-horse power engine 
and a double circular saw. This is an excellent mill. Mr. Mummert is manu- 
facturing handles of all sorts, and large quantities of "shims." Quite a number 
of years ago, Mr. Dodge built his saw-mill, which, in its time, has done good work. 
He has added to this a planing-mill, and is now manufacturing wooden handles, 
"shims" and staves. Solomon Mier, Strous Brothers, Sheets & Wertheimer 
and Welt, Beck & Co. are buying grain. They shipped about 50,000 bushels 
of wheat from the village in 1880. In 1872, a conflagration swept away the 
depot and a number of other buildings ; loss, several thousand dollars. A few 
years ago, another fire destroyed several buildings on the east side, north of the 
railroad. The present population of the village is nearly four hundred. Dr. 
W. H. Simmon was probably the first resident physician. After him, among 
others, have been Drs. Martin, Ward and Bartley. 

Isaac Tibbot says, the first schoolhouse in the township was built by him- 
self, his brother Samuel, John and William Knight, Thomas Pierson, John 
Coder, and two or three others, as early as the summer of 1834, or prior to his 
marriage, which occurred late in the autumn of 1834. The house was built of 
round logs, was 16x16 feet, was located in the southwestern part, and was used 
until a larger and better one was erected in about 1837, at Springfield. The 
house was intended only as a temporary affair, to last a year or two, or until a 
better one could be built. It was probably the first building in the county 
erected wholly as a schoolhouse. Thomas Pierson taught a term of school in 
this building during the winter of 1834-35, having some twelve scholars, who 
came to him from three miles around. He did it more as a matter of accom- 
modation than as an expectation of pecuniary return. The house at Springfield 
was built of logs, and was located on the land of Mr. Pierson, the founder of 
the village, who donated the lot for the purpose. After being used about eight 
years, a frame, combined church and schoolhouse, was built near it, and this 
building was used many years. The third schoolhouse was erected about a 
mile and a half east of Wawaka, but was not finished nor occupied. The fourth 
was built in the Jones neighborhood, in the extreme northeastern part, but the 
date of its erection could not be learned by the writer. The fifth was a log 
structure erected in Wawaka, on the west side of Main street, north of the 
railroad; this house was built not far from 1847. It is thought that Enoch 
Kent was the first teacher. The large b(h)oys did not like Mr. Kent ; Mr. 
Kent did not like the large boys — mutual antagonism ! Mr. Kent was afraid 
of the large boys ; the large boys were not afraid of Mr. Kent — fear not mut- 
ual ! Large boys told Mr. Kent to "git" out; Mr. Kent wisely and rapidly 
obeyed. The school ceased then and there. (Is brevity the soul of wit ?) 



228 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

This house was used but a few years, another being erected a half mile south 
of town, and it, also, was used but a few years. A short time after the village 
of Wawaka was laid out, the combined church and schoolhouse (yet standing) 
was built. This was used until the present frame school building was con- 
structed, a few years ago. It was between 1845 and 1855, that the schools of 
the township began to show the first important improvements. Better houses 
were built then, and better teachers employed at better wages. 

The first church in Wawaka was the schoolhouse referred to above. It was 
occupied by the Methodists for many years, until finally their frame church was 
built by subscription. There is an industrious little society here working pa- 
tiently in the vineyard of the Master. The German Methodists have just 
erected a fine church in town at a cost of about $3,000. Elkhart Town- 
ship, as all others in the county and surrounding counties, was visited by cir- 
cuit ministers as soon as there were a sufficient number of settlers to warrant 
such a visit. They appeared as early as 1831, and held little meetings in the 
log cabins, where the neighbors for miles around gathered to listen to the rude 
eloquence of pioneer preachers. In those days, Baptists met Methodists and 
Presbyterians, and others, all on the one basis of Christian character and life. 
The worship was quaint and homely, but the happy hearts were there ; the 
bright faces, filled with visions of the angels of God, were turned heaven- 
ward ; the rude speech was the song of the spirit, and the joyous acclamations 
were the release of the weary soul from the burden of sin. Neighbor met 
neighbor, as the Nazarene directed two thousand years ago, with brotherly 
affection. Bitter reflections — temptations of the evil one — were cast back in- 
to the chasm of sin ; and the earnest worshipers sang hosannas on the summit 
of the mountain of God's holiness. Ah, there is an inexpressible joy, a be- 
wildering hope, in the blissful re-action from death in sin to the happy health of 
Christian life. Our forefathers realized this when they met in God's temple. 
They loved to assemble thus, as we do now ; and to their faith in God do we 
owe the happy homes we now enjoy, and the numberless churches that dot our 
land as the stars in heaven's dome. It may be said, to conclude, that the old 
schoolhouse at Springfield was used by various Christian denominations for 
many years. Great revivals were held there that yet linger in the memory 
and heart like the recollection of a new sweet burst of music. James Latta, 
well known to everybody, was often there ; and his face will remain, while life 
lasts, in the grateful hearts of hundreds who were converted under his minis- 
trations. Rev. Posey often came there, as did Revs. Miller, Hall and others. 
A few years ago, the Free Will Baptists built a church — a neat frame structure 
— in the northeastern corner. The society had been organized many years be- 
fore, and had worshiped in another building. Rev. Nicholas Jones, an excel- 
lent man of great energy, had much to do with the life of this society. Many 
years ago, the Lutherans living in the northern part became sufficiently num- 
erous to render the erection of a church necessary. A frame structure was 



feS*«r-«- 






SPARTA TP 



SPARTA TOWNSHIP. 231 

soon built, at a cost of about $1,200. A Sunday school was organized, and 
efforts were made to enjoy the Christian religion in the new house. Ministers 
were employed, and the membership began to increase. There have been times 
since when the society was very weak, financially and in numbers, but it still 
lives on, as it should — in faith — that many sweet hours may yet be spent in 
the old house. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

by weston a. goodspeed. 

Sparta Township— Reminiscences of an Old Settler— First Officers and 
Election — Milling and Other Industrial Interests— The First 
County Seat— Village of Cromwell — Experiences of an Early Ped- 
agogue—Education and Religion. 

SO far as known, the first man to locate within what is now Sparta Town- 
ship was John L. Powers, who had previously lived in a small log cabin, 
8x10, in the southwestern part of Perry Township, where he kept tavern. 
Some time during the year 1832, he established himself and family a short dis- 
tance north of where the railroad crosses the Goshen road. He was not only 
the first permanent settler in Sparta Township, but was also one of the first in 
the county, perhaps about the sixth. This man also lived for a time in the 
western part of the township, in a cave, which is known to this day as " Powers' 
Cave." Powers was eccentric, and seemed capable of sustaining himself and 
family "where birds would almost be compelled to carry knapsacks." After a 
few years, he moved West, and his subsequent movements are unknown. 
About the time that Powers located in Sparta (1832), John Dillon also appeared 
and built his cabin in the eastern part, where he resided for a number of years, 
but finally removed to his present residence in Washington Township. Here 
he yet lives, hearty and hale, with active mind busy with the memories of other 
years. 

Soon after these settlements, and prior to the organization of the county 
in 1836, there came to the township the following settlers: John Conklin, 
Richard Bray, Richard Jeffries, James Mael, Robert McAfee, Mitchell Mc. 
Clintock, John Johns, Jacob Baker, Charles Murray, Obadiah Tilton, Hart- 
well Coleman, Daniel Ohlwine, Andrew C. Douglass, Henry Weade, John Davis, 
and perhaps others. Immediately afterward, there came Aaron Noe, Michael 
Beam, Daniel Beam, Charles White, Andrew B. Upson, Nathaniel Prentice, 
Richard Stone, William Weade, John Spear, John C. Johnson, Jacob Kiser, 
Daniel Stall, John Moore, G. W. Mitchell, James Marrow, Elisha Mayfield, 
Lawrence Miller, Samuel Dungan, Alexander Doud, John Earnhart, William 
Glayd, Andrew Humphreys, James Smalley, John Spencer, William H. Upson, 
Thomas H. Wilson, John Pollock, James Pollock, Samuel Mars, Henry Miller, 
Richard Noe, George Prentice, George Platter, Erastus Atkins and others. 

LL 



232 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

A few of these men owned land in the township, but did not reside there. All 
immediately began to prepare their farms for cultivation, and their homes for 
comfort. The following, from the pen of John Conklin, is given in full, as it 
admirably represents the obstacles that were surmounted by the backwoods- 
man. He says : " I left Ohio in the year 1835, and came to the State of 
Indiana. I was quite a boy, but soon got me a young wife, and then life com- 
menced in earnest. I had only $20 in my pocket, but we were both well and 
hearty, and provided with plenty of good pluck. I worked out, receiving 40 
and 50 cents per day, and bought some corn on Elkhart Prairie for $1 per 
bushel, and was glad to get it at that. We moved into a shop owned by Esquire 
Baughman. Its dimensions were fourteen feet square, but it was large enough 
to contain all our furniture, which was not the finest in the worl4, though I 
made it myself. Our bedstead had but one leg, and was corded up with linn 
bark. A clapboard was our table for the first meal, but as that was a little too 
primitive for comfort, I went to work the next day and made a table. My 
stove was a big hole cut in the side of the house, about eight feet wide, and the 
pipe was run up with sticks and mud, and inside was a nice big ' niggerhead ' 
rock and — more mud. Our cooking utensils consisted of a little bake-oven, 
which we managed to convert, as occasion required, into a mush-kettle, tea- 
kettle, stew-pan, frying-pan, and sometimes a coffee-pot. My ' chattels ' con- 
sisted of a three-year-old heifer — a present from my mother-in-law — a pig 
which weighed about one hundred pounds, and which I bought and paid for by 
clearing up an acre of heavily timbered land. These and a few chickens made 
me feel pretty rich. I bought sixty-eight acres of land, and made the first 
payment with my $20. But I was not satisfied with my location, so I traveled 
for another piece of land, one mile from the first. It was in heavy woods, but 
we were not easily frightened, so, taking my wife, I moved into my new place, 
camping under a big beech tree in the thickest of the timber, where the wood- 
man's ax had never sounded, and the spice brush and papaw were so thick 
you could not see three rods before you, and wolves howled on all sides at 12 
o'clock in the day. I cut and hewed the logs for my house, and in two weeks 
had a 'jubilee.' A large log heap answered the purpose of a stove to cook by, 
and a table was built, twelve feet long and three wide, upon which were spread 
the eatables for our neighbors, who had come to assist at the raising. A 
neighbor sometimes lived five or more miles away. Our house was raised that 
day, and we moved into it the same night. Then commenced the clearing up. 
I chopped down the trees, and my wife helped to pick up the brush. I still had 
to work by the day to make a living, but when my day's work was done I 
could come home, where I always found plenty of good cheer in a substantial 
supper and a smiling wife. We would then often work until 10 or 11 o'clock 
at night, picking up and burning brush, but we always obeyed the command- 
ment and observed the seventh day, or rather the first. I helped to clear on 
Perry's Prairie after the following fashion : As will be remembered, the oak 



SPARTA TOWNSHIP. 233 

grubs were as thick as they could stand. We would first chop them down, then 
take ten yoke of oxen and one team of horses, and hitch them to a big plow that 
would run one foot deep and three feet wide. When everything was ready, the 
word to start was given, and then it was hurrah boys ! whip ! crack ! smash ! 
and the way the grubs would get out'of the way was a caution to earthquakes. 
Thus it was that the prairie land was first cultivated, and thus it was that we 
got our start in the woods." 

John Johns moved west to Iowa after many years, and was finally made a 
delegate to the Chicago Convention when Lincoln was nominated for the Presi- 
dency. McClintock and Tilton were both squatters on the Indian reservation, 
and when the land was thrown into market, George Platter entered both of 
their farms before either had an opportunity of going to the land office for the 
same purpose. McClintock soon after died, and it is said his death was largely 
due to his being cheated out of his land. His house is said to have been 
haunted, and at the solemn hour of midnight passers-by could hear in weird., 
sepulchral tones the command, "Pay the widow, pay the widow!" Tilton 
returned to New York. Charles White, when a child two years old, was made 
an orphan by the massacre of his parents at Wyoming, Penn. He was rescued 
from the savages by a man named White, and, as his real name was unknown, 
he adopted that of his benefactor. David Stall passed through a similar expe- 
rience. When an infant in his mother's arms, both of his parents died on the 
voyage across the Atlantic from Germany to the United States. He was 
adopted by a man named Stall, whose name he bore, as his was unknown. 

Improvements went on in this township as in others. At the first election,, 
in about 1838, only seven votes were polled, although there must have been 
living in the township then more than twice as many voters. Richard Bray 
had been appointed Inspector of Election by the County Commissioners, and the 
election was held at Sparta. He appointed two judges and two clerks of elec- 
tion, and then the first political "log-rolling" in Sparta began. There was- 
not that gluttonous greed for office then as now, as official position was a hollow 
honor destitute of any remuneration. It is said that at a subsequent election, 
when two men received the same number of votes for the same office, they 
played eucher to see which should serve, the one playing the poorer to take the 
empty honor. At the first election, James Mael was elected Constable andl 
Thomas H. Wilson Justice of the Peace. The men present at this election are 
said to have been : James Mael, Thomas H. Wilson, Isaac Spencer, Wesley 
White, Richard Bray, William Baker and Charles Murray. On that occasion 
all enjoyed the distinction of holding some office. Another election was held in 
August, on which occasion Aaron Noe and James Mael served as Judges and 
Wesley White and Nathaniel Prentice as Clerks. The election was held in the 
office of the County Clerk at Sparta. When the first court in the county 
convened at the house of Adam Engle, on Perry Prairie, there was present one 
Thomas Eckles, who carried more whisky than he could, if such a thing was 



234 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

possible. In his drunken carousals, Eckles disturbed the court, whereupon 
Engle, after endeavoring to induce him to remain quiet, offered $1 to any 
any one who would take the drunken man home. James Mael, of Sparta 
Township, who was a powerful man, accepted the offer at once ; but Eckles 
demurred, whereupon Mael picked him up and carried him until tired, and then 
dropped him on the ground. After this had been repeated a few times in a 
very rough manner, Eckles gladly recovered his equilibrium and agreed to 
walk. At the election of 1840, considerable political antagonism had been 
incited, and when it was discovered that a young man named Smalley, being 
under age, had polled his vote, it was thought best by some to contest the elec- 
tion of the day, and for that purpose the Judges of Election were taken in 
limbo, and the books examined. While it was clearly proved that Smalley was 
under age, and that he had cast his vote ; yet, no other evidences being dis- 
closed, the matter was dropped. Forty votes were polled at the election of 1840. 
In about the year 1847, Thomas H. Bothwell and Thomas H. Wilson built 
the first saw-mill in the township, locating it in the southwestern part on Tur. 
key Creek. It was a water mill, with an up-and-down saw and an old nutter 
wheel, and had a capacity of about two thousand feet per day. A dam had 
been built across the stream, and a narrow race conveyed water to the wheel. 
The mill was quite well patronized; but, like those of the gods, " ground slowly," 
if it "ground " at all. This mill was operated until about the year 1862, when 
it was in some manner replaced by another, erected about half a mile down the 
stream, by Leander Eagles and Thomas H. Bothwell. The mill was a frame, 
with a circular saw, and was operated by these men for some three years, and 
then sold to David Gauz and George Mellinger, who removed it to Kosciusko 
County. The present mill on the same site was erected in the spring of 1865, 
by Leander Eagles. It is operated by a thirty-five horse-power engine, and has 
a capacity of 6,000 to 8,000 feet per day. In 1853, Mr. Stall built a saw-mill 
one mile west of the residence of Nathaniel Prentice, but in a short time it was 
removed to Cromwell. Here it was owned and operated for a number of years 
bv various parties, and finally its timbers were used in the construction of the 
only grist-mill ever in the township. This mill is a large, low frame building, 
located at Cromwell, and was built by the Miller Brothers. Steam was em- 
ployed to operate the two run of stone, and for a few years considerable flour 
was manufactured, a portion of which was shipped to distant points by rail. 
The mill was closed last April. A number of years ago, Hezekiah Mayfield 
moved his saw-mill from the eastern part of the township to Cromwell. Here 
it has remained ever since under the management of different owners. It is an 
excellent mill, and turns out large quantities of native lumber, which is shipped 
to other localities. The old mill was practically replaced by the present one a 
short time ago. The Mayfield Saw-Mill had been built by Andrew and Cyrus 
Pollock, about one and a half miles east of Cromwell. It afterward went to 
George Hart, and finally to the Mayfields. A Mr. Cavanaugh operated a saw- 





&uC^' 



u. 




SPARTA TP. 



SPARTA TOWNSHIP. 235 

mill in the southern part a number of years ago. He also manufactured some 
furniture, bedsteads, etc. Joel Sechrist also owned a saw-mill in the southern 
part, as did a Mr. Herron. These mills were amply sufficient to furnish all the 
lumber required for building purposes in the township. At first, water-mills 
were the only ones to be seen, but when steam was harnessed they disappeared. 

"Listen to the water-mill 

Through the live-long day ; 
How the clanking of the wheels 

Wears the hours away ! 
Languidly the autumn wind 

Stirs the greenwood leaves ; 
From the fields the reapers sing, 

Binding up the sheaves ; 
And a proverb haunts my mind, 

As a spell is cast : 
' The mill will never grind 

With the water that has passed.' 

" Take the lesson to thyself, 

Loving heart and true ; 
Golden years are fleeting by, 

Youth is passing, too ; 
Learn to make the most of life, 

Lose no happy day, 
Time will never bring thee back 

Chances swept away ; 
Leave no tender word unsaid, 

Love while life shall last — 
' The mill will never grind 

With the water that has passed.' " 

Sparta Township can boast of having had the first brick-kiln in Northern 
Indiana. David Bourie says, that a man named Beers, in accordance with in- 
structions from the United States Government, manufactured enough brick from 
the soil of Sparta to build a brick house for the Chief Wah-wa-es-sa, or Flat 
Belly, as he was more familiarly known. All the facts in the case are unknown, 
but it is quite certain that at the time Flat Belly reserved the tract of land six 
miles square, the Government agreed to build him a brick house. The treaty 
was signed in 1816, but the exact date when the house was built is a matter of 
doubt. Mr. Bourie thinks it was erected in 1816, while others, who seem to 
know what they are talking about, place it as late as 1821. The workmen who 
erected the house came from Fort Wayne ; but their work was not of a first- 
class order, as, within a few years, the building tumbled down. The early set- 
tlers used the brick for chimneys, hearths, etc. 

The village of Sparta, which afterward became the first county seat of 
Noble County, was laid out on Sections 13 and 24, Township 34 north, Range 
8 east, in June, 1836, by Isaac Spencer and R. I. Dawson, owners and propri- 
etors. Two hundred and thirty-six lots were laid oif into blocks of twelve lots 
each, and certain lots and blocks were donated to the public for school and 



236 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

church purposes, as was also a public square. The village did not grow as rap- 
idly as the proprietors desired, and perhaps its population never exceeded 
twenty-five. Col. John Spencer and Wesley White both kept store there, one 
of them beginning not far from the year 1838, or perhaps the spring of 1839. 
They kept for sale a few groceries, dry goods, notions, liquor, etc. A post 
office was secured at Sparta as early as the fall of 1836, and Isaac Spencer 
figured in the capacity of Postmaster. Although this village was the county 
seat, no court house or jail was built, but there was a small building erected for 
the county offices. Immediately after the county seat was re-located at Augusta, 
Sparta became almost deserted, and soon afterward wholly so. In 1838, Nel- 
son Prentiss, Esq., opened a small store at New Hope, a name applied to a 
post office in the northern part of the township. He soon abandoned the under- 
taking. Prior to that time and in the same place, Isaac Spencer sold goods 
that had been obtained at Toledo, Ohio. These were probably the first sold in 
the township. 

Cromwell, the only other village in the township except Indian Village, 
was not laid out until June, 1853. Harrison Wood, the proprietor, employed 
the County Surveyor, and laid out at the juncture of Jefferson and Orange 
streets twenty-eight lots from the northwest quarter of the southwest quarter 
of Section 16. Lots were offered for sale, and the village began to grow slowly. 
In the year 1849, Abel Mullen had built a log house where the villagje now 
stands, and had also erected a small building and begun the manufacture of 
black salts, from ashes obtained from the surrounding cabins and log-heaps. 
His buildings were located about fifty rods north of the cross-roads. His ash- 
ery was not a very profitable venture, and was abandoned within a few years. 
He did not manufacture more than twelve tons while thus engaged. He was 
the first Postmaster. Mr. Wood gave the name to the village from the follow- 
ing reason, as stated by himself: " Cromwell was a good Republican, and I'll 
name the town in his honor." Some time after the village was laid out, Aaron 
Moore opened a store of dry goods, groceries, notions, etc., valued at about 
$1,000. Moore continued selling until about the time the railroad was com- 
pleted in the township. A. D. Maggert also opened a store of groceries and 
liquor, and secured a profitable business, but did not continue longer than a few 
months for reasons best known to himself. James Parks is said to have been 
the first Postmaster, though he was soon succeeded by Aaron Moore. Mr. 
Vanderford is Uncle Sam's agent at present. Jeremiah Carstetter sold goods 
at an early day ; his stock was valued at $600, and Jerry is said to have made 
a graceful appearance behind the counter. Mr. Mullen also followed the same 
pursuit. The village was never larger than at present. It has good stores, 
and has become quite a point for the shipment of grain. Saloons, of which 
there are several, are patronized better than accords with the wishes of the vil- 
lagers, who long to blot them out effectively and immediately. Isaac McCam- 
mon was the first blacksmith. George W. Reed manufactured wagons, sleighs, 



SPARTA TOWNSHIP. 237 

etc., beginning some sixteen years ago, and continuing ten or twelve years. Dr. 
John Sants located in the village in the spring of 1858, where he has remained 
practicing since. Dr. Tucker was in early, as was also Dr. Crump. Scott & 
Wylie are selling dry goods and groceries at present. Charles Gran opened a 
grocery, but sold to Enos Messimore, who yet continues. Elias Jones began 
selling drugs about nine years ago, but sold to Samuel McAuson, who later 
sold to Richard Hersey. Jesse Berger opened a hardware store some four 
years ago, but six months ago sold to Richard Mason. The village, which is 
scattered like the hypothetical old woman's eggs, has a present population of 
over four hundred. 

It is the design in these pages to record township history, with enough 
incident to lend attraction to the narration. Those who look for interesting 
incidents merely, or for the romance of backwoods life, have no right to expect 
such when history only is promised. People must distinguish between history 
and biography, and also between these on the one side and romance and sickly 
sentiment on the other. The latter will be left to the novelist, who may or may 
not find a fruitful field in Sparta Township, in which to labor. History is not 
poetry, nor romance, but records with unvarnished emphasis the sober facts 
which control the destiny of communities. It is a record of man's experience, 
as one of a social family ; and is expected to be of value, as the past is an 
index of the future. 

The historian in the Noble County Atlas says that the first school in 
Sparta Township was taught in 1837 by Achsah Kent. The writer has been 
unable to learn anything regarding this school. If such a school was taught, it 
was undoubtedly the first, although others sprang up soon afterward. Nathaniel 
Prentice says the first schoolhouse was built near where the depot stands at 
Cromwell by Messrs. Baker, Upson, McAfee, Duncan, Morrow, Converse, Doug 
lass, Murray, and others, in the year 1840. The building was constructed of 
round logs, and was about twenty feet square. It was similar to all the early ones, 
descriptions of which are found in this volume. Ross Rowan was employed to 
teach the first term, which he did for $10 per month and board. Rowan had a 
family, and lived out of the neighborhood, and, therefore, was compelled to 
submit to the indescribable punishment of " boarding around." Those who 
have not passed through that ordeal can have no idea of the tortures which 
man can bear. The punishment is severe enough, heaven knows, in civilized 
communities ; but in the backwoods, among backwoods people, tongue fails to 
paint the picture in fit colors. Mr. Rowan was the fortunate possessor of a 
good constitution, and survived. He knew how to use the rod, as his scholars 
often found to their sorrow; and when his stentorian voice thundered com- 
mands, implicit obedience was promptly rendered. The school was a success 
for that day, and gave satisfaction, a statement that is not true of some of the 
other early ones. This house was used but a few years. The wife of John C. 
Johnson taught in this building in about the year 1841. During the winter of 



238 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

1841-42, David Bauckman taught. On Christmas Day he was barred out by 
the scholars, and as he refused to furnish them what was desired, he was kept 
out of the schoolhouse for several days. He lingered in the vicinity hoping to 
catch the scholars off their guard, but they were vigilant, fastening the door and 
windows, and keeping possession of the building dui'ing the night. Finally, 
the teacher agreed to a modified proposal of the scholars, and school began 
again. Leander Eagles was employed to teach the session of 1842-43, which 
he did for $10 per month and board. On the occasion of his birthday, which 
was the 20th of December, the scholars barred him out, and handed him 
through the window a paper, upon which was written a demand for a peck of 
apples, a peck of candy, and a gallon of whisky. There were several large 
scholars, among them being Jackson Morrow, Frank Duncan and two young 
ladies, sisters of Jackson Morrow. Mr. Eagles refused to furnish the whisky, 
but agreed to treat to apples and candy if the scholars would admit him ; but 
they positively refused unless the liquor, as well as the other articles, was forth- 
coming. After the teacher had tried several flank movements on the scholars 
to gain possession of the room without success, he repaired to the Trustees for 
instruction and advice, and was informed that he had properly refused to fur- 
nish whisky, and was told to break down the door with an ax, if the scholars 
still refused to admit him. Under the stimulus of this advice, he again 
appeared at the schoolhouse, armed with an ax, and after again promising the 
scholars a treat of apples and candy, but no whisky, and being again refused 
admittance, he deliberately battered the door down, and strode into the midst of 
the astonished children with uplifted ax, ordering them to take their seats 
immediately or there would be trouble. The scholars saw that their citadel had 
been taken, and realizing that discretion was the better part of valor, they sur- 
rendered unconditionally and took their seats. They missed getting the 
expected treat on that occasion ; but as they behaved themselves thereafter, 
their teacher treated them on Christmas to apples and candy ; but the large 
boys were not contented, for they went into the woods where they had hid a gal- 
lon of whisky, and "were soon under the blissful effects of King Alcohol. 

The sessions of school in this house were not the first in the township. It 
was a common thing all over the county to transform vacated dwellings, and 
sometimes those that had not been vacated, into schoolhouses. During the 
summer of 1838, Zillah Eagles, then in her thirteenth year, taught school in 
the New Hope District, in an unoccupied part of a double log cabin. She 
received $1 per week and boarded around, and to this day the old settlers 
speak of her school as having given excellent satisfaction. The children of 
Richard Bray, Richard Stone, Henry Miller and others were in attendance. 

In 1838, Mrs. Edgerton, daughter of John Spear, taught the children of 
T. H. Wilson, James Mael, John Johns and a few others, in an addition to Mr. 
Mael's house; but this was the only term there, as a vacated log dwelling was 
fitted up and used a few years. It was located on the south side of Indian 







: : : !& 



■ t msSHw fe 








SPARTA TP 



SPARTA TOWNSHIP. 241 

Creek, and was used until the erection of the first schoolhouse in the district 
(No. 9), in about 1844. The first teacher in this house was Augustus Frink, 
who received $12 per month and board. No real schoolhouse was built in the 
New Hope district until about twenty-five years ago. Mr. Stone's old log 
dwelling was used several years, as was also a tannery building owned by John 
Davis. The second term taught in District No. 9 was during the summer of 
1839 by Myra, daughter of Nathan Frink. She received $1.25 per week and 
boarded around. The session was held in an old dwelling. During the winter 
of 1840-41, William H. Prentice taught in the last mentioned building, re- 
ceiving $10 per month and was offered his board free, but chose to board at 
home. The first school in District 4 was taught, in about 1855, by William 
Hersey, in an old log dwelling. After the old log schoolhouse at Cromwell 
was abandoned, no other was built where the village now stands until about 
1860, when a frame structure was erected, which was used until about four 
years ago, when a two-storied brick house, about 28x48, was built, at an esti- 
mated cost of $2,000. Two teachers are now employed in the village. When 
the citizens of Cromwell desired to build themselves a separate schoolhouse 
from Districts 4 and 5, they met with bitter opposition, and it was only after 
several years of maneuvering that the desired results were accomplished. The 
village now has an excellent school. It is known as School District 10. Al- 
most every district in the township now has a fine new brick schoolhouse and 
creditable schools. 

There are two churches in Cromwell, Lutheran and Methodist, the former 
being built a year earlier than the latter, and both about twelve years ago, at 
an approximate cost, each, of about $2,200. Efforts were made at first, by 
members of both organizations, to build a union church ; but it was soon dis- 
covered that this could not be accomplished, owing to the rigid views of several 
of the most prominent members. Among the leading Methodists were Abraham 
Mayfield, David Pollock, Porter Green, Dr. H. G. Tucker and Richard May- 
field. Among the Lutherans were A. D. Maggert, Thomas F. Taylor, George W. 
Reed, Adam Conner and Jonathan Houtz. The Lutherans first organized in 
the schoolhouse, about sixteen years ago. Each society has a prosperous little 
Sunday school. In about the year 1860, the United Brethren, assisted by 
outsiders, built a frame church, about 24x38, at Indian Village. Among the 
leading members were Henry Shulty, John Hartzell, David Stoll, James Miller 
and their families and others. This house was used until three years ago, when 
a fine new brick church was built at a cost of nearly $3,500. The society is 
at present in a prosperous condition. Ten years ago, the Christian denomina- 
tion, with the help of outsiders, built a fine brick church in the southern part, 
at a cost of some $2,000. Leading members were the Ohlwines, Nathaniel 
Prentice, William Weed, Perry Galloway, Harrison Galloway and others. 
Their first minister was Rev. Henry Winebrener, of Noble Township, who 
preached for the society once a month. They have a fair organization and are 



242 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

doing well. The first United Brethren minister was Rev. Joseph Miller, but 
he was soon succeeded by Rev. Mr. Forbes. Sparta Township thus has four 
churches, and all are doing well. 



CHAPTER XV. 

by weston a. goodspeed. 

Noble Township— Narrative of Isaac Tibbot — Names of Early Settlers— 
A Bear Story— John G. Hall's "Corn Cracker" and Saw-Mill— Other 
Industries— The Leading Town of the County— Bristol and Noble- 
ville— Schools and Churches. 

A MAN named Joel Bristol, well known by every one, was the first white 
man to enter what is now Noble County, for the purpose of perma- 
nent settlement.* The following concerning this important event is narrated 
by Isaac Tibbot, of Wawaka, who, though at that time a stripling of seven- 
teen, came to the county with Mr. Bristol : a After the death of my mother, we 
(her children) found ourselves stripped of about everything, whether by fraud 
or otherwise I will not say. Mr. Joel Bristol, who had married my mother's 
sister, took charge of us, and we accompanied him to what is now Noble County, 
where we located on what is known as the Bristol Farm, three and a half miles 
southeast of Wolf Lake, on the 4th day of April, 1827, since which time I 
have been a citizen of Noble County. After we settled here, the census of 
what is now Noble County, if taken, would have been as follows : Joel Bristol 
and wife, Samuel Tibbot, Isaac Tibbot, William Tibbot and three sisters, in 
all eight persons. Our nearest neighbor was on the Blue River in the direction 
of Fort Wayne, six miles distant. The nearest on the west, on the South Bend 
trail, was near Benton, in Elkhart County, about twenty-five miles distant. 
Days and weeks would pass, and we would see no human being except our own 
family and the natives, who were plenty all around us, and who were generally 
friendly ; but they would sometimes pilfer what they could get hold of. Of 
those who came with me, Bristol and his wife are dead, all my brothers and 
sisters have left, and I alone remain of those who first located in this wilder- 
ness, which has since become one of the most desirable counties of Indiana. 
We were shut out almost from the world, but we saw in the future a better state 
of things. Our nearest post office was at Fort Wayne until 1831, when an 
office was established on Perry's Prairie, at Henry Millar's, but was shortly 
afterward removed to Jacob Shobe's. I think the first family that settled in the 
county after we came was that of Levi Perry, which settled on the south side 
of the prairie. The next was John Knight ; the third, John L. Powers ; the 
fourth, Richard Stone ; then Isaiah, Samuel and James Dungan, and Charles 

Mr. Prentiss, of Albion, states that the village of Wolf Lake was laid out much earlier than is generally sup- 
posed, and before any written or printed authentic date recorded of the fact. The editor has been unable to discover 
traci's of any such settlement. If Mr. Prentiss is correct, it is unfortunate that the facts either have not been recorded 
befn-<- this, or have not been discovered by some of the historical force. 



NOBLE TOWNSHIP. 243 

Murray, a son-in-law of Isaiah Dungan. The principal reason why I think 
Perry settled first is that I helped to raise all the cabins, far and near, and 
Perry's was the first I helped to raise. It was in the winter, either the latter 
part of 1829 or first of 1830. I went on foot from where I then lived about 
twelve miles, through snow one foot deep, and carried a piece of bread and meat 
for my dinner, which was frozen solid when I was ready to dine. I carried up 
one corner of the building. There were but few persons present, and the men 
on the corners had to come down and help put up the logs. This was no 
unusual case. We went to help raise all the cabins within ten or twelve miles, 
and here I publicly make the assertion that I have helped to raise more cabins, 
have carried up more corners, and built more stick chimneys than any other 
man in Noble County." 

No other settlers located in the township until some two or more years had 
elapsed from the time of the Bristol settlement. Several families then came in. 
Prior to 1836, the year the county was organized, the following men appeared 
and settled in the township : Joel Bristol, John G. Hall, John Skinner, John 
Shannon, Humphrey Nichols, Jacob Busz and his sons John, Simon, Henry and 
Jesse, S. Sandford, Peter Becker, David, William and Washington Sandford, 
David Winebrenner and his sons Peter, Jacob and David, S. W. Murphy, 
Mr. Benner and a large family, Newman Scarlett and his sons Horace and 
Almon, Barney Scarlett and his sons Henry, William, Chester and Albert, 
Jacob Marker, Samuel Jones, J. W. Elliott, Alexander Swaney, Thomas J. 
Pickens, Rolan Stewart, Ephraim Scarlett, John Skinner, Ephraim Skinner, 
Mr. Drivei", Mr. Lonker, John Muncey, Mclntire Seymour, Patrick C. 
Miller, Thomas Smith, Esquire Knowles, Thomas Shepard, Jacob Haynes, Dr. 
Elias Jones, Andrew Humphrey, and many others. In 1844, the following 
men, the greater number of whom lived in the township on land outside the vil- 
lage of Wolf Lake, then the only village in the township, owned land in the 
township : Otis D. Allen, Henry G. Allen, Cyrus Armstrong, Joel Bristol, 
Jacob Busz, Richard L. Britton, Robson L. Broome, T. K. Breckinridge, James 
Baird, Joel Benford, Samuel Butterbaugh, John Butterbaugh, T. H. Botts, 
Leonard Collier, James Carter, Julius Coleman, Henry Cooper, David Douglass, 
Jonathan Elliott, Jonah Evans, John Edgar, Robert E. Fleming, Joseph 
Foster, Benjamin Grabille, John G. Hall, Jacob Haynes, Arba Harda, John 
M. Herndon, Andrew Humphreys, Joseph Hackman, John Horning, Mr- 
Henderson, F. A. Harris, Elias Jones, Thomas Mitchell, John Muncey, John 
Mayfield, Patrick Miller, Abel Millington, G. W. Moore, Humphrey Nichols, 
Lewis Nichols, John dinger, Martin Overly, William Perry, John Rollins, 
Sylvester Ross, A. L. Rose, Madison Roice, Jesse Rider. A. L. Rider, William 
Rider, Jonathan Rollins, Matthew M. Rollins, Charles G. Swain, John Smith, 
John Skinner, Ephraim Skinner, Alexander Stangland, Mclntire Seymour, 
Newman Scarlett, Barney Scarlett, Ephraim Scarlett, Thomas Smith, F. E. 
Starkey, John Utt, Abraham Utt, John Voris, Mrs. Elizabeth Sandford, Har"- 



244 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

rison Wood, Daniel Winebrenner, Anthony Wertz, John Warner, Joseph Whit- 
ridge, Jonah Wells, Harvey Westphal and John Young. 

From the first of the above catalogues it will be seen that for five years prior 
to 1836, the settlers came into the township very rapidly. They located largely 
along the Fort Wayne and Goshen road, and soon the old rough log cabin 
could be seen here and there throughout the township. When a new settler 
appeared, the neighbors, for many miles around, if necessary, turned out will- 
ingly to assist in erecting his cabin, into which the family often moved at night. 
The evident reason for this conduct was that the pioneer was anxious to have 
the country around him speedily settled. To encourage this, allurements of all 
sorts were brought to bear upon the immigrants to induce them to stop in cer- 
tain localities. It also gave rise to the custom of erecting cabins for new set- 
tlers, and of refusing to erect cabins for those who were not wanted as neighbors. 
The lands were entered at Fort Wayne, though for the first few years no land 
was purchased, the settler possessing but a ''squatter sovereignty " in the soil. 
Unscrupulous and avaricious men practiced every artifice possible to defraud 
the immigrants of their money or their land, and too often they were success- 
ful. It is stated that the land agents were in connivance with these sharks in 
their nefarious operations, and permitted them to have unlawful access to the 
land records, for the purpose of gaining knowledge detrimental to the pecuniary 
interests of the settler. This charge has been well substantiated. Many a poor 
settler has been defrauded in this manner of all he possessed. 

The erection of the log cabin was the first thing on the programme of pio- 
neer life. The next was to clear off a garden where a few potatoes and other 
vegetables might be raised. In the meantime the family often subsisted almost 
entirely upon wild meat, which included venison, wild turkey, coon and squirrel. 
The best hunters could furnish the best living for their families in cases of this 
kind, although a few years later, when game became scarce, and vegetables and 
grain abundant, the conditions were reversed. Then it was that hunter's fami- 
lies were called upon to suffer until they were finally either driven to work or 
driven off into the wilderness, where game was still abundant. Thousands of 
deer wandered through the woods or across the "oak openings" or prairies, 
pasturing on the rich herbage which nature had spread for their repast. It was 
no trouble to shoot one of them ; even the most inexperienced, if he could take 
aim, could occasionally shoot one. The woods were filled with wolves, though 
they were not considered dangerous, except to the smaller domestic animals. 
Strong men, armed cap-a-pie, have been treed by them, and have remained pale 
and trembling for hours in the branches, when, if they had descended with a 
bound into the midst of the snarling group beneath, the latter would have scat- 
tered like chaff. There is altogether too much romance connected with many 
of the accounts of events in early years. They are seasoned to suit the present 
abnormal appetite for the extraordinary. Events were far more practical and 
prosy then than now. Everything was done in earnest in those days, and neces- 




I 






.■■f»-i 












NOBLE TOWNSHIP. 245 

sarily so. There was but little time to practice any art save the one of making 
a comfortable and honest living, though this was one of the " lost arts " to some 
of the early settlers. 

Ephraim Marker is said to have been a great deer hunter. He would kill 
more than a hundred during the season. On one occasion, at night, Mr.Wine- 
brenner heard a great commotion among his sheep that had been penned up. 
He hurried out, with nothing but a club, and discovered that a number of 
wolves had broken into the fold and were cutting the sheep's throats. He in- 
stantly leaped in, with his club, and the wolves were soon routed out, but not 
until after they had killed several of the sheep. One day, as Elder Allen Mead 
was traveling across the eastern side of the township, he saw a large bear out 
in the woods some distance from him, eating acorns. Being unarmed, he hur- 
ried on and told Abner Scarlett what he had seen. Scarlett was a good hunter, 
and immediately started in pursuit of the bear, which had left its feeding 
ground and gone into a swamp. The hunter followed it in, and finally, catch- 
ing sight of it, fired, but only wounded it. The animal left the swamp and 
was instantly shot by a young man named Otis Allen. Both men immediately 
claimed the bear, and finally resorted to blows to establish their claims. Mr. 
Allen probably had the heavier fists, as he finally bore off the prize. 

The Indians were around in great numbers when the county was first set- 
tled. They would bring wild meat and furs of all kinds to the cabins of the 
settlers, for the purpose of exchanging them for flour, vegetables and ammuni- 
tion. Joel Bristol and John Hall, both of whom kept tavern on the Fort 
Wayne and Goshen road, sold whisky to the Indians. It was found to be poor 
policy to trifle with an Indian when he was under the influence of alcohol. Old 
man Skinner was not afraid of them, even when drunk. He possessed enor- 
mous strength, and the Indians soon learned, from experience, to leave him 
alone. He visited their camps and mingled freely with them, participating in 
their dances and sports. The Indian has a peculiar custom. When chewing 
tobacco and facing you, he never turns his head to spit, and, consequently, the 
greater part of his saliva is ejected on your clothing. Now, if there was any- 
thing in the world Mr. Skinner was an adept at, it was in spitting tobacco 
juice. By long practice at the face of an Indian, he scarcely ever missed when 
within six or eight feet of the mark. The Indians were soon vanquished, and 
soon learned to turn their heads when in his presence. It is related that Mr. 
Skinner, on one occasion, was compelled to knock down two or three of the 
Indians to prevent being severely pounded by several drunken fellows whom he 
had insulted by spitting in their faces. 

In about the year 1835, Mr. Elliott built a saw-mill in the northeastern 
part, on a branch of the Elkhart River. A dam was built across the stream, 
and over the end of this dam the old log mill was erected. The water from 
above shot through a short spout and struck the old flutter-wheel, that was 
connected, by shafting, with the machinery that operated the saw. All the 



246 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

machinery was extremely rude, and yet this old mill, when worked to its fullest 
capacity, could turn out large quantities of native lumber. Black walnut of 
the finest kind was used with a wantonness not relished by lumber dealers to- 
day. After the mill had been operated a few years, it fell to the ownership of 
Mr. Forker, with whose family it afterward remained. It ran for many years 
and was very valuable to the early settlers, as lumber could be thus obtained 
near home, and long journeys, through bottomless roads, could be avoided. The 
log building was soon replaced with a rough frame structure, and this is the 
mill the old settler has in his eye. In about the year 1855, a sudden freshet 
washed the dam away, and as the patronage had largely fallen away, it was 
decided unprofitable to repair the damage and the old mill site was abandoned. 
John G. Hall, who had settled in the township at an early day, and who 
had, before any improvements were made in the county, carried the mail from 
Fort Wayne to Goshen on the back of an ox, it is said, built a grist-mill in 
about the year 1832, on the Elkhart River, where it is crossed by the Goshen 
road. Mr. Isaac Tibbot says that during the year 1832 he helped Mr. Hall 
get out the timber with which the old mill was built. If this is the case, it 
was the first grist-mill in the county, and Mr. Hall made the first flour. Some 
claim, however, that the first flour was made at Port Mitchell by Stedman 
Gray. Mr. Hall was an eccentric old bachelor. He was as cross as old bachelors 
are averred to be, but the laughter of the neighborhood had no effect on his wit 
and eccentricity except, perhaps, to sharpen them. The Fort Wayne and Goshen 
road was extensively traveled in those days by immigrants seeking homes in the 
West. No other road in the county received half the travel. The crossing at 
the old grist-mill was very bad, as the stream had to be forded in a swampy 
place, and wagons sunk almost from sight. Mr. Hall in a short time erected a 
bridge across the stream, just below his dam, and charged a toll of two shill- 
ings for each wagon. This bridge was greatly appreciated by the traveling 
public. The grist-mill was a log structure, perhaps 20x30 feet. The water 
from the dam fell upon a horizontal flutter-wheel, which communicated a slow 
motion to a set of "nigger-head" buhrs. At first Mr. Hall ground nothing 
but corn, but he soon introduced a better set of buhrs in his mill, and after 
that had all he could do. His flour is said to have been good for those days, 
but it would not command a very great price if offered in market at present. 
After some ten or twelve years, his dam was washed away, whereupon the grist- 
mill was abandoned. One day Mr. Hall stopped the mill, and went away a 
few hours, and when he returned he discovered that one of his buhrs had been 
carried away. He surmised that it had been stolen, and began to look around 
to discover traces of the thief. He soon found the stone on the ground in the 
woods, some ten or twelve rods from the mill ; but was not strong enough to 
carry it back, and while wondering who had placed it there, and how he should 
convey it to the mill, Mr. Skinner appeared upon the scene. Hall called upon 
Skinner for assistance, and the latter agreed, providing Hall would set up a 



NOBLE TOWNSHIP. 247 

jug of whisky, of which he kept a quantity on hand for sale. Hall quickly 
agreed to the proposal, whereupon the stone was carried to the mill by Skin- 
ner, who afterward enjoyed his whisky. It was afterward disclosed that 
Skinner, himself, had removed the stone, and then, lying in the bushes close 
by, watched the whole proceedings, and when his scheme was at its pinnacle, 
presented himself to get the whisky, for which the trick had been played. 
Skinner was fond of the "flowing bowl" (not an unusual circumstance then 
nor now), and often resorted to some trick to get the liquor from Hall. One 
day, when Skinner was probably very thirsty, he threw Hall into the race, and 
whenever the latter would reach up above to grasp the plank, in order to draw 
himself out of the water, Skinner would tramp on his fingers. Hall finally 
became worn out and agreed to treat to the whisky, whereupon he was helped 
out. He knew it was of no use to get mad at Skinner, as the latter would 
probably turn in and give him a thrashing. Not far from 1840, the grist-mill 
was abandoned, but soon afterward Samuel L. Smith erected a frame saw-mill 
on the same site. He had an iron water-wheel, and soon did good work. 
After some six years, Samuel Correll assumed control and ownership. He 
made several much-needed improvements to the mill and dam, and had all the 
sawing he could do for five or six years, when his dam was washed away and 
was not afterward rebuilt, and the mill was abandoned. 

Time passed on, and the old log cabin was replaced with a better dwelling. 
Fields became more extensive and crops ditto. Merchants began to appear 
with small stocks of goods ; mills for lumber and grain multiplied ; markets 
for produce and supplies became closer and better ; money came in to float off 
the productions of the settler ; roads were drained and improved ; wild animals 
and Indians retreated toward the setting sun ; schools and churches sprang into 
existence, and the settlers attained a degree of prosperity unknown to them 
before. Horse-thieves soon became very troublesome, not only in Noble Town- 
ship but throughout all Northern Indiana. No law could touch them, as they 
were too numerous and laid their plans with too much cunning. At last, all 
the better citizens organized themselves into a vigilance committee, and after a 
a few thieves had been severely trounced the others came to their senses, and 
the unlawful bands were broken up. 

In April, 1836,* Patrick C. Miller and Andrew Stewart secured the 
services of a surveyor and laid out seventy-one lots on the northwest quarter 
of Section 9, Township 33, Range 9 east, and named the village thus founded 
Wolf Lake, after the body of water on the banks of which it was located. 
Each full lot contained one-fifth of an acre, and the fractional lots were num- 
bers 65, 66, 67, 6S, 70 and 71. Wayne street and Wolf Lake street were 

*There is gome dispute as to when the village of Wolf Lake was laid out. Nelson Prentiss says it was first laid 
out in 1832, for he had seen descriptions of its lots dated a number of years before 1836. The record in the Recorder's 
office (which is but a transcript of the original one at Fort Wayne) fixes the date as stated in the text. The editor 
wrote to the Recorder of Allen County, and obtained a verification of the date given. Vet, after all, if Noble County 
was organized in 1836, and if, before that and after 1832, it was attached to La Grange County, why was the plat 
recorded at Fort Wayne ? This would seem to imply that Mr. Prentiss is correct. It might have been laid out in 
1832, and after a short time abandoned, and then re-laid out in 1836 ; but that does not explain why the plat was 
recorded at Fort Wayne. 



248 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

ninety-nine feet wide, all'others being but sixty-six feet. This village, one of the 
oldest in the county, was designed to be the county seat ; but, although the 
county has had four different seats, the village of Wolf Lake has never yet 
been favored. On the 8th of October, 1833, Andrew Stewart was keeping 
hotel in what is now Wolf Lake, and Jacob Haines was conducting a black- 
smith-shop. In about 1836, Thomas Shepard opened a tanyard, while another 
person, whose name is not remembered, was manufacturing black salts at a 
small ashery. Thomas Smith, Sr., sold the first goods in Wolf Lake. His 
store was a small building that had been built of tamarack poles by Mr. Ste- 
phens, and in which the first school in the township was taught by Mrs. Ste- 
phens during the winter of 1834-35. This building was standing on the farm of 
Felton Allen.* The village at first did not grow as rapidly as the proprietors 
wished, and, in 1840, according to W. W. Noteman, there were but six resi- 
dent families. Soon after this, however, the embryonic town began to grow, 
and soon its industries commanded wide patronage. Patrick C. Miller, one of 
the proprietors, opened a tavern and began entertaining the public. Ten years 
after the village was laid out, it is said there were twenty-five or thirty families 
living there. Samuel L. Smith opened a harness-shop, while near him Elihu 
Anthony followed the calling of Vulcan. Barnes & De Frease opened an 
early store, but they were soon succeeded by Hiram Morgan, who afterward 
erected the Gray store buildings. He was succeeded by William De Frease, 
who continued until the gold excitement in California overspread the country, 
when he sold out to Mr. Raling, and after a short time went overland across 
the plains. At the expiration of a year or two, Raling removed with his goods 
to Milford, and John R. Cook went with a stock of goods into the room he had 
vacated. He continued until the close of the last war, having made his fortune, 
and then sold out to Stedman Gray, and went to Rochester, Minn. Mr. Gray 
has continued in business in the village since, and is one of the substantial men 
of the place. Preston Thompson opened a store quite early in the village, but 
he soon sold to David S. Scott, of Fort Wayne, or rather, having borrowed 
money of Scott, and being unable to liquidate the debt, he turned his goods 
over to his creditor, and ere Mr. Scott was aware he was a merchant at Wolf 
Lake. He was a shrewd financier, and with the advantage offered by the 
rise in prices during the last war, he made a fortune of some $30,000. When 
the war closed he closed, and soon afterward Matthews & Voris, two ex-Cap- 
tains of the army, opened up ; but they probably knew more of war than of 
merchandising, as they made no money. They dissolved, and Mr. Wylie took 
Mr. Voris' place. Finally, Samuel Bell bought Matthews out, but soon after- 
ward sold to Wylie, who then took as a partner I. C. Bailey. The partners 
finally dissolved and divided the goods. Wylie has continued since, a portion 
of the time with his son. George W. Williams opened a store some five years 
ago. Morgan, Cook and Scott, in their time, bought large quantities of wheat 

H: Reminiscences of J. C. Stewart. 





• 



Wi 



'-I 
-'-'■■ 



JtoiA^ 4 ^ & 




NOBLE TP. 



NOBLE TOWNSHIP. 251 

and other grains. They also bought wool, especially Cook, who made thousands 
of dollars at it. Morgan and Scott bought and packed large quantities of 
pork. They kept large stocks of goods, and, it may be truthfully inscribed on 
the epitaph of Wolf Lake, that in early years more business was done there 
than in any other town in the county. W. W. Noteman opened a cabinet- 
shop in 1840, and for sixteen years he manufactured large quantities of tables 
bureaus, stands, bedsteads, coffins, etc. He manufactured 1,400 coffins, which 
now lie buried in the cemeteries for miles around. David Rockey also engaged 
extensively in the same pursuit. Thomas Shepard built a tannery before 1840. 
His business was not overly gigantic. He also started an ashery, and would 
give an order for goods on his brother, a merchant at Fort Wayne. He manu- 
factured a limited quantity of black salts. Blacksmiths have been numerous 
in the village. A post office was secured in about 1837, and Pat Miller was 
the first Postmaster. The mail route extended from Fort Wayne to Niles, 
Mich. Among the physicians who practiced in the village were V. M. Cole, 
James McDuffey, Elias Jones (an excellent physician and a fine man, who 
practiced in the village until three years ago, when he died), Dr. Grover (a 
combined faith and water doctor), Dr. Matthews (a brother-in-law of Grover, 
and the same kind of a doctor). These men established a sort of medical 
school at the village, and sent a dozen or more "graduates " out to practice 
what they had learned. Other doctors have been Ezra Depew, Henry Shock, 
Marcellus Robinson, Reed, Denney, Williams, Sheldon and others. Wyman 
Trask, a lawyer, braved the frowns of the " wolves " for a short time. A man 
named Pope kept tavern early. Other tavern-keepers have been P. C. Miller, 
Thomas Smith, Jr., G. W. Stewart, Mason Merriam, George W. Matthews, 
John R. Blair (1850), Benjamin Couts at present, Mrs. Humphreys at present, 
Mrs. D— — — r, and others. The village was visited by the small-pox in 
about 1849, but left without doing much damage. The Masons, Sons of Tem- 
perance and Good Templars have held forth for short periods. These societies 
do not exist there at present. This closes the brief history of the business 
enterprises in the little village of Wolf Lake, which has a present population 
of about two hundred. 

During the year 1849, Joel Bristol, the first settler in the township, con- 
ceived the idea of founding a city that should be the hub around which the sur- 
rounding country should revolve. He noticed that a village where Nobleville 
is now located would be centrally situated, being almost equally distant from 
Ligonier, Kendallville, Warsaw, Columbia City and Auburn, and he reasoned 
that a town located there, if properly managed, could not help wielding a wide 
influence throughout Northern Indiana. He, therefore, in November, 1849, 
employed a surveyer and laid out Nobleville on the southwest quarter of the 
northwest quarter of Section 25; forty-two lots, each full lot comprising a quar- 
ter of an acre, were laid out, and the streets were made sixty-six feet wide. 
The lots were offered for sale, and the village that was expected to achieve so 

MM 



252 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

much began to grow. But Mr. Bristol, like many another man similarly situ- 
ated, was doomed to disappointment. His village languished, and he grew sick 
at heart. Time healed the wound of disappointment. Jacob Marker probably 
built the first house in Nobleville. Joseph Ryan built another soon afterward, 
and opened a small combined grocery and saloon. He was succeeded by Hiram 
Lindsey, who had a much better stock. Business has always been dull, although 
sometimes three stores have been there at one time. Fred Bidding built a saw- 
mill some time before the last w T ar. This has since been one of the best mills 
in the county. Bidding sawed large quantities of black walnut timber, which 
grew in abundance near the village. Himself and wife were finally drowned in 
Lake Michigan. Ziegler Brothers built the present mill on the old site. A 
brick and tile yard was started four years ago. It is said that Newman Scar- 
lett burned a kiln of brick as early as 1838. The brick were used for chim- 
neys and wells only, and sold for 50 cents per hundred. Mr. Bristol died 

many years ago, and it may be said : 

"Sweet smiling village, loveliest of the lawn, 
Thy sports are fled and all thy charms withdrawn, 
Amidst thy bowers the tyrant's hand is seen, 
And desolation saddens all the green." 

There is some doubt as to the first school taught in the township. The 
first was probably taught in 1834 and 1835 by Mrs. Stephens. During the 
summer of 183b', Charity Haines taught school in one room of a double log 
cabin, situated one and a half miles northwest of town, and owned and occu- 
pied by Jackson Humphreys. Mrs. Charles D. Shepard taught in the year 
1838. This lady lived with her husband on the shore of Muncey Lake, and 
taught a few of the neighbors' children in her own dwelling, one room of which 
had been provided with the necessary rude seats and desks. James Stewart, 
then a small boy, went to this lady. In ] 839, a log schoolhouse was built near 
where the tile yard is located at Nobleville, or rather, it was not a schoolhouse, 
but had been built for a dwelling, but, having been abandoned by the owner, it 
was converted to the uses of education. The name of the first teacher in this 
house is forgotten. Mr. Stewart remembers attending a spelling-school one 
night in this house. The scholar that gained the distinction of spelling down 
the whole neighborhood was regarded as something more than common. The 
unlettered backwoods youth would gather around him and regard him very 
much as the boy of to-day does the clown in the circus. The old Elementary 
spelling-book was the book of the school-room. It was used for all purposes and 
lessons, and in some cases drove every other book, except the Testament, from 
the room. The old settlers remember the book as one of their early cherished 
companions. It is quite probable that the first school was taught at Wolf Lake, 
as the village was laid out in 1836, and contained six or eight families. In the 
absence, however, of any definite data, the facts above are given. Mr. Stewart 
thinks that the first real schoolhouse was built in about the year ] 840. It 
was known as the "Burr-Oak Schoolhouse," and was located in the northeast 



NOBLE TOWNSHIP. 253 

corner. Mr. Winebrenner places the building of this house some two years 
later, and thinks the first was the " Chapel Schoolhouse." These two houses 
were built very nearly the same time, and not far from 1840. The " Burr- 
Oak " was built of round logs, and was used about fifteen years, when a frame 
building took its place, and served the purposes of education until the present. 
A new brick schoolhouse is just completed. These two houses — the " Burr- 
Oak " and the "Chapel" — were built by everybody interested in education. 
The Chapel Schoolhouse was first built of logs, and for a number of years was 
used for religious exercises. Mr. Elliott was one of the first teachers. This 
house was used some twelve or fifteen years, when the present one was erected. 
A schoolhouse was built in Wolf Lake in 1850. The frame work was done 
by the citizens, and then W. W. Noteman was employed for $250 to complete 
the job. This house was used some ten or twelve years, when the present one 
was constructed. Elder Solomon Wedge taught school in Wolf Lake as early 
as 1840, and probably earlier. The front room of his dwelling was transformed 
into a schoolhouse. Here school was held until, perhaps, 1844, when the old 
Baptist Church was used for school purposes until the building of the first 
schoolhouse in 1850. 

The first church — Baptist — was built in 1841 by members of all denom- 
inations, who were to have use of the house at stated times. Among the lead- 
ing Baptists at that early day or soon after were John Buckles, Stedman Gray, 
John Mayfield, Richard Campbell, Hiram Morgan and others. The Method- 
ists built themselves a house in about 1847, but soon afterward the building was 
badly demolished by a falling tree, and the Methodists went back to the Baptist 
house. Three years ago, the Baptists and the Methodists each built a new brick 
church, at a cost of nearly $3,000. These buildings are now a credit to the 
village. Two years ago, the Advents built a neat frame church at Wolf Lake, 
and they now have quite a fair attendance. The Free- Will Baptists had an 
organization at the Burr-Oak Schoolhouse, a number of years ago. The Chris- 
tian Church in the southeastern part was organized in 1843 by Elder Peter 
Banta, of Ohio, and at that time twelve persons became members, three of 
whom yet live in the county, as follows : John McMeans, Hester Ann Boner 
and Peter Winebrenner. The society has been attended by Revs. BattreaL, 
Thomas Whitman, James Atchison, Phillip Ziegler, and the present pastoi\ 
Elder Peter Winebrenner, who has had charge of the church for the last fifteen 
years. The first church building, a frame structure 28x50 feet, was erected iii 
1853, and used until the erection of the present fine brick building (38x60) m 
1881. This was the first organization of the kind in the county, and from it 
have sprung many flourishing branches. It now has a membership of about 
two hundred, and its fine Sunday school continues the year through. The pres- 
ent handsome edifice when finished will cost about $4,000. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

by weston a. goodspeed. 

York Township— First Settlers— Life in the Wilderness— Early Saw- 
Mills, Grist-Mills, Factories and Other Industries— Villages of 
Augusta, Van Buren and Port Mitchell— Pioneer Schools and Re- 
ligious Organizations. 

PERHAPS the most distinguishing historic feature of York Township is 
the fact that the county seat has been located within its borders no less 
than three times, and still the citizens ask for a repetition. That is certainly 
sufficient to render any tract of country no larger than a township famous, if 
not notorious ; yet the grasp of York for civic or metropolitan honors has been 
sadly treacherous. The seat of justice was first established at Augusta, a 
"defunct" town of modest pretensions, situated on Section 15. Thence it was 
removed to Port Mitchell (named for a good-looking canal engineer), and finally 
to Albion, a portion of which was within the limits of York at that time. The 
township was no sooner off with the old love at Augusta, than it was on with 
the new at Port Mitchell, and soon the latter was jilted and Albion received 
name and fame undying. Of course, the citizens of Augusta looked savagely 
down their noses when the court house was destroyed by fire ; but what did it 
avail. And when it became known that the county seat was to be relocated at 
Port Mitchell — a deadly rival — the wrath of Augustans became volcanic and 
phenomenal. Though time has healed the wound, yet bitter thoughts still 
surge, like a tempest, when memory is aroused. 

The first settler in York Township, according to the statement of Nelson 
Prentiss, Esq., was John Knight, who located on Section 29 in 1829. Knight 
was a squatter and an adventurer, and, not caring whether the land upon which 
he located was anything more than sufficient to furnish a living, he selected a 
burr-oak barren, when some of the finest farming land of the county lay within 
a mile. He was a skillful hunter, supporting himself and family largely by 
means of his rifle, although he cleared and cultivated a small garden of pota- 
toes, corn, pumpkins, etc., which were traded to the Indians, who came often 
to his cabin. It is related that he, on one occasion, caught an Indian stealing 
green corn from his garden, whereupon he gave the unfortunate red-skin a 
sound flagellation with a heavy stick, which completely ended such acts there- 
after. Knight lived alone in the township until the Henshaws came in, about 
1833. He is said to have been the second settler in the county, although 
this is disputed by Isaac Tibbot, who asserts that the second settler was Levi 
Perry. Mr. Tibbot is probably correct, as he, at that time, was a resident of 
the county, while Mr. Prentiss, who thinks otherwise, was not. As Mr. Tibbot 



YORK TOWNSHIP. 255 

was called upon to assist in raising all the early log cabins, his memory, if re- 
liable, should not be disputed, unless strong proof is shown to the contrary. 
This would then establish the fact that John Knight was the third settler, and 
that he very probably came in a year or two later than 1829. This is a dis- 
puted point, which will remain unsolved. After Mr. Knight had been in the 
township some three or four years, Joseph Bradford proceeded to Fort Wayne 
and entered the quarter section upon which Knight had squatted, and the lat- 
ter was obliged to leave the land, although Bradford had no excuse for his 
conduct, except that he wanted to reap the reward of what few improvements 
had been made. The land was poor and sterile. Knight quietly took his 
departure and located in Elkhart Township. The second settlers in the town- 
ship were probably the Henshaw brothers (Washington and James), who located 
in the southeastern part, at Port Mitchell, in about the year 1833. They soon 
after built a saw-mill and a grist-mill, or ''corn-cracker," as such a mill in 
early days was denominated. They built a dam across the Elkhart River, and 
the mills were furnished with water by means of a small race. They had a 
"big time" when the mills were raised. There was not a sufficient number of 
white men in the county, at the time, to push the work on to completion as 
fast as Mr. Henshaw desired, whereupon he went to a neighboring Indian 
camp and entered into an agreement with the chief, that if he would induce 
about twenty Indians to assist at the raising, a barrel of whisky would be fur- 
nished on the ground for their benefit. The chief (and indeed the whole tribe) 
was only too glad to avail himself of the offer. They thereupon repaired to 
the spot at the appointed hour, and wanted to inaugurate the occasion by a 
good drink of the whisky ; but Henshaw was too familiar with the Indian char- 
acter to think of such a thing, so he refused to let them have the liquor until 
the work was completed. When this had been accomplished to Mr. Henshaw 's 
satisfaction, he took an ax and broke in the head of the keg, and told the noble 
red men to help themselves, which they did with much less decorum than 
haste. The greater number became intoxicated, and all the various stages or 
phases of that deplorable condition were soon exhibited. A few rough fights 
were begun, but were soon suppressed, and finally the red men departed for 
their camp. The mills were rude affairs and the flour turned out was coarse 
and black ; but the grist-mill was well patronized, as it saved long journeys, 
through bottomless roads, to distant points. The location of the mills was not 
as good as it might have been, as the full water-power furnished by the race 
could not be utilized. The flour was bolted by hand, or, rather, the bolt had 
to be turned by hand. The saw-mill was rude and much of the power was lost 
in the shafting that communicated motion to the saw. Lumber of the best 
character was sawed on shares or for a pittance. 

Other early settlers in the township were : James Gray, Stedman Gray, 
Robert Gray, J. and D. Bradford, David Anderson, John Williams, Joseph 
Bell, John Bowman, Joseph Beall ; Dr. Halsey Lewis, Hiram Bassett, Elisha 



256 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

Blackman, William Crispell, Daniel Downs, William F. Engle, Nathan Frink, 
Benjamin Hardinburg, Isaiah Hardinburg, Jacob Cramer, Vincent Lane, John 
Middleton, John McCaskey, William E. McCaskey, Francis Murray, Adam 
Nimmon, George Powers, Joel B. L. Smith, Milo L. Street, Charles D. 
Shearer, John McMeans, John Smith, Joel Vanderford, Wesley White, Isaac 
Whitaker. J. B. White, Zenas Wright and his sons George and Charles, 
Samuel Webster, George F. Whitaker, Nathaniel Woodward, John Y"oung, and 
others. 

Mr. John Bowman says the first township election was had during the 
autumn of 1838, and that there were but sixteen men present at such election, 
as follows : Zenas Wright, William Crispell, Hiram F. Bassett, George F. 
Whitaker, Isaac Whitaker, John McMeans, Jacob Cramer, William F. Engle, 
William P. Gray, Stedman Gray, James Gray, Joel B. L. Smith, Joel Van- 
derford, David Anderson, Elisha Blackman, Isaac E. White, Robert Maxwell 
and John Bowman. Two of these were not present, but who they are is uncer- 
tain. George F. Whitaker had been appointed Inspector of Elections by the 
County Commissioners. From the above men he selected two clerks of elec- 
tion and two judges ditto, and announced the polls open. Mr. Bowman thinks 
only a portion of the first officers were elected. Stedman Gray was chosen 
Road Supervisor, but, refusing to serve, John Bowman was selected in his 
stead. The names of the other first officers elected are forgotten. Those 
elected worked mostly without pay. Joseph Bradford, who lived across the 
line in Sparta Township, served as Justice of the Peace of York until the 
spring election of 1839, when John Bowman was elected to officiate in that 
capacity. John Middleton was elected Constable at this election. The town- 
ship received its name from the fact that a majority of the earliest settlers 
were from the State of New York. The first election was held at the resi- 
dence of George F. Whitaker. 

Many of the old settlers are accustomed, when talking of early times, to 
give rose-colored accounts of life in the wilderness. John Bowman is not one 
of this character. He deals in truths, and facts sustain him. An old settler 
will say and tell the truth — ''We used to have splendid times in the woods." 
But another will say and tell the truth equally as well — " Oh, we had terrible 
times." Mr. Bowman and his excellent wife can paint very accurately the 
dark side of the picture. Himself and family came from Columbiana County, 
Ohio, in a four-horse wagon, and, in order to avoid the bottomless mud of the 
Black Swamp in Northwestern Ohio, came in the month of January, when 
winter had covered the swamp with a frozen mantle. He was a tanner and 
currier, but never followed his trade after reaching Ohio. He purchased his 
land of Ira B. White, who had erected a small log cabin, and had made slight 
improvements. Here, on this place, his new life was begun. He went to 
Fort Wayne for supplies, paying $7.50 per barrel for flour and $7 per barrel 
for salt. It was difficult to get feed for his horses, and they became poor and 



YORK TOWNSHIP. * ot 



weak During the first winter, he fennd it extremely difficnlt to get provisions 
for love or money. He traveled for miles over the country, but found none 
wi ,i t seTl At last he went to Mr. Smalley, who lived on Perry's Pra,,e, 
and told the old man that he must sell a portion of what he had or h.s (Bow- 
man's) family would starve to death. The old man then kindly turned m and 
sold a portion of nearly everything he had-chickens, potatoes corn, meat, 
e -and also agreed to sell a valuable cow for $30, proved Mr. Bowman 
could not get one somewhere else within three weeks. The latter searched he 
better part of the time without snecess, and finally cla.med the cow at the 
above-named price. The streams were filled with fish, and could be caught by 
the thousands with a net without trouble. The net was set in the Elkhart at 
night, and the next morning often more than a hundred pounds of pike, red. 
hole etc., would be found inclosed in the meshes. The sett ers, for a number 
of years, living in Mr. Bowman's locality, were wont to make p.lgr.mages to 
Perry's Prairie for wheat, corn, potatoes, etc., whenever needed; and soon the 
expression "Going to Egypt to buy corn," gave that locality a name (Egypt) 
which chngs to i! like sTndbad's burden. The entry of land in York was 
very rapid from 1835 to 1840. This brought in many strangers, who were 
obliged to get acquainted before any unity of action could be op***. They 
came from all parts of the East, and necessarily brought their local habits with 
them. Differences were sure to arise, until some final tendency or shape was 
given to neighborhood opinion, sentiment or will by the strength and mh erent 
power of individual thought. People are much more dependent than .sod. 
Lily supposed. They constantly rely upon clearer and better thought, and 
their opinions in general may be said to be a union of many ideas stolen from 
numerous sources Until some strong mind gave direct.on to the ideas of a 
neighborhood, everything went crosswise. Thus it was when the country was 

first ssttlsd i 

' After the Henshaw brothers had operated their mills a few years, they 
sold out to Samuel Hanna and possibly W. F. Engle. Stedman Gray, yet hy- 
in. at Wolf Lake, was the miller in the employ of the Henshaws, and he 
claims to have made the first flour in Noble County, although this is disputed 
bv others, who insist that Mr. Hall, whose mill was in operat.cn at a very early 
day about two miles southeast of Wolf Lake, made the first This is anoAer 
unsettled question. This old mill was used many years, indeed, until but a 
L years ago, and was at times well patronised. The gnst-mill was located on 
the race, a short distance below the saw-mill, but had sufficient power to operate 
its one small set of buhrs. It ran so slowly and irregularly, though, that the 
flour was poor, and when the settlers had large grists, and the roads were good, 
they went usually to the Elkhart Mills. Under the var ous owners the m.l 
were altered and improved. The grist-mill was destroyed by fire a few years 
1. Under the management of Mitchell k Campbell the null did good work 
Joseph Bell built a sawmill at an early day, locating it on what is yet 



258 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

known as Bell's Run, on Section 21. It was operated in the usual way by 
means of a dam and race. After it had been in operation a short time, Halsey 
Lewis started a small chair factory, and his machinery was set in motion by the 
water from the Bell Race. This chair factory, the only one ever in the town- 
ship, was a very rude affair, and the chairs were ditto, and after it had been 
conducted semi-successfully for a few years, it was abandoned. The saw-mill 
continued in operation, however, under a change of owners, for quite a number 
of years. The water above the dam became spread over a large section of 
country, and, finally, became a great nuisance, as well as a source to generate 
malaria. It became the talk of the neighborhood, and doctors gave as their 
opinion that it was the cause of several serious cases of sickness in the vicinity. 
Finally, public pi*ejudice and sentiment became so fixed against it, that the 
neighbors united means, purchased the mill site, and destroyed the dam, per- 
mitting the stagnant water to move on, and effectually preventing a continuance 
of the nuisance. About thirty years ago, Isaac Swartliout erected a saw-mill 
about two miles below Port Mitchell ; but, as it did not receive satisfactory pat- 
ronage, it was soon permitted to fall to pieces. The saw-mills above referred to 
never did merchant work. Their field of labor was to supply the home demand, 
and this gave them sufficient work to insure continuance. 

A man named Campbell erected a woolen factory at Port Mitchell about 
thirty years ago. It was a two-storied frame building, thirty by forty-five feet. 
A considerable quantity of carding and spinning was done under the manage- 
ment of a Mr. Walker, a practical spinner. This man also rented the building, 
and put in additional machinery for knitting ; but, after a number of years, he 
relinquished the lease, and soon afterward the property was purchased by 
George Baker. During the war, a thriving business was done, but at its close 
the patronage decreased. The factory was burned to the ground about ten 
years ago. 

While Augusta and Port Mitchell have been the only towns of any note in 
York Township, yet about the time the county-seat was changed from Sparta to 
Augusta, a village called Van Buren was surveyed and platted on Section 20, 
and designed to secure, if possible, the coveted boon. But alas ! the hopes of 
the founder were destined to be blasted, as his claim was disregarded by the 
locating committee. No lots were sold, and the embryonic village expired soon 
after being christened. 

Two villages have been established within the limits of the township. The 
first — Augusta — was laid out in August, 1837, by W. M. Holmes, George F. 
Whitaker, Thomas Gale and D. H. Colerick, owners and proprietors. The 
village was laid out in thirty-eight blocks, each of which, except four, contained 
eight lots. The exceptional four were on the sides of the square plat, and were 
triangular in shape. The lots were laid out at the corner of Sections 14, 15, 
22 and 23, and the central block was granted as a public square. Around this 
square the streets were eighty feet wide, all others being sixty feet. Lot 7 of 










YORK TP. 



YORK TOWNSHIP. 261 

Block 1, Lot 8 of Block 6, Lot 1 of Block 38, and Lot 2 of Block 33 were donated 
by the proprietors for school or church purposes. The village was laid out in 
an elaborate manner, and the proprietors no doubt expected great things of 
their village. Their expectations were in a measure realized. In accordance 
with the provisions of the contract entered into between the Commissioners ap- 
pointed to relocate the county-seat and the proprietors of the village, the latter 
were to furnish $4,000 toward the new court house, to pay $180, the estimated 
cost of relocation, to donate within one mile of said town five acres of ground 
for a graveyard, one acre for a seminary, one in-lot for a market-house, and 
one square upon which the court house was designed to be erected. This 
contract having been perfected, the county seat was relocated at the village in 
1837. This fact immediately gave growth to various industries. Lawyers, 
doctors, merchants, hotel-keepers, carpenters, blacksmiths, schools, churches, 
etc., appeared, and the outlook was bright for the county seat. The court 
house was soon erected, and shortly afterward a jail. The mail route along the 
Fort Wayne and Goshen road was deflected and made to pass through the vil- 
lage. No effort was made to build a seminary, as was provided for in the con- 
tract. Hill & Treer opened a small store of groceries and dry goods, and soon 
afterward Nimmon & Colerick did the same, but not, probably, until the others 
had abandoned the pursuit. The village grew rapidly from the start, and 
reached the zenith of its prosperity and population about the time the court 
house was burned in March, 1843. At this time, it contained a population of 
about two hundred. After the court house had been burned, and the county- 
seat had been removed to Port Mitchell, the village languished. Half the pop- 
ulation immediately left, some going to Port Mitchell and some elsewhere, and 
when time had passed to 1850, it found the village almost deserted, and a fit 
emblem of loneliness. A few families yet resided there, but all hope for the 
future of the village had died out. 

In March, 1844, pursuant to an act of the State Legislature, the Commis- 
sioners appointed for the purpose, after duly considering all the sites proposed, 
relocated the county seat at Port Mitchell. This change in the location of the 
county seat created a bitterness that has endured until the present day. The 
following is quoted from the pen of Mr. Prentiss : " The spring and summer of 
1844 were unusually wet, and all the streams in the country were full. Mill- 
dams and bridges were swept away, and crops were much injured. The bridge 
west of Augusta, across the Elkhart River, was in danger ; and the citizens' of 
Augusta and surrounding country turned out to try to save it, but it was swept 
away. It was on this occasion, the ' 1st day of July, that Wesley White 
lost his life. After the bridge was carried away, Mr. Colerick, having fas- 
tened a rope on the east side of the river, went up the stream some dis- 
tance, and swam across with the r'ope, and fastened it on the west side, so 
that persons there who could not swim could cross by means of the' rope. 
There were probably twenty-five or thirty persons present. Among those on 



262 

HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 



ne west side was Mr. White, whe, it appears, ceuld not swim ; but he 
s.gmfied h,s intention of trying to cross above the rope, saying that, if he dis- 

owntirf " 0t f *T aCr ° SS ' ^ COa ' d Ca ' Ch "» -Pe°when he floated 
down to it. Some of those present tried to dissuade him from making the at- 
tempt, and urged him to rely on the rope at first; but unfortunately he relied 
onh, 8 own abihty, if not to cross, to at least catch the rope, and so made the 
attempt, going some distance up the stream to make the start. He plunsted in 

:>!;/': th api,% down A but as he made n ° ° at ^ 'P*-- 

alarmed, as they supposed he would catch the rope when it was reached As 
he was swept down, he made an effort to seize the rope, but missed it, and then 
he called for help and sank in the muddy water. He was seen twice after" 
ward when he sank to rise no more. The spectators were at first not alarmed 
but soon the widest confusion and excitement prevailed, so that no one seemed 
in a condition to render assistance. Several effort* were made to help him but 
without avail The search was continued during the day, but the body' was 
not discovered until the 2d, and was not buried until the 5th. His untLely 
death caused a profound sensation throughout the county, and created univer d 

Z \T r, Tjf SheCl Sen " eman aDd a C ° mpetent and feithM StaS 

there Thfnr t "-« Pitted before the county seat was established 

here_ The proprietors were Samuel Hanna and William F. En<de who had 

caused the town to be laid out in May, 1838. It was situated on fh ea half 

quarter of Section 36. About thirty blocks of eight lots each were laid out 
one of which was designed for a public s q uare, and 'an open place, calle < M " 

h f P ; h 2 ;m 3 Pr °3 d f P "'°" t0 tWS ""> h — ' ^ Honshaws had 
bu.lt their mills, and two or more cabins had been erected, that of the 

Henshaws being on the west side of the river Hanna and fJ\7 a 

store about 183T, or perhaos earlier b„i 1, ■ , ! gle ° pened a 

value rtin.,,1, a. ? ' e ' r g0ods dld not e * cee<i 1800 in 

fi lw Tut tVJ 6 t^ d0abM - The gTOWth ° f the ^ "as at 
ftrst slow but ,n 1844, when ,t became known that the county seat was to be 

located there, a grand rush was made-lots went off like hot ca'ke In Ihe morn 
ing ; real estate doubled and even tripled in value ■ „ri. r, 7 1 
of all Hnj. „„* ■ "ipiea in value , artisans and business men 

of all kind put in an appearance ; industries and pursuits multiplied • countv 
officials flocked ,n, armed with voluminous volumes ; lawyers and do tors belr. 

741"' th Port *t f en received what ,s knom at th * " 

as a big boom. The population ran up to a higher figure than it had a"t 
Augusta, but the property Jmlders of the latter piace wer°e fill d wi h wrath 
ami bitterness, and angry mutterings were heard here and there J B WW 
became the first Postmaster. The mills and canal had given origin „ the tow 

iif/ZJmi th e T r ty sea r as r tebli r t,iere - L p»p»-ion ™ ;: ' 

ably about fifty The proprietors donated several lots for schoolhouses and 
churches, and also contracted to furnish stipulated amounts toward The ct on 
of public buddings. A court house was erected, as was also a LiS 



YORK TOWNSHIP. 



263 



county offices. All efforts, however, failed to render the location of the county 
seat at Port Mitchell satisfactory to a majority of the citizens of the county, 
and from the start efforts were made to have it re-located at the Center and at 
other points, ten or twelve in number. The citizens at Port Mitchell bitterly 
resisted this', and sought to turn the tide of public preference to their village 
by sundry proposed deeds of charity, but their desires were everywhere met 
with stubborn opposition. At last, in 1847, the removal was made to Albion, 
where it has since remained. That event sounded the death-knell of Port 
Mitchell, although the town, like a certain domestic animal, seemed possessed 
of nine lives, and refused to yield up the ghost for a long time, and even yet 
shows a few feeble signs of vitality. After the county seat was removed, the 
county officers, lawyers, etc., went away in a body, and from that onward the 
gradual decay of the village continued. Capital sought investment elsewhere, 
and, although the mills continued in operation, the citizens one by one de- 
parted for more promising fields. 

The first schoolhouse in the township was a rough log structure erected on 
Section 29, about the year 1840, by David Anderson, Vincent Lane, Joseph 
Bradford, John Williams, Elisha Blackman, James Gray, Mr. Morris and sev- 
eral others, who lived in the neighborhood, and had children growing up with- 
out an education. These men were all early settlers, and, although considera- 
ble talk had been indulged in, no movement looking to the erection of the 
desired schoolhouse was begnn until the above-named year. The men at an 
appointed day gathered together with axes, teams, etc., and when night ap- 
peared to end their work, lo! the first schoolhouse in York was an existing 
reality. It is said that James McMullen was the first teacher, although this is 
disputed. They soon had good schools at this old house, as the men in the 
vicinity were prominent and sensible, and took interest and pride in the 
advancement of their children. It is said that the first or the second teacher 
was barred out by the boys on Christmas, and that after a short armistice he 
signed the desired articles of "treat-y." Apples and doughnuts ended the 
affair amicably, without blows or bloodshed. On occasions of this character, 
backwoods boys were illustrious arbitrators, and could soon bring all ordinary 
teachers to satisfactory terms ; but sometimes they met a Tartar, who replied, 
when asked to treat, as an early one did in York, "I'll see you in hell farther 
than a pigeon can fly before I'll treat." Even in this case the boys were vic- 
torious, as the teacher was dismissed by the Directors. Schools were late in 
starting up, not because they were not wanted, but because there was nothing 
with which to pay the teacher, save what was subscribed by those having chil- 
dren to send. The giant Poverty stood in the way. Section 16 of York sold 
at $1.25 per acre. One eighty was sold at $2 per acre, and one quarter-section 
for $8 per acre. This was purchased by men at Rochester who were engaged 
in the manufacture of bar-iron, as the land had on it (and still has) valuable 
beds of bog-iron ore. These various sales replenished the empty coffers of the 



2t>4 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

township school fund, and immediately thereafter schools sprang into existence, 
like mushrooms from a hot-bed. School was taught at Port Mitchell as early 
as 1840, and some think earlier. A small log school building was built on the 
west side, which, after being used about two years, was replaced by one which 
had been used as a storeroom. After the county seat was removed to Albion, 
the school which had begun at Port Mitchell was continued in a schoolhouse 
built farther west. Good schools are reported to have been held in the village, 
although but little information can be learned regarding them. At the time 
the county seat was located there, as high as $15 was paid per month for teach- 
ing, which, at that day, was considered a large price. Those who were inter- 
ested in the early schools at Port Mitchell were the Frinks, Grays, Smiths, 
Engles, Bartleys and others who had children to send. Lawyer Slack's office 
was used for school purposes. No particular funds were required to erect one 
of the early schoolhouses ; but it did require sharp axes, strong arms, teams, 
perhaps, and logs. The trouble came when the teacher was to be paid. A $5 
bill represented the same value then as five times that amount does now, and 
more, because exchanges were effected in the woods without money from neces- 
sity. Those who brought in money were obliged to pay it out immediately for 
this thing and that, and having nothing to sell that would bring money in 
return, whole neighborhoods were left without cash, and hence the settlers were 
required to adopt a system of exchange, or, at least, seek some other medium 
than ordinary money. Notes were made payable in so much corn, potatoes, 
wheat, etc., due at stated periods. This, of course, often led to great hard- 
ships. The settler who had considerable money was fortunate indeed, and usu- 
ally left to his heirs a large and valuable landed property. 

Capt. Archibald Frink is said to have taught the neighbors' children in 
his own house. One corner of the room was provided with a few rough seats 
and desks, and here a few tow-headed pioneer children first learned their let- 
ters. In the fall of 1843, Miss Harriet Allen taught a term of school in a 
small log building, a short distance south of John Bowman's present resi- 
dence. The building was a deserted log dwelling, and was owned by Bowman, 
through whose endeavors the school was taught. Each scholar was charged 10 
cents per week, and Mr. Bowman furnished che house, wood and boarded the 
teacher. The subscription charged was sufficient to pay the teacher, while Mr. 
Bowman was out fuel (a trifle), labor (more than a trifle), house rent (alas! 
alas !) and the teacher's board. But the one term was taught here. Miss Allen 
was an excellent teacher of small children, but here her mastery of the art 
failed. Her knowledge in general was extremely limited, though undoubtedly 
the children regarded her as an oracle. 

"And still they gazed, and still the wonder grew, 
That one small head could carry all she knew." 

Her services were dispensed with at the conclusion of her first term. She 
announced a spelling school for a given evening; but afterward, hearing that a 



265 

YORK TOWNSHIP. 



At a late hour one of Jfc W -«W^ ^ mischief in 

their ey . had starte w _ m with the m, tore the bob-sled 

being Ml of corn juice, tn road in the snow , a 

into fragments and scatter d *e ™ta» ated you ^^ f ^ 

fit judgment for the, w.cke . --^ n „t bnilt until about the 

Tsehoo^use ™s Leted in the Basset District about the same time, and one 

in January, 184!, in a building ^~^£ZZZ£& W. 

Andrews, now £^£*J£ * ^ urd and ,1.26 per week for her serv- 
' hree Te Uught fa "V succession and averaged about twenty-five 
Z^L^l whole time. One term was taught ^^-J^S 

I f „„„v>t lw Mr Love were the only ones ever taught in the village, 
three taught by Mr. i,ove j townsh ip The Methodists, Baptists, 

No churches have been built in the township. ± dwellings 

Presbyterians and others had early organizations and met in private dw 
Ld schoolhouses; but they did not nourish, and the tnernb s o n ^r 
joining stronger societies in neighboring townsh.p Man ^of the c 7 rf 

attend church in Albion and elsewhere. The sect known 
God had an early organization at the residence of John J°^Z'** 
continued to assemble for worship for a number of year, — - • 
„l,a. n n. „f churhes the citizens are moral and many aie religious, wor» v g 
GoTIs EoJ Wlliams directed, "after the dictates of their own conscence 



CHAPTER XVII. 

BY WESTON A. GOOPSPEED. 



AMONG the earliest settlers in Green were the following: Samuel Grav 
DaWd ^ Wge T B T e T r : B /°J' a ™« M — ore, Jacob Eyman, William EB^wn' 

Gaff d! 7« t i nd8ey ' 0IiVCT MoWilIi »™. William McDaniel, Robert 

Gaff, Dav,d Boner, John Allen, Noah Bine, George Brown Peter On I n A 
Cnmmins, John Carothers, Anson Herand an, iLmas Kiier John ' , 
. Hiram Lindsay, John O.inger, George Ott, John ZZ^'^tZ 

££ "ir tr 1 L sr tt ■ 0Um ^ ™?™2 

Oaswe,,, Chancer VVaiHeyand^st^'^r^s ntl a r:- l^T 
a man named Krewson wa, the first settler in feen He' 1 1 ,1 T ' 

■— ,, - .„.„„«, „ io..r „ ™,~ '-; d ;s * "»- 

land upon which he had lnrsw) ^ j • pernaps i»d5, when the 

wa y „e p b y s^%xx m :L:t:z7:iri "- emered - F °- 

son was obliged to leave which he Z , possession. Krew. 

possession of his «*in iTd tri^ t^"^ 7 T t^ ^ ** 
ments that had been made Here GrlTl T S " ^ ' he im P r0ve - 

he sold the property to jib L ind! 7 ° w "^ ° f * "f 188fl - '"»- 
possession. Mr. Lindsey also purchase I, Gra a c of fa'ndT ' ' mmeCi ' ate 
the Krewson property; but it afterward appeared that tl if. f ^ "? ° f 
fully made, as Gray did not own the land no h»l " ™* ml ™~ 

Wayne. He had represented to Lind ey tha k^ZllTt "A*"! 
to part with it for an amount much greater than IT ' ™ d "^ 

the hand office. The truth was unknot £^JZT* * ^ * " 
passed, and then it was too late to correct the frauT and u J?^***" ha,i 

land. It is stated ihat Mr. Gray wa en 'at e d i! f ''' "^ kep ' ""= 

wray was engaged in several transactions of this 



GREEN TOWNSHir. 267 

character, and thereby unlawfully made considerable money. Soon after this 
event, Mr. Lindsey was taken sick, and a pioneer doctor was called (his name 
is omitted for good reasons); but the patient continued to get no better, steadily 
growing worse, until at last, under distressing and suspicious circumstances, he 
died, leaving his wife and a large family of almost helpless children to live on 
as best they could without him. To make matters worse for this unfortunate 
family, the eldest son, a lad about sixteen years of age, was drowned in Lind- 
sey Lake, and the care of the family fell upon the mother and Hiram, a son 
some thirteen years of age. Hiram Lindsey and the other members of his 
father's family have been satisfied, since the untimely death of their husband 
and father, that he was poisoned by the doctor, who was probably paid for the 
dark deed by one who expected to profit thereby. The truth will probably ever 
be shrouded in mystery. 

In 1835, Jacob Eyman and Benjamin Macemore appeared in the town- 
ship, the former locating in the northern part on land which he entered the 
following year, and the latter some distance south. David Boner came in 
1838, and settled where his son now resides. William E. Bowen came in 1837, 
and George Benner, Christian Kinsey, William Caswell and perhaps others the 
same year. William McDaniel arrived in 1838, as did also Robert Gaff and 
three or four others. Those who were present at the first township election say 
that there were not to exceed fifteen persons present. The County Commis- 
sioners appointed David Boner Inspector, and ordered an election of officers at 
his log cabin, probably in March, 1839. Although several settlers yet living 
in the township were present at that election, they cannot recollect who were 
elected to all the various offices. Benjamin Macemore was appointed one of 
the Clerks of Election, and, it is also stated, was elected Township Clerk. 
William Caswell, a squatter, was elected Justice of the £eace by the vote of 
the canal-men. The Constable was also elected by the canal-men, but his 
name has also slipped the recollection. 

The woods in Green, when the first settlers came in, like the remainder of 
Noble County, were filled with deer, bears, wolves and other wild beasts. Many 
of the pioneers had come from well-settled localities in the East, and were not 
familiar with the arts of the hunter. Others were just the reverse, and could 
bring down, off-hand, at long distances, any game desired. It is related that 
one morning William Bowen went out to shoot a wild turkey for breakfast. 
He began calling in imitation of the turkey, and soon received an answer. He 
crept cautiously forward, with his rifle ready, calling occasionally and receiving 
an answer, by which he guided his steps ; and, when within a short distance of 
where the turkey must be, he suddenly heard a new answer off to one side, 
whereupon he silently moved in that direction, but, when within a few rods of 
the place, he was startled by the loud report of a rifle within a few feet of him, 
and a moment later an Indian came, laughing, toward him, holding out the 
identical turkey which had answered his call. The Indian thought it a big 



268 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

joke, and laughed heartily at having outwitted the white man, and thereby 
killed the turkey the latter was after. The Indian, of course, kept the turkey, 
and Mr. Bowen was obliged to hunt farther for his breakfast. On Mr. Bow- 
en's land, on the shore of that beautiful sheet of water — Bowen, or Indian, Lake 
— was an Indian village of twenty or thirty bark wigwams. A number of 
these were standing where the old orchard is, and a short distance south, just 
across the road, Mr. Bowen, after a number of years, unearthed the decaying 
skeleton of an Indian brave. Within a few feet of this spot, he had buried a 
little daughter that had died soon after coming to the township. The Indians 
remained encamped in the vicinity for several years, and then departed west- 
ward toward the setting sun, and their faces have been forgotten. 

One of the best hunters ever in the township was William Mc Daniel, who 
was considered by all as a "dead shot." His rifle carried the largest ball, but 
one, in the township, and when it spoke in his hands something came down in 
death. He went one day to an early election, and upon his arrival discovered 
that those who had appeared before him had been shooting at a mark — a nail- 
head as far off as it could be seen. No one had hit the mark. Mr. Gaff, 
who had come with Mr. McDaniel, immediately offered to bet the whisky for 
the crowd that the latter could beat at the first shot, off-hand, the best shot 
that had yet been made. He was immediately taken up, and McDaniel was 
called out. The rifle was raised and fired, and upon examination it was 
found that the leaden bullet had split itself on the nail-head. The whisky was 
drunk, but not at Mr. Gaff's expense. One day in early autumn, McDaniel 
went out to cut corn, taking his rifle with him. As he reached the spot where 
he intended to begin work, he saw a dark object moving between the rows at 
some little distance, and at first surmised that cattle were in his field. But a 
moment later he was undeceived, for he saw an average-sized bear pass quickly 
from the corn into a cluster of weeds that grew by the fence. McDaniel 
dropped the corn-cutter and started on the run, expecting to head the bear off 
and get a shot. This he did ; but in running the priming of his gun had fallen out, 
and the rifle did not go off, although the bear did as fast as its legs could carry it. 
McDaniel, however, got a long shot at it as it was disappearing, but without 
effect, except to hasten the movements of the bear. The hounds were un- 
loosed, as were also those of Mr. Gaff, who lived near by, and soon the woods 
were filled with their discordant howls, as they rapidly pursued the retreating 
bear. All the remainder of that day and far into the succeeding night the bay- 
ing of the hounds could be heard, growing fainter and fainter, until at last 
they entirely ceased. One by one the hounds returned, and after a few days, 
it was discovered that they had followed the bear about twelve miles east, where 
it had gone into a miry swamp, and being unable to get out on account of its 
exhausted condition, or some other reason, had perished in the mud and water. 
It was found, and proved to be very fat, which accounts for its exhausted con- 
dition and death. 







hLV.Ji 



GREEN TP. 




GREEN TOWNSHIP. 271 

In 1855, an event occurred which was bitterly lamented. On Saturday, 
the 16th of June, two men — William Applegate and Franklin Weirich — were 
engaged in digging a well for George Shambaugh. They had been up for din- 
ner, and it came Applegate's turn to descend into the well and dig. He 
descended, and a moment later, when Weirich looked down, Applegate was 
seen lying at the bottom. Weirich called out immediately to be let down to 
the assistance of his friend, which was hurriedly done ; but as soon as he 
reached the bottom, he gasped for breath and called to be pulled up. He was so 
under the influence of the poisonous atmosphere that, when about half-way up, 
he fell back to the bottom, breaking his neck. Great excitement prevailed, but 
after a little time both men were drawn up by means of hooks, though they 
could not be resuscitated, as both were stone dead. Great was the sorrow of 
the friends of the dead men. Weirich left a wife and a family of small chil- 
dren, who saw great suffering after their natural protector was taken from them 
so unexpectedly. A few years later than this, Samuel and Jacob Kester one 
day turned up an old stump, and under it found nearly a half-bushel of copper 
coin that was unstamped, but which had probably been prepared to be subse- 
quently galvanized with silver, and stamped as half-dollars. How the coin 
came there is not altogether a mystery, as about that time there lived in the 
neighborhood several men who minted a large quantity of counterfeit money. 
There were also found, in a swamp not far from the same place, a buggy, which 
had been taken in there and hid, and a gun barrel, covered with rust and mud. 
Foul play was suspected, but no skeleton has been discovered to lead to the 
conclusion of murder. 

Many of the early settlers were Irishmen, who had worked in the town- 
ship on the " canawl " in 1837 and 1838. They probably thought the country 
would make a pleasant home, and as soon as the "canawl" scheme had col- 
lapsed, they went to farming for want of a more suitable occupation. This 
was a great descent in their fortune, and they remembered with sorrow the old 
times, the old songs they used to sing, and the faces of companions they had 
seen for the last time. 

" I entered with them for a season 
My monthly pay for to draw, 
And being in very good humor, 

I often sang ' Erin go Braugh ;' 
Our provisions they were very plenty, 

To complain I'd no reason at all, 
[ had money in every pocket, 
While working upon the canawl. 
So fare you well father and mother, 

Success to Old Ireland, too; 

Fare you well sister and brother, 

So kindly I'll bid you adieu. 

" At night when at rest from our labors 
We're sure that our rent is all paid, 
We lay down our pick and our shovel, 

Likewise our ax and our spade; NN 



272 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

We all sit joking together, 

There is nothing our minds to enthrall, 

If happiness be in this wide world, 
I'm sure it is on the canawl." 

The eastern part of the township was mostly selected by the " canalers,'' 
and the thrift soon displayed there proved that they had not forgotten how to 
work. All they now have to remind them of old times are the old songs and 
mementoes, and the rapidly disappearing remains of the old canal. 

Chancey C. Walkley erected a saw-mill at an early day, locating it 
about two and a half miles south of Green Center, on "Blue Grass Creek," or 
Blue River, as it is now called. The building was quite large, and soon after 
its erection one apartment was provided with a rude set of buhrs and the 
necessary machinery for grinding grain, or " cracking corn," as it is more gen- 
erally termed. A dam had been built across the stream, and the water which 
propelled the strong under-shot wheel was conducted to the mill by means of a 
race. Both departments of the mill were a great accommodation to the neigh- 
borhood, and were quite well patronized for some eight or ten years, at the 
expiration of which time both were abandoned. This was the only " grist- 
mill " ever in the township, and should be especially remembered. About 
twenty-five years ago, Solomon G. Swigart erected a saw-mill about a mile 
southwest of the Center, putting in steam and a muley saw. After operating 
successfully for many years, it was destroyed by fire ; but was afterward 
rebuilt by its present owner, Mr. Levi Diller, who has improved it so it is now 
one of the best mills in the county, although it at present is in need of repairs. 
Mr. Diller saws from 6,000 to 10,000 feet per day, and is shipping consider- 
able native lumber by car to Chicago and other cities. About four years ago, 
the springs in the vicinity failed of water, and Mr. Diller sank a shaft within 
his mill. At the depth of about twelve feet, water was struck, which poured 
up through the opening, and shot up in the air to the height of about ten feet. 
The stream of water is about two inches thick, and flows rapidly, and the 
water is hard and excellent. The well alone, on a large stock farm, would, in 
time, be worth thousands of dollars. Mr. Diller thinks the water contains 
magnesia. 

A few efforts at keeping store have been made in the township. In 1844, 
Mason M. Merriam had a small store, where he sold groceries, and where " the 
drink which biteth like a serpent and stingeth like an adder " could be obtained 
for the necessary ".lucre." The terms of his license may be seen on the 
records at Albion. Hiram Lindsey, many years ago, opened a small store of 
dry goods, groceries, notions, etc., on his farm, and for a number of years saved 
the neighbors journeys to more distant localities for these articles. The stock 
was closed out but a few years ago. Christian Kinsey kept tavern quite early 
on the Goshen road, and it may be said that the settlers, in general, in early 
times, were accustomed to keep travelers. This was rendered necessary by the 
wants of immigrants, who had just arrived, and were without shelter. The 



GREEN TOWNSHIP. 273 

old settlers tell us that the latch-string was always left out for everybody, and 
that all conventionality in respect to caste was utterly avoided. All were com- 
mon and like brothers, with that free, easy, off-hand way that is admired even 
at this day. About nine years ago, 0. H. Andrews opened a store at the Cen- 
ter. A small stock of a general assortment has been kept by a change of owners 
since. Among the merchants have been William Hale, Mr. Ishwood and 
Edward Matthews. Followers of Esculapius have plied their craft at the 
Center. A store has also been kept on the eastern line of the township. Silas 
Moore has been Postmaster at the Center for many years. 

Prior to 1842, no school had been taught in the township. In 1841, the 
children in the southwestern part were sent to school on the Goshen road in 
Noble township. A small log schoolhouse had been built there, and David 
Sanford had been employed to teach the children, who came to him from several 
miles around. The house had been built for a dwelling by Jacob Marker, but 
after being vacated it was provided with seats and desks and transformed into 
a schoolhouse. It was located on John Skinner's farm. The first school build- 
ing in Green was built in about 1843 by the whole neighborhood, and located 
about half a mile north of the present residence of George Ott. It was a 
small log structure about 18x22 feet, with a large mud-and-stick chimnev on 
the outside that served as a vent to an enormous fire-place within. Desks and 
seats were made from rude plank obtained at one of the early saw-mills, either 
in Green or in neighboring townships, and two small windows supplied all the 
light that enabled the children to decipher their A B C's. Among the men who 
helped build this house were Messrs. Gaff, Ott, Gray, Boner, McDaniel and 
others. They all assembled one morning with axes, teams, etc., and at night 
the first schoolhouse in Green had been erected. The floor was made of punch- 
eons, but the door and desks were made of sawed lumber. William Sanford, g 
good scholar, was employed to teach the school, which he did, giving excellent 
satisfaction. He is said to have applied the term " Oxford School " to the 
building where he was known as master, but whether derisively or not is uncer- 
tain. Some say that but one term was taught here, while others think that 
school was held about two years. The facts are uncertain. The old building 
rotted down there, and some of the decaying logs may yet be seen by th« 
curious. 

In about the year 1846, another schoolhouse was erected, and located in 
the southwestern part on the land of William McDaniel. It was a small frame 
building, and considerable trouble was experienced in getting school started 
there, owing to dissatisfaction regarding the location of the house, the wages te 
be paid the teacher, and the lot upon which the house stood, which had been 
donated by Mr. McDaniel. Angry disputes were freely indulged in by oppos- 
ing parties, and for many years a lingering bitterness existed in the neighbor- 
hood. The first teacher had an easy school, and everything went off smoothly, 
The second teacher was John Miller, of Whitley County, who possessed a great 



274 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

deal of determination and force of character. His school began and progressed 
nicely until Christmas, there being a half-dozen or more young men in attend- 
ance, among whom were the Gaff boys and William Hughes. At Christmas, 
the boys resolved that they must have a treat from the teacher, and, therefore, 
early on that morning, before that functionary had arrived, they took possession 
of the house, and when the teacher put in an appearance, barred the door 
against him, at the same time handing him a paper from the window upon 
which was written their demand. Mr. Miller quietly read the document, and 
positively refused to accede to their request, at the same time demanding that 
the door be immediately opened ; but this the boys as positively refused to do 
until the teacher came to terms. This fired the blood of the latter, and he 
declared that he would break down the door if it was not opened. The boys 
told him to do his worst, and threatened to throttle him if he forced his way 
into the room. After trying all sorts of maneuvers for several hours to get in, 
without success, the teacher went to the Directors, and informed them what had 
transpired, and asked their interference that the school might go on. The 
Directors thought, and told him so, that inasmuch as the procedure of the boys 
was quite customary, and their demand reasonable, the best thing for him to do 
was to treat, as he would thereby gain their good will, and would be liked 
all the better by the scholars; but the teacher had made up his mind to do no 
such thing, and told the Directors so, whereupon he was informed that he must 
fight the battle out alone. The teacher returned to the schoolhouse, where he 
remained the balance of the day and far into the night, waiting and watching 
for an opportunity to enter; but the boys were determined and vigilant, and the 
teacher was foiled. At last, the latter retired to his home When the boys 
were sure he had gone, they immediately held a council of war. It was voted 
unanimously to either bring the teacher to terms, or prevent him from continu- 
ing the school. They therefore resolved to leave a few of the strongest to 
hold the fort until morning, so that in case the teacher returned, he could not 
gain entrance to the room. This was done, and the other scholars retired to 
their homes for the night. About daylight the next morning, the teacher put 
in his appearance, expecting, of course, that the building had been vacated ; but 
such was not the case, as he soon learned to his discomfort. He made desper- 
ate efforts to get in, but the boys stubbornly and successfully resisted every 
movement. The foiled master then decided to wear the boys out, hoping by 
that means to get possession. He remained in that vicinity, occasionally 
making movements as if he intended to burst in the door, or as if he meditated 
an attack upon the fort from an unexpected quarter. At night he again went 
home, but the boys put out their sentinels, and left the schoolhouse ably com- 
manded. Morning came and with it came the gritty pedagogue; but the boys 
were found strongly intrenched, and the position proved impregnable, though 
the enemy still lingered in the vicinity ; but the besieged were becoming desper- 
ate, and, at last, they resolved upon a sally, hoping to capture the enemy alive. 



GREEN TOWNSHIP. 276 

As the latter was standing in an exposed quarter, the door was suddenly thrown 
open, and he found himself in the hands of his assailants ere he could offer suc- 
cessful resistance. He was then informed that unless he capitulated and agreed 
to forthwith treat, he would be taken to the nearest lake and ducked repeatedly 
in the icy water ; but he defiantly refused, and the boys, with him in their cus- 
tody, started for southern Lindsey Lake with the avowed intention of dipping 
him into the water. The lake was reached, a large hole was chopped in the 
ice, and the teacher was given a last chance ; but he spurned their offers with 
contempt, and the boys prepared to plunge him in. Their intention, however, 
was not to carry the matter so far. They desired to scare him into a compli- 
ance with their demands, but the teacher had resolved never to yield, and after 
he had been shaken over the yawning hole for a time, he was released and per- 
mitted to go. By this time, the whole neighborhood was so roused up, and 
their sympathies were so unanimously with the boys, that the Directors thought 
best to discharge the teacher, which was accordingly done to his satisfaction as 
well as theirs. 

The old house that had withstood the above described siege was used some 
twelve or fifteen years, and was then sold to Mr. McDaniel for $7.50, and 
moved to his residence, where it was used as an outhouse until it was destroyed 
by fire a few years ago. The present schoolhouse (a frame structure) in that 
neighborhood was built at the time the old one was sold. 

A log schoolhouse was built in the northern part, near Mr. Bowen's, about 
the year 1845. This house stood well toward the eastern part of the district^ 
and, after being used some ten years, was replaced by a small frame, 24x26 feet, 
located where the present house stands. In 1873, William Davis, a skillful 
carpenter and an excellent man living near, was employed to construct the 
present fine brick country school building, which was done at a cost of $1,036. 
Mr. Davis has built many of the schoolhouses throughout the county, as well 
as dwellings. 

A schoolhouse was built in District 4 about the year 1849, and Jesse Noe 
was employed in the capacity of teacher. Another house has been built there 
since, and is known as the "Green Schoolhouse." A log school building was 
erected at the Center about 1848, and after being used a few years, a frame 
building, constructed in the shape of an octagon, and known as the " Round 
Schoolhouse," was built to take its place. This building served its day, as it 
soon fell apart, and the present house, a frame, was erected in its place. 

The second schoolhouse in the northwestern corner, while it was used for 
educational purposes, was frequently occupied by a small society of Methodists 
that assembled there to worship. This was not very satisfactory to those who 
were not members of the society, as the latter more or less injured the building 
without any return, but nothing was done in opposition. At last, when the 
new schoolhouse was built, John Favinger purchased the old building, which 
thereafter was used exclusively as a church, until a short time ago, when it was 



276 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

deserted by the society, which dissolved, and the old house was transferred to 
Jefferson Township, where its lot of usefulness is very much lowered by its 
conversion into a barn. Among the membership of this society were the fam- 
ilies of Jacob Macemore, Christian River, William Steel and others. The min- 
isters in charge have been Revs. Comstock, Miller, Graham and Smith. 

The Free- Will Baptists erected a hewed log church near the schoolhouse 
in District No. 4 about the year 1854. The society had been organized 
previously by Rev. Jesse Noe, and had met in the old schoolhouse; but through 
his influence the church was built, though still the society was feeble and finan- 
cially poor. Mr. Noe was retained as minister by the society after his terms of 
school in the old schoolhouse were ended, but he began his work without salary 
save such as was subscribed and willingly given from time to time by the mem- 
bers. This amount was exceedingly small, and soon Mr. Noe sadly needed a 
new suit of clothes. This he publicly announced, and his wants were met with 
a ready and satisfactory response from the members. The old church was de- 
serted long ago. During the winter of 1863-64, Elder C. C. Sands, of the 
Church of God, held a protracted meeting in the schoolhouse at Green Center. 
A great deal of interest was aroused, and many converted. Henry A. Cory, 
one of the converts, immediately began to preach, and during the following 
winter he, assisted by Elder Sands, held well-attended meetings in the school- 
house, where the church now stands. Here it was that a membership of thir- 
ty-six was secured. In 1879, when the schoolhouse was burned down, the 
thought of building a church was considered. William Grawcock, an excellent 
man, agreed to give the necessary land and brick, and the necessary subscrip- 
tion was secured after energetic work. The Building Committee were J. M. 
Applegate, Chairman; John Harter, Treasurer; William Grawcock, Secreta- 
ry ; and George Fulk and Benjamin Crider. Mr. Grawcock was made chair- 
man at the death of Mr. Applegate. George Geiger and John Parker were af- 
terward members of the committee. The brick church was built last year at a 
cost of $2,400, the most of which was raised by subscription. They have a 
fine Sunday school, one of the largest in the county, the average attendance be- 
ing seventy-five. Every three weeks the Rev. Mr. Oliver preaches to the Soci- 
ety, which is in a prosperous condition. 




^^€m^j-^ &$y 



GREEN TP. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

by weston a. goodspeed. 

Swan Township— Incidents of Pioneer Life— Mr. Timmerman and the 
Bear— Early Hunting Exploits— The First Saw-Mill— Swan and 
La Otto— The First Schoolhouse— The Early Circuit Riders- 
Religious Societies. 

DURING the early autumn of 1833, George Rickard, a native of the Em- 
pire State, appeared in what is now Swan Township, where he selected a 
farm of eighty acres in the northern part, and began the difficult process of 
preparing his land for cultivation. This man, who is yet well remembered, was 
the first permanent settler in the township. He built a small beech-log cabin 
on his small farm, in which were domiciled his wife and children. Travel, at that 
time, was considerable along the Lima road, and taverns were in great demand. 
This induced Mr. Rickard, notwithstanding his small cabin, to throw the doors 
open to the public. He placed for a sign a pair of very large buck horns, 
which circumstance gave rise to the name his house received from travelers — 
" The Buck-Horn Tavern." Of course whisky was kept for sale to those who 
imbibed. 

Conrad Cramer came up the Maumee River early in June, 1834, by means 
of pirogues, pushing them along the shallow stream with long poles, placed one 
end on the bottom and the other against the shoulder. His family and a few 
household goods were thus brought up the river to Fort Wayne, and then trans- 
ferred to Swan Township, where Mr. Cramer entered eighty acres of land 
adjoining that of Rickard. Mr. Cramer also came from York State (Jefferson 
County). The next settlers were probably James and Charles Shelner and 
Daniel Tousley, the three coming about the same time in 1834. Within the next two 
or three years, there came in Jonas and John Strous, Samuel Barkwell, Charles 
Salsbury, Mr. Flagg, Hiram King, Alexander Gifford, the Broughtons, Oliver 
and Stanberry Wright, Hiram Parker, three or four of the Fulks (who settled 
in the southwestern part), Oliver^L. Perry and others. Immediately afterward, ^*-» - 
and prior to 1844, there came in among others Weston Ackley, J. L. Blowers, 
Hamilton Badger, John C. Billings, Conrad Bricker, Dexter Brooks, Russell 
Clapp, Samuel Carothers, Nicholas Cooper, M. P. Dickerson, F. Tilton, Samuel 
Frances, William Gregg, Samuel Huff, Henry Haskins, William Errickson, 
Charles Law, John Latta, Joseph Richards, Henry Timmerman, Aaron, Alva 
and Josiah Wood, James, Luther, Lewis and Erastus Warner, Jared and John 
Weeks, Edward and Lewis Walburn, and James Willetts. 

After this the township was settled rapidly, and log cabins sprang into 
existence in all directions, almost like Aladdin's palace. Rollings and raisings 



278 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

were every-day occurrences, and some of the old settlers state that for weeks at 
a time they were gone from home, assisting new settlers in getting a home and 
a start. Settlers usually brought an abundance of clothing with them, and a 
few necessary household goods, and perhaps a small quantity of money ; so 
that the first thing to think of after the erection of the cabin, and possibly some 
rude stable in which to shelter the horses or cow or sheep or swine, was how to 
provide for the appetite. At first swine were scarce, but soon the woods were full 
of them, as they ran like wild animals without molestation, save as they were 
shot for pork. They were often very fierce and dangerous, the tusks of the 
males attaining a length of six or more inches. Armed with such weap- 
ons, an enraged Sus scrofa was a formidable enemy. A small clearing 
was made as soon as possible, upon which to raise potatoes, corn, pump- 
kins and wheat. The men found an abundance of hard labor in clearing 
and improving their land, and very often the services of the women were 
employed to accomplish the same result. Acres of heavy trees of the 
finest woods were leveled with the ground, and soon the fires, often continued 
far into the night, completed the process of denudation. Flax was raised, 
from which linen clothing of all sorts was rudely manufactured by the 
women. At a very early day it was noised abroad that a drove of sheep was 
to be driven along the Goshen road, and offered for sale here and there to 
the settlers. Jonas Strouse went over to Wolf Lake to buy a small flock, but 
found that he had missed the drove, and hearing that Joseph Adair, of Wash- 
ington, had some to spare, he went over and bought eight, which, so far as 
known, were the first brought into Swan Township. The flock multiplied and 
did well, notwithstanding that every now and then one was killed by the wolves. 
Mr. Strouse says that on more than one occasion some of his sheep were killed 
at mid-day near the house by large, fierce wolves. He set a steel trap for a 
big wolf that had proved very troublesome, and caught it, but the wolf dragged 
the trap into a neighboring swamp, where it was followed the hext day by Mr. 
Strouse, who shot it, and afterward received as he said " $5 for its sculp." Peo- 
ple soon learned to make their own linen and woolen cloth, either each material 
by itself, or in the form of "linsey-woolsey," beautifully colored with leaves or 
bark from the woods. Deer were very numerous, and every old settler's recol- 
lection is filled with stories of them. Once in awhile a bear was seen or killed 
to relieve the monotony. At a very early day, the Indians started a bear in 
the northern part with their dogs, and having chased it to the vicinity of Cra- 
mer's Lake, succeeded in killing it, after it had knocked a few of their dogs 
higher than Gilderoy's kite. This occurred not far from the year 1837. In 
about the year 1838, a large bear came one night to Timmerman's cabin, and, 
being very hungry, seized an unfortunate swine, weighing some one hundred 
and fifty pounds, by the back of the neck, and dragged it off, despite its squeals 
and struggles, into the woods, where its mangled and half-consumed carcass 
was found the next morning by the irate owner. While the hog was being 



SWAN TOWNSHIP. 281 

dragged off, the family heard its piercing squeals, but were unable to effect a 
rescue, on account of the intense darkness and the boldness of the bear. The 
hog had been dragged into an almost impassable wind-fall, where it was found. 
Surmising that Mr. Bruin would return for another feast within the next night 
or two, Mr. Timmerman and a few others contrived a trap from a log about a 
foot in diameter, which was so arranged that when the bear approached the hog, 
the log must fall directly upon its back. The first night no bear appeared, 
but on the second it came, and, as expected, was pinned to the ground by the 
log. But the trappers had miscalculated, for upon reaching the spot the next 
morning it was found that the bear had scratched and clawed up the ground 
where the log lay, and had thrown the latter to one side, scattering the other 
contrivances of the trap in all directions. The trap had been so contrived that, 
when the log fell, the bear would be inclosed between two rows of sharp, 
wooden pins. These were found covered with the hair and blood of the bear. 
The animal, probably, after recovering from its shock had eaten heartily of the 
pork, and had taken its final departure, for it was not seen in the neighborhood 
afterward. 

The Mongoquinong road had been laid out on an old Indian trail before 
the settlers appeared, and this proved a vast convenience, serving as a large 
artery to float the products raised in the township, and affording a compara- 
tively easy communication with Fort Wayne, the great mart of all Northern 
Indiana. The earliest settlers located along this road, or near it, while those 
arriving later were compelled, as it were, to take back seats. Goods from 
stores were very high, and the settlers' pocket-books were either " full of empti- 
ness," as a son of the Emerald Isle represented them, or they had been left in 
the East, being looked upon as a needless burden in the backwoods. The 
most of the settlers brought in a little money, but this was soon paid out for 
much-needed articles, and as the markets brought no return of money, the set- 
tlers were obliged to carry on commerce through a devised medium of ex- 
changes. This soon created a cash price and a trade price, which were often 
widely apart, and sometimes wrought enduring hardships. Time slowly 
changed the tide of events for the better. 

The first township election was held in 1837, at the residence of George 
Rickard, who had been appointed Inspector by the County Commissioners. 
There were present but eight or ten persons, and only six of them were enti- 
tled to vote. These six were George Rickard, Hiram Parker, Alexander Gif- 
ford, James Shelner, Charles Shelner and David Tousley. Jonas and John 
Strous were present, but were not entitled to vote, not having been a year in 
the township. Two or three officers were elected, but as no returns were made, 
the election remained invalid. The same is true of the election held in the 
spring of 1838, although John Fulk, who had been elected Road Supervisor, 
consented to serve, and did. At the election of 1839, which was held at the 
cabin of Mr. Badger, several officers were elected, the Justice of the Peace 



282 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

being Jonas Strous. At this election, many of the " canalers " came over 
from Green and voted, regardless of law and right. Mr. Strous recollects 
trying many cases of assault and battery, brought before him by the " canal- 
ers." The first marriage in the township was contracted by Joseph Exler and 
Ann Cramer. This couple had considerable trouble before they were made 
man and wife. They at first went to Fort Wayne, but found they could not 
get united there, so they returned and went up north somewhere, and found a 
Squire, who tied them fast in Hymen's knot. The first death wa3 that of the 
mother of Hiram Parker, her death occurring in 1837. A few of the neigh- 
bors made a rough coffin from puncheons and a few boards, in which the 
earthly remains of the kind old lady were placed, and all consigned to the 
grave. 

The pioneers of Swan were at first compelled to go to Fort Wayne for 
flour and meal, although two u corn-crackers " were west of them, distant some 
eight or ten miles, one being at Port Mitchell and the other on the Goshen 
road, about two miles southeast of Wolf Lake. These were found very con- 
venient in bad weather, when the roads were almost bottomless, for the settler 
would mount his horse and take a couple of bushels of corn or wheat to one of 
the above mills ; but when the weather was good, Fort Wayne was the most 
desirable place to go for flour and meal. It was not long before saw-mills 
sprang into activity, as the settlers demanded native lumber for their buildings. 
An early water saw-mill was built near the center of the township, on Black 
Creek, by Mr. Mendenhall, which is said to have been the first mill of the 
kind in the township. About the same time, or perhaps a little later, Hiram 
King built another of the same kind in the northern part, on an outlet to 
Cramer's Lake. These were both water-mills, with up-and-down saws, flutter 
wheels, and were furnished with water from a dam by means of a race. Both 
were slow-running, yet in time they did good service, and assisted greatly 
in providing the township with buildings a step in advance of those made of 
rough logs. An early saw-mill was started by Mr. Bruce, but it did not sur- 
vive longer than about a year. In about the year 1850, the Plank Road Com- 
pany erected a fine steam saw-mill, near the village of Swan, but immediately 
sold it to Mr. Barnes, who contracted to saw large quantities of three-inch 
plank for the road. After a few years, the mill was purchased by Ephraim 
Cramer, who sold it a few years later to others. Since then, it has passed 
through several hands until the present owner, Samuel Broughton, obtained 
possession. It has been a good mill from the start, and under Mr. Brough- 
ton's management is doing well at present. These were the only early saw- 
mills. There was no early grist-mill. 

In about the year 1844, Hiram King opened the first store at his residence 
in the northern part of the township. He kept a few groceries and notions, 
and perhaps a few yards of prints and calicoes. After a few years he was 
appointed Postmaster, although the office was not at his house, as he lived a 



SWAN TOWNSHIP. 283 

considerable distance from the State road. The office was at the residence of 
Mr. Clapp. Within a few years, Hiram Cramer purchased King's stock of 
goods, and began selling about a mile and a half east. He was soon joined in 
business by his brother Ephraim, who, after a short period, bought his brother's 
interest, and continued alone for a series of years. A year or two after King 
had secured the post office, Samuel Broughton, living where Swan now is, was 
appointed in his stead, but after a few years, Ephraim Cramer received the 
appointment as Uncle Sam's agent, and, with the exception of six months, has 
been Postmaster since — a period of over thirty years. A Mr. Ogden opened a 
country store quite early on the State road in the northern part ; but after a 
few years he quit the mercantile pursuit for something more tangible and 
profitable. 

In the month of July, 1870, Samuel Broughton, Orville Broughton and 
Franklin Hilkert secured the services of a surveyor, and laid out seventy-eight 
lots between the railroad and plank road, and named the village thus begun 
Swan, after the township. The railroad was a new enterprise, and the pro- 
prietors of the village saw a chance to improve their worldly affairs by the sale 
of village lots. But Swan was not destined to fly very high during the first 
stages of its existence at least, and it is not impossible that it may be called 
upon before long to sing the song of the dying Swan. That is sad and touch- 
ing. But the village had an origin much earlier than the laying-out of the lots, 
and the platting and recording of the same. Ephraim Cramer, who had been 
selling goods in the northern part, appeared upon the site of what is now Swan 
in about the year 1856, being induced to change his location from the fact that 
the old plank road saw-mill at the place was quite extensively frequented by 
workmen and settlers, and the location promised a harvest to the merchant who 
dared open there with a stock of goods. A small frame building was erected 
on the lot south of the one occupied by Mr. Cramer at present, in which was placed 
a small stock of a general assortment of goods. Here Mr. Cramer continued 
to measure tape and calico behind the counter until 1861, when his store was 
burned to the ground, and a portion of the goods destroyed. Another frame build- 
ing was erected three years later on the same lot, and this was occupied contin- 
uously until about four years ago, when, following the example set by a Script- 
ural character some thousands of years ago, he tore down his old building in 
order to build a greater. His present fine brick storeroom cost between $3,000 
and $4,000, and affords relief to the general monotony of the village. The 
second store was opened in about 1872 by Robert Taylor, who soon afterward 
took as a partner Allen Willets, and thus the firm continued until about two 
years ago, when the goods were bought by Samuel Broughton, who shortly 
afterward sold to Jehu Bricker and William Worman, and the last two are yet 
in business with a general stock, including drugs. Daniel S. Simon sold goods 
for a short time in Swan. 

Robert Taylor and Allen Willets built the grist-mill at Swan in 1874 at 



284 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

a cost of about $7,000. Two run of stone were placed in the mill, which im- 
mediately entered upon a season of great prosperity. This has continued 
unabated until the present, with an annual shipment of a considerable quantity 
of excellent flour. Mr. Cramer bought fifty car loads of grain of the harvest 
of 1871, and has continued at the same business since, shipping by rail to the 
best markets. There is a small warehouse at the depot. A stave factory for 
oil barrels was built at the village, soon after the completion of the railroad, by 
F. S. Surick, of Fort Wayne, who, during the short time at the business, man- 
ufactured over 200,000 staves. Mr. Cramer, who was induced to buy staves for 
the factory, paying for the same with money advanced by himself, and receiving 
in return checks on Mr. Surick, lost nearly a $1,000, as the checks proved 
worthless when Mr. Surick failed in business. The building now stands vacant 
and lifeless, a memento of hopes that perished long ago. A few other minor 
industries have flourished at Swan, and when that is said the history is told. 

La Otto did not have as early an origin as Swan, but it has made up that 
deficiency by increased activity. Standing, as it does, at the junction of two 
railroads, there is no reason why, with time, it may not become five times as 
large and prosperous as it is. Probably the first building in the village was a 
steam saw-mill, built during the winter of 1871-72 by David Simon, and 
operated until about 1873. In the spring of 1872, a blacksmith-shop was 
erected at the village by Martin Belger, into which John Miller and his family 
moved on the 5th of April of the same year. On the same day, Abraham 
Zern moved into a shoe-shop that had been built there a short time before. 
These two families were the first in the village. In the preceding October, 
David Vorhees, Martin Belger, David Simon, Solomon Simon and Jonathan 
Simon had laid out 101 lots at the junction of the two railroads, and had 
christened the village, thus begun, " Simonville." The railroad company did 
not admire this name, and soon began calling the station Grand Rapids Cross- 
ing. But this was cumbersome, and, in September, 1875, the following peti- 
tion to change the name to La Otto (a name suggested by the Rev. B. F. 
Stultz) was presented to the County Commissioners ; or, rather, the following 
is the Auditor's record of the proceedings of the board, who had duly con- 
sidered the petition to change the name of the village, the petition having 
been signed by eighteen freeholders in the village and vicinity : 

Now came the above-named citizens of Simonville, Noble County, Ind., to be heard upon 
their petition to change the name of said village ; when it appearing to the satisfaction of the 
board that said petition herein filed with the County Auditor, praying that the name of Simon- 
ville be changed to that of La Otto, is genuine, and that good cause is shown for such change, 
and that the same has been duly signed by a large majority of the legal voters of said town 
from the testimony of Benjamin F. Stultz, a witness in the case, it is therefore ordered by the 
board that such change be made, and the name of Simonville be hereby changed to La Otto. It 
is further ordered, that three weeks' notice of such change be published in the New Era, a 
newspaper published in Noble County, Ind., that a certified copy of this order be made and 
recorded in the Recorder's office of said County, and that all the costs of this petition be paid by 
the petitioners. 



HAN TOWNSHIP. i 285 

Mr. Zern, immed. jiy after his appearance in the village, began making 
and mending shoes, while Mr. Miller, who had been engaged in the cabinet 
business in the township since 1855, began the erection of his present planing- 
mill and bedstead factory, completing the same late in the summer of 1872, at 
a cost of over $7,000. The manufacture of bedsteads did not begin until the 
following February, and as there was already a saw-mill in operation in the 
village, from which could be obtained the necessary quantity of sawed lumber 
for the planing-mill, Mr. Miller did not start his present saw-mill for some 
time after the one operated by Mr. Simon was discontinued in 1873. Since 
this time, the factory, with its attendant adjuncts, has been the industrial 
center of the village. It gives constant employment to from six to ten assist- 
ants, and has steadily increased in capacity until at present the gross annual 
earnings probably exceed $5,000. Mr. Miller had previously carried on the 
cabinet manufacture about half a mile south of the village, his motor for ope- 
rating the machinery being horse-power. He had also been Postmaster there 
for five years, the office being known as Simon's Corners. Kinzie & Bonbrake 
opened the first store in the village in about September, 1872, with some $800 
worth of dry goods and groceries, which were placed in a building that had 
been erected by Jonathan and Solomon Simon. Other merchants have been 
George W. Sowers, Mrs. Ford, Samuel Aker, Seymour Cole, Robert Taylor, 
Henry Holbrook, Manning Brothers, J. B. Ross, Wellington Martin, Zach- 
ariah Young, Mr. Cary, Mr. Hogue and others, some of whom were milliners, 
bakers, etc. Mr. Kinzie was appointed Postmaster in the autumn of 1872. 
He has been succeeded by Robert Taylor and the present official, Mr. Hol- 
brook. The first physician, Dr. Lebker, was at the village but a few months. 
Since then there have been Drs. Strouse, Bowker, Ogle, Shepard, Ober, Cary 
and the present follower of Esculapius, Dr. Solomon. Andrew Durkus was 
the first Vulcan. Mr. Garrison burned brick at the village in 1873. David 
Simon did likewise in 1879, and in 1881 burned two kilns, besides a few thou- 
sand tile. Efforts have been made by various parties to open saloons at this 
temperate little village, but all have been stubbornly met by the united and 
earnest remonstrances of the citizens. It is the intention, if possible, and if 
earnest endeavor will succeed, to fight the direful appearance of liquor to the 
last ditch. The citizens are not trifling, as some apostle of Bacchus will prob- 
ably learn to his sorrow. A few years ago, at a barn-raising in the village, 
David Whonsetler was struck by a falling beam and killed. Mr. Preston built 
a wagon-shop quite early. Mrs. Upton began entertaining the public in 1873. 
Several have followed the same occupation since, the present "mine host" 
being Thomas Ritchie. The village has a population of about seventy-five, 
and is destined to grow. 

Some time during the winter of 1837, the Rev. Mr. Ball, of Fort Wayne, 
came to the cabin of John Strous and preached the first sermon in the town- 
ship to a few of the earliest settlers who assembled there. A year later a log 



286 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

schoolhouse was erected a short distance north of Swan, which was used as a 
church for a series of years, and until the first church was constructed in 1854. 
The old log schoolhouse was a rude affair, but it answered the purpose. After 
Ball's first sermon, he came to the neighborhood regularly, preaching usually 
at the cabins of the Shelners ; and, at last, in about the fall of 1338, formed a 
class of Methodists, and effected the permanent organization of the first relig- 
ious society in the township, and one of the very first in the county. Among 
the members were the Shelners, the Tousleys, the Cramers and others. The 
society continued to flourish in the old schoolhouse, which was about twenty-five 
feet square, and when the new church was built, in 1854, there was quite a 
respectable membership. The building was frame, and was about 32x45 feet. 
This house was used until 1880, when the present fine church was erected in 
Swan at a cost of about $2,000. The Lutheran Church on the farm of Peter 
Bricker has been standing many years ; but the society was really organized be- 
fore its erection. Among the early members were Messrs. Warner, Miller, 
Worman, Amos, DeHoff, Bricker, and others. The Catholic Church on Sec- 
tion 29 was first built some twenty-five years ago, and was used continuously 
by the steadily growing congregation until three years ago, when the present 
fine building was erected. This is probably the finest church in the township. 
The present pastor or priest in charge is Rev. F. X. Ege. The Presbyterian 
Church on Section 8 has been standing many years, as has also the one on Sec- 
tion 2, on the plank road. Both are in a fairly prosperous condition, especially 
the one on the plank road. The English Lutheran Church at La Otto was built 
in 1875, and cost $1,530. It is about 30x45 feet. The church was built 
largely by outside subscription, and B. F. Stultz was chosen first minister. 
Among the early members were Martin Belger and wife, John Miller and wife, 
Jacob Simon and wife, Joseph Simon, and Eva Bricker. The society was first 
organized in April, 1875, and meetings were held in the Preston Wagon-Shop 
Hall and in residences, until finally, as stated above, the church was built. The 
Sunday school was first started in the hall. The present membership is about 
twenty-five. The Wesleyan Methodist Church at La Otto was first built half 
a mile north of the village in 1859 ; but about six years ago was moved to its 
present location. This society was first organized in about 1850, and, at that 
time, met to worship in a schoolhouse in De Kalb County. Among the mem- 
bers are individuals from the following families : Hogue, Parish, Holbrook, 
Simon, Reed, Potter, Atwell, Sowers, Ogden, Smith, Correll, Bassett, Warner, 
and others. The United Brethren Church, in the southwest corner, was built 
during the last war and the society though small is doing well. No township 
in the county is better supplied with facilities for church going than Swan. The 
citizens are temperate and moral. 

As above stated, the first schoolhouse was built in 1838. Prior to that, in 
1837, Miss Eliza Parker, a cousin to Hiram Parker, taught a term of six 
months in a building that had been built and deserted by Samuel Barkwell. 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 287 

She received $28 for the term, and taught the children of Conrad Cramer, Mr. 
Timmerman, John Strous and others, this term being the first in the township. 
The first teacher in the old schoolhouse, which was built near by, was Cordelia 
Broughton. This lady taught for three consecutive summers in the same 
house, and was then succeeded by her sister, Lucy Broughton. Miss Jane 
Bailey was the next teacher in this house. She was a wee woman, but had 
enough courage for a half-dozen of ordinary females. A young man who went 
to her school was one day whittling a stick unconcernedly in school, when he 
was approached by his teacher, who took the knife away from him, and informed 
the culprit that if he was again caught in such mischief, he would get his jacket 
tanned. This old schoolhouse was used until 1855, when a frame was erected, 
which was used until six years ago, at which time the present fine, two-storied 
brick schoolhouse was constructed. The school is graded, and is one of the 
best in the county. The second schoolhouse was built about 1842, near Hiram 
King's residence ; and the third was erected a year or two later on Section 
7. The next was in the Fulk neighborhood in the southwestern part. In 
1872, B. F. Simon taught a select school in La Otto, in what was known as 
Simon's Hall. School was taught there until 1876, when the present fine 
brick schoolhouse was built at a cost of over $1,000. The first teacher in the 
new house was Joseph Ketchum, a young man of fine ability. 



CHAPTER XIX. 



BY WESTON A. GOODSPEED. 



Washington Township— Roop the First Settler— A Pioneer Pot-Pie— 
Catalogue of Early Settlers — First Township Election — Mr. 
Eagles and the Bear— Saw-Mills, Grist-Mills, Tanneries, Etc.— 
Pioneer Schools and Religious Societies— A Fish Story. 

IN about the year 1833, a tall, broad-shouldered, dark-complexioned man 
named Roop built a small log cabin, not more than twelve feet square, in 
Washington Township. In this small and unpretentious building were domi- 
ciled his sallow-looking wife and some half dozen children, who habitually went 
clothed in nothing but nature's somber garment. In other words, they went 
naked all summer, and at the appearance of real cold weather, clothing of some 
kind was sewed upon them, and not removed until entirely worn off the next 
spring. How they managed to live is one of the mysteries more profound than 
those of Eleusis. It is stated that the children became so dark from exposure, 
that, when sitting on the rail fence surrounding their cabin, they looked like 
turkey buzzards. Others have said that this is not doing the buzzards proper 
justice. All agree, however, in saying that the children were dark. After Mr. 
Roop had lived there a few years, he called a few of his nearest neighbors to 
his assistance in raising a log stable, on which occasion Mrs. Roop set before 



288 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

the hungry men at dinner a large pot-pie, of which all ate with great relish. 
At the conclusion of the meal, one of the men inquired of the children what had 
become of the three or four young wolves which had been captured and tied near 
the house. One of the children promptly replied : " Why, mam cooked 'em in 
the pot-pie." The men survived the announcement, but it is said they tore 
down the stable, although this is probably a mistake. When the Scotts came 
to the township in 1838, Roop had greater improvements on his farm than 
could have been made in less than about three years ; and from the fact that he 
was not the most industrious person in the world, it is to be inferred that he 
either had lived there at least three years, or else some other settler had lived 
on the same place and made some of the improvements. In the absence of any 
facts to prove the presence of such a person, Mr. Roop must be credited with 
having been the first settler. He did not remain long, but journeyed to some 
other localitv. 

About two years after the settlement made by Roop, others began to 
appear, among the earliest being Joseph E. Adair, and his sons John, Samuel, 
and George, Hugh Allison in the southern part, Joseph Galloway, Noah Myers, 
James McEchron, James Duncan, Isaac Stewart, Thomas Scott, John Prickett, 
David Wiley, Phillip Hite, Richard Neal, John Spear, Lindsey McKinson, 
Frederick Starkev, Elisha Moore and others. Still later came Andrew 
Rarick, Ross Rowan, John Spooner, Aaron Bouse, Smith Hunt, Charles Hunt, 
R. D. McKinney, Levi Keister, Roger McDonald, John Ogden, Jacob Grum- 
leich, Peter Gordy, Abraham Goble, Jonathan Hartsock, Fred Harper, John 
Humphreys, John Blain, Joshua Benton, Paul Beezley, James Campbell, 
Michael Bouse, Allen Coons, William Daniels, John Dillon, Palmer W. Earl, 
Jacob Frederick, Daniel Foutz, Amos Wolf, Andrew Wilson, Thomas H. 
Wilson, Samuel Burrell and others. In 1836, there were about ten settlers in 
the township, and within the next five years there came in enough to enter all 
the land. 

Mary (Adair) Correll, daughter of Joseph Adair, who settled in the town- 
ship early in 1837, says that the first township election was held at her father's 
cabin on the 3d of April, 1837. Mr. Adair was elected Justice of the Peace, 
and the first case tried before him was an affaire a" amour. In the spring of 
1838, he married the first couple in the township — Jacob Scott and Lydia 
Lamson — during a heavy combined rain and snow storm. The names of the 
other first officers are not remembered. Mrs. McKinney, whose death occurred 
in the fall of 1838, was the first to die in the township. Mary Prickett, now 
the widow of Aaron Metz, was born on the 20th of February, 1837, her birth 
being the first. The second birth was that of Abigail Adair, afterward Mrs. 
Robert Luckey. At an early day, Leander Eagles, who lived in Sparta Town- 
ship, went down in southern Washington Township to trade a colt for a yoke 
of cattle, and upon his return, as he was driving the cattle along, with the bell 
in the bosom of his wampus, he saw a bear feeding on acorns off a short dis- 




P ■:.-'■ 

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- 







fV^^y^ b^L^fy 




<r~nd . 



WASHINGTON TP. 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 291 

tance. The animal had not perceived him, and he stopped his cattle, and re- 
solved to see how close he could get to Mr. Bruin before the latter would notice 
him. He was without a gun, but carried his heavy ox-whip. He moved cau- 
tiously forward, and, when within about five rods, was scented by the bear, 
which reared up at first, but immediately started off at a rapid rate. It 
jumped into a field where some men were at work, and was turned back, and 
not wishing to cross the lake which lay on the other side, it started back toward 
the spot where Mr. Eagles had first seen it. On it went, and as it had to pass 
along a comparatively narrow ledge, Mr. Eagles determined if possible to inter- 
cept it. He ran with his best efforts, and as the bear passed him, he dealt it a 
lieavy blow with his whip, which had the effect of partially turning it toward 
the lake, into which it plunged, swimming across, and again continuing its re- 
treat through the woods. An effort was made to get the neighboring dogs on 
its track, but the pursuit was finally abandoned. Bears were very scarce, even 
when the county was first settled ; but deer and wolves were every-day sights. 
More than one old settler can tell of having killed four or five deer in almost 
as many minutes, and some can tell of struggles with wounded ones, whereby 
life was endangered. They were often very troublesome to the wheat fields, as 
their favored hour of grazing was just at break of day, usually before the set- 
tler had arisen. Often upon springing from the bed in the morning and glanc- 
ing out, the settler would find a small herd of six or eight pasturing either in 
the garden or wheat field, as fences could not turn them. If one was wanted, 
the rifle was pointed out through the window or door, and at its discharge the 
fattest would fall, and the others go bounding off into the woods at full speed. 
They would mingle with the domestic cattle, and soon became familiar with the 
bells, so that these were often used by hunters in stalking deer. Wolves were 
sometimes very troublesome, and even dangerous. Sheep had to be carefully 
guarded, as had swine and fowls. 

Hugh Allison built the first saw-mill in the township, locating it in the 
southern part, which a number of years ago was annexed to Whitley County. 
It is said that the lumber of which Mr. Galloway's frame house was built (the 
first frame house in the township) was sawed at this mill, which, if true, places 
the erection of the mill back to about the year 1837, or earlier, as the house 
was erected some time before 1840. Here was where the early settlers living 
in the southern part got their building lumber. Those living in the northeastern 
corner found it more convenient to go to Hall's mill in Noble, or to Henshaw's 
in York. In 1848, John Ryder built a saw-mill in the western part, on Tippe- 
canoe River, securing his water-power from a dam that formed a small lake. A 
large, fifteen-foot overshot water-wheel was at first used, but as this was found 
too cumbersome, it was replaced with an improved Adkins wheel. This mill, 
at times, it is said, was one of the best in the county. It continued to run with 
varying success until two years ago, when the old water mill ceased to be. It 

calls to mind the verse — 

oo 



292 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

" Oh, the wasted hours of life 

That have drifted by ! 
Oh, the good we might have done, 

Lost without a sigh ! 
Love that we might once have saved 

By a single word ; 
Thoughts conceived, but never penned, 

Perishing unheard. 
Take the proverb to thine heart — 

Take ! Oh, hold it fast ! 
' The mill will never grind 

With the water that has passed.' " 

Seven years after the erection of the saw-mill, Mr. Ryder also built a two 
and a half storied grist-mill on the same dam. In this were placed three sets 
of stone, and the mill immediately entered upon a prosperous career. The 
quality of the flour has never been good, yet the mill, especially at certain 
times, has had an excellent patronage. Mr. Ryder, being a careless man, did 
not operate it as successfully as his successors. Mr. Henry S. Cobaugh bought 
the mill a few years ago, and last spring it was rented by G. L. Hilt, under 
whose supervision it is now conducted. Three turbine water-wheels are now in 
use. The old mill-dam has been an excellent place to catch buffalo fish, the 
Tippecanoe being about the only stream in the county in which this variety of 
fish is found. A few extravagant stories — fish stories — are told, but the follow- 
ing is well authenticated : Alfred Yohn, Lindsey Makenson and another person, 
on one occasion a number of years ago, caught, in the short space of three 
hours, one hundred and fifty-five buffalo fish, averaging twenty pounds each, the 
smallest weighing sixteen pounds and the largest thirty-seven pounds. There 
were two wagon loads of them. Other persons have caught large numbers, but 
this, so far as known, is the largest "haul." Noah Myers owned and operated 
a saw-mill for a number of years. It did not prove very profitable. Joseph 
Evans, who came to the township in about 1840, opened a tan-yard, which he con- 
ducted for- a few years. Mr. Sawyer owned and conducted a saw-mill about fif- 
teen years ago. It was operated by steam. No villages have been laid out in the 
township. This is a rare virtue, and, to the credit of the citizens, should be 
noised abroad, as about the first thing an early settler thought of was the advis- 
ability of founding a " Rome " or a " Nineveh " on his farm. In the absence 
of a village, it was found necessary, many years ago, to establish a post office 
in dwellings, the first being located at the residence of Isaac Stewart, an early 
settler and the first Postmaster. The office was named Wilmot, a name it yet 
retains, though it has been changed around from house to house a number of 
times. It is convenient, as it brings the mail much closer. 

Washington Township is rich in the remains of the Mound-Builders, a 
race of people who inhabited this country before the Indian occupancy of the 
soil, and of whom the latter had no knowledge, save what had been derived 
from the mounds and other works. Perhaps no other township can boast of 






WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 293 

having these remains so numerous and extensive. There also ran across the 
township, in early years, two important and well-traveled Indian trails, one run- 
ning from the Indian village in Sparta to Fort Wayne, and the other extending 
east and west. The former trail was an important highway for the Indian 
tribes, not only after the white settlers began to appear, but long before the 
feet of white men had pressed the graveled soil of Northern Indiana. It led 
along a "divide," whence it is said two streams force their way, starting within 
a few feet of each other, one flowing into the Tippecanoe, thence onward to the 
Wabash, Ohio, Mississippi and Gulf of Mexico, and the other into the Elkhart, 
thence into the St. Joeeph, the Great Lakes, the River St. Lawrence, and the 
Atlantic Ocean. Washington has one or more valuable cranberry marshes, 
which yield many bushels yearly. 

Education is, in America, par excellence, the great thing to be attained. 
Genius, in whatever direction, is always respected, commanding homage from 
the erudite and great of earth, but it may exist where education is wholly lack- 
ing. Genius is the rich mahogany or spice-wood, untouched by the hand of 
art ; education is the polish or varnish, which gives tone and beauty to the 
crude conditions. But often a poorer wood, one that possesses no native 
excellence of its own, may be made an object of rare loveliness by a skillful 
combination of artistic colors and finishes. So with the human mind. One 
that is dull and drowsy as the tired face of slumber may be made a beautiful 
creation by the developing effects of a scholastic education. So universally has 
this truth been recognized, that education for the masses has climbed to start- 
ling heights and world-wide prominence within the last century. Back in the 
time when history was in its swaddling clothes, it was thought foolish and 
unnecessary that any one should be educated except the priests and ecclesias- 
tics. The common people were taught obedience, agriculture and war. Then 
it was that the people were thought unable to govern themselves ; but soon 
there came a time when schools became popular for all castes, and the people 
began to chant the loved name of Liberty. Countless wars followed dto root out 
the foolish prejudices engendered in a benighted state ; and here we are to- 
day, still warring with the settled convictions of ignorance, encased in barbarie 
armor. The advance of education is slow, and an armed and solid van is pre- 
sented, that surprise and ignominious defeat may be avoided. Let us cheer ok 
the cause of liberty and education. 

School in Washington Township was first taught in dwellings. A few 
families living in the same neighborhood would employ some teacher, for little 
or nothing, to teach their children in an unoccupied room of a double log-cabin,, 
or in a building that had been erected for a dwelling and used as such for a 
time, and then deserted by the owner, who journeyed to some other locality, 
A few rough seats and desks would be provided, and the greatest possible use 
would be made of all books and slates. It is said, that some of the children 
were so poor, though anxious to go to school, that, being without shoes in win- 



294 HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY. 

ter, they would cover their feet as best they could, heat a small piece of board 
very hot at the fire-place, warm their feet thoroughly and then start on the run ? 
with the board in their hands, for the schoolhouse, and when their feet became 
unbearably cold, they would stand on the plank a few minutes, and then take 
it up and rush on again, and so on until the schoolhouse was reached. That is 
not a very satisfactory way to get an education ; at least, it would be extremely 
unpopular at the present day. Dwellings were first used for schoolhouses, and 
at last, when more settlers had appeared, small log schoolhouses were built. 
These, after being used from three to ten years, were replaced with frame ones^ 
and perhaps these again by other frames, and at last, but a few years ago, brick 
buildings were erected. This is, in general, the history of the schoolhouses. 
The first school in the township was taught by Ross Rowan, in 1837, in one 
room of a double log-cabin, owned by Paul Beezley, the other room being occu- 
pied, by the family. The following families probably sent to him: Beezley, 
Adair, Scott, Galloway and others. In 1838, Rufus D. Kinney taught in a 
log cabin on the farm of Joseph Adair. These were the first two terms in the 
township. There are no recollections of school having been taught during the 
year 1839, although there must have been school somewhere. During the 
summer of 1840, a small log schoolhouse, the first in the township, was built 
on Section 23, and the following winter Stephen Martin was employed to teach 
the few children residing in the neighborhood. Sessions of school were held 
here for several years. The building was also used for a number of years as a 
town-house ; but prior to its erection, town meetings were held at the residence 
of Joseph Adair. About three years after the erection of this house, another 
was built on Thomas Wilson's place, and Joseph Galloway, Jr., taught the first 
school. The families that sent to him were Wilson, Stewart, Myers, Galloway, 
Spear, Bull, Prickett and others. Aaron Bouse assisted in building the house. 
A year or two later, the woods got afire and the building was destroyed. School 
was then taught one summer, in the cabin of David Mullen, by Rebecca Sproul, 
and then a. term was taught in Andrew Rank's cabin — in one room — by the 
same teacher. A schoolhouse was then built by the neighbors in one day and 
plastered and provided with seats the next. Eliza Ann Bull was the first 
teacher in this house, and when the frame was built in the same place, about 
1859, Mary Bouse was the first teacher. A log schoolhouse was built quite 
•early near the Galloways, as was also one on the Buckles farm. James Hinman 
taught an early term in Isaac Stewart's cabin, receiving 50 cents per month 
from each scholar, the term being for three months. In about the year 1844, 
a school was taught in a dwelling in the western part, and a year later a ses- 
sion was held in the northeastern part. By 1848, almost every district had its 
■own schoolhouse and regular schools. Brick schoolhouses are found every- 
where. 

The first religious society in Washington Township was organized at the 
residence of John Prickett, by Elder Pullman, a pioneer preacher of the Free- 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 295 

Will Baptist persuasion, in the year 1837. Elder Pullman traveled on very 
long circuits through Southern Michigan and Northern Indiana, and was pre- 
vailed upon to stop long enough in the neighborhood to organize a small society 
of the following families: Prickett, Beezley, Humphrey and others. But the 
society could not survive and did not longer than a few years. No church was 
built, but meetings were held in dwellings and log schoolhouses, until finally 
the society was dissolved and the meetings ceased. Other societies have been 
been instituted during the time from the early settlement to the present in 
schoolhouses throughout the township, but nothing noteworthy has been accom- 
plished. In the year 1861, the only church ever in what is now Washington 
was constructed in the western part by the Lutherans. They were freely 
assisted by outsiders, who realized the social value attached to a church where 
children are growing up. The Rev. Mr. Dillow was the first to preach in the 
church. It was not long ere quite a large congregation was in attendance, and 
the society has been in a prosperous condition since. The building is comfort- 
able and is known as Salem Church. Among the first members were the 
families of Jacob Weigle, Michael Bouse, Israel Cooper, Mr. Hindbaugh and 
Thomas H. Wilson. 



f^J^TtJ 




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



CITY OF KENDALLVILLE. 

LEM. F. ABELL, M. D., druggist, is a native of Seneca County, N. 
Y. Until sixteen years of age he was an assistant upon his father's farm. 
He received fine educational advantages, taking a preparatory course at Water- 
loo, and a graduating course at Hamilton, N. Y., graduating in 1849. He 
then went South, and for one year was engaged in the duties of teacher. Re- 
turning to New York he commenced the study of medicine at Port Byron, 
Cayuga Co., where his studies were protracted for three years, attending two 
courses of lectures at Geneva and one course at Jefferson Medical College, 
where he graduated in 1853. He practiced for nearly one year around his 
home, and then went to Michigan, and practiced there about two years. In 1858, 
he came to Kendallville and commenced in the drug trade, which business, with 
the duties of his medical practice, has engaged his attention up to the present 
time. His store is large, attractive, and well stocked with drugs, medicines, 
glass-ware, wall-paper and druggists' sundries. In 1873, he was married to 
Miss Lona E. Bolton, of Allen County. They have one child — Charles H. 

C. G. AICHELE, City Treasurer, is a native of Germany. He came to 
America in 1853, and settled in New York, where he remained for eight 
months, going from there to South Carolina, where he remained until 1859, 
when he went to Alabama, and thence to Georgia, locating at Rome. His oc- 
cupation was in following his trade of gunsmith, at which he was engaged in 
Rome until he was forced to leave or join the rebel army. Removing to 
Adairsville, Ga., he remained until May, 1864, when he was able to join the 
Northern troops, and came North. He was under strict surveillance during 
his entire residence in the South, and only escaped being conscripted into the 
rebel army by the most strenuous endeavors. Upon reaching Cincinnati, he 
worked there for a short time, removing to Hamilton, and was an employe 
of Gwinn & Campbell, in their gun works, for eight months, and then to Indi- 
anapolis, where for about one year he was employed at his trade and as a ma- 
chinist. In 1866, he came to Kendallville, where he started a gun-shop, which 
he operated until 1873. In 1871, he became the representative of several 
leading fire insurance companies, to which he has devoted a large share of his 
attention since. He now represents the Phcenix, of Hartford and of Brook- 
lyn, Continental, German Assurance, Germania and Niagara, of New York, 
the Liverpool, London and Globe, and the North British and Mercantile In- 
surance Company. He is also agent for the Inman, Cunard, North German 
Lloyd, America and Red Star line of ocean steamships. Mr. Aichcle was 
elected City Treasurer of Kendallville in May, 1873, which office he still holds. 
He is a member of the I. 0. 0. F. and K. of H., the last order of which he 
is Treasurer. In 1856, in South Carolina, he was married to Miss Mary 



298 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Schmeyhal. They have seven children — Mary, Augusta, Julia, Emil, Minnie, 
Annie and Albert. 

G. P. ALEXANDER, of W. W. Glosser & Co., is one of the young 
and progressive business men of Kendallville. He is a native of Pennsylva- 
nia ; came with his mother to Noble County in 1855. He was engaged at the 
trade of brick-laying and plastering, until 1864, when he became First Lieu- 
tenant of Company F, One Hundred and Thirty-ninth Indiana Volunteer In- 
fantry, and was in service until February, 1865. Returning to Kendallville, 
he recruited up Company C, One Hundred and Fifty-second Indiana Volunteer 
Infantry, of which he was Captain ; they remained in service until September, 
1865. Upon returning to Kendallville he resumed his trade, and was engaged 
in that occupation and contracting until 1877, when he received a commission 
in the railway mail service, with a route from Cleveland to Chicago, which re- 
sponsible and arduous position he retained until September, 1881, when he en- 
tered mercantile life in Kendallville, as a member of the firm of W. W. Glosser 
& Co., grocers, to which business his attention is now given. He was united 
in marriage with Miss Olivia Demmon, of Kendallville, in June, 1868. 

I. R. AYERS is the proprieter of one of the leading industries of Ken- 
dallville. Mr. Ayers is a native of Huron County, Ohio, and son of Enoch 
Ayers, who came to Steuben County, Ind., about 1836, one of the pioneers 
and early settlers of that locality. His father was a farmer, and also operated 
a saw-mill, and upon the farm and engaged in the saw-mill our subject passed 
his youthful days until the age of fifteen, when he w T ent to Albion to learn the 
trade of carriage-making with Mr. Hoffman, with whom he remained about 
three years. In 1860, he came to Kendallville, and until 1864 was employed at 
his trade. He then enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirty-ninth Indiana 
Volunteer Infantry, and was in service about five months. Returning home, 
he soon after became a member of the One Hundred and Fifty-second Indiana 
Volunteer Infantry, and remained until the close of the war. Upon his return, 
he resumed his trade, at which he was engaged until 1873, when he started in 
business for himself, and has established a successful trade. He now constructs 
only first-class work in carriages and buggies; also does general repairing. Mr. 
Ayers employs from six to eight workmen at present, and is extending his 
business each year. He is a member of the Masonic order. In 1861, he was 
married to Miss Ellen Eley, of Jefferson Township. They have two children 
— Glenna and Maud. 

J. BITTIKOFFER, jeweler, is a native of Switzerland, where he learned 
his trade of watch maker and jeweler. He came to America in 1858, and settled 
in Crawford County, Ohio, where he remained about one year ; thence to Fort 
Wayne, Ind., where he was engaged at his trade until 1865, when he came to 
Kendallville, and soon after engaged in the jewelry business, to which he has 
since devoted his attention. Mr. Bittikoffer, in addition to carrying a fine 
stock of watches, clocks and jewelry, is a proficient workman in repairing, to 
which department he gives especial attention. He is a member of the Masonic 
order, advanced to Knight Templar, and an enterprising, progressive citizen. 
Mr. Bittikoffer was married in 1864, in Fort Wayne, to Miss Katherina Wolf. 
They have six children — Fred 0., Rosa, John, Lillie and Louie (twins), and 
Katherina. 

JAMES A. BRACE, contractor and builder, is a native of Monroe County, N. 
Y. He learned his trade in Elmira, N. Y., following it after his apprenticeship, for 
three years, in that State. He then came to Ohio, and for five years was engaged 



CITY OF KENDALLVILLE. 299 

in the prosecution of his business at Springfield. In 1858, he came to Kendall- 
ville, where he has since been identified, and where he is now recognized as one of 
the leading contractors and superintendents. Kendallville has had many of its 
public buildings erected under his supervision, and all over northern Indiana 
he has erected superior structures. Among the many, we briefly name the 
La Grange County Jail, the Mitchell, Able and Brust, Black and Krueger 
Blocks, of Kendallville ; many of the public blocks of Ligonier, and in 1881 he 
secured a contract on the Warsaw Court House. Mr. Brace has served on the 
Council, and been City Marshal of Kendallville. He is a genial and enter- 
prising citizen, and possesses superior business qualifications. He is a Master 
Mason, and a member of the K. of H. He was married, 1862, to Miss Phedora 
Decker. They have two children — Howard and Adah L. 

W. & J. R. BUNYAN, druggists, are sons of Robert and Hellen (Russell) 
Bunyan, who came from Saratoga County, N. Y., to Lima, La Grange County, 
Ind., at an early date, settling upon a farm. Here the mother died in 1856, their 
father, subsequently removing to Batavia, 111., in 1859, where he remained 
until his death, in 1864. The family consisted of four children ; the subjects 
of this sketch, Mrs. Kate E. Reed, of Kendallville, and Mrs. Helen M. Ostran- 
der, of Kalamazoo, Mich. W. and J. R. Bunyan, are natives of Saratoga 
County, N. Y., and until 1859 were associated upon the home farm, in La 
Grange County, after their removal thither. In 1859, they began their busi- 
ness career in Kendallville, where they have been continuously engaged up to 
the present writing, and now represent one of the oldest and most substantial 
drug houses in Northern Indiana. William has taken a leading interest in 
politics, and in 1872 was elected State Representative from the counties of 
Noble and La Grange, which position of honor he filled most credibly for four 
years. He was married, in August, 1870, to Miss Cornelia R. Hudson, of 
Noble County. They have had one child, Mable Grace, deceased. J. R. Bun- 
yan was united in marriage, in 1868, to Miss Rebecca Barnum, of West Unity, 
Ohio ; they have five children — Winnifred, Robert, George B., Walter W. 
and James R. He is a member of the K. of H. and Chosen Friends. Has 
served the township two terms as Trustee. 

H. BURGWITZ, grocer, is the successor to G. C. Glatte, deceased, who 
came to Kendallville in 1854, and about 1857, started the " Pioneer " grocery 
house, which business he successfully conducted until his death in January, 
1879. Mr. Glatte was a prominent and respected citizen and business man, 
and served as a member of the City Council ; his wife, whose maiden name was 
Miss Laura Grate, is still living in Kendallville ; she has three children — 
Bertha, Willie and Charles. Mr. Burgwitz is a native of Berlin, Germany ; 
he came to America in 1877, and was associated with Mr. Glatte until his 
death, subsequently managing the business for the estate until 1881, when he 
became the owner. He carries a full line of groceries, crockery, etc., and has 
a thriving trade. Mr. Burgwitz is a member of the K. of H., and in Masonry 
is a Knight Templar. 

CHARLES COLLINS, foreman of the finishing department of John 
Deibele's sash, door and blind manufactory, is a native of Pennsylvania, and in 
1840 moved with his parents to Ohio. They settled in Defiance County, 
where, upon a farm, our subject passed his earlier days. He then learned the 
carpenter's trade, and after a short period, came to Noble County, first locating 
at Wolcottville. He was identified with the contracting and building interest 
of Noble and La Grange Counties for over twenty-five years. He came to 



300 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Kendallville in 1879, and became associated with the establishment of John 
Deibele, and is now the foreman of the finishing department of that institution. 
He enlisted in 1863, in Company C, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Illmois 
Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war, being mustered out 
as Second Lieutenant. He passed through some severe and trying service, 
participating in eight of the leading battles. Mr. Collins was united in mar- 
riage, in 1858, to Miss Isabella Newman. They have two children — Ora and 
Minnie M. 

JOHN DEIBELE, manufacturer and dealer in lumber and hard- 
ware, is a native of Germany. In 1853, he became a citizen of the United 
States, settling in Adrian, Mich. In 1855, he came to Kendallville, 
where he has been connected with the business interests ever since. He 
operated a saw-mill several years, subsequently learning the carpenter's trade, 
which occupied his attention for about sixteen years. In 1873, he started his 
present business, upon a small scale, and has, by judicious management and 
good financiering, established a business which takes rank among the leading 
industries of Noble County. He is a wholesale and retail dealer in lumber, 
laths, shingles, hardware, paints, oils, etc., and manufacturer of sash, doors, 
blinds, etc., running extensive planing and saw-mills, and employing in his 
establishment from twelve to eighteen men. Mr. Deibele is a fair type of a 
"self-made man." Beginning life in a strange country, he has, in a compara- 
tively few years, established a splendid business through pluck, industry and 
honorable business dealings. He has served upon the City Council, and takes 
interest in all movements of progress. He was united in marriage with Miss 
Anna Wingarth, in 1861. She died in 1873, leaving four children — Augus- 
tus, Amelia, Kate and Louisa. In 1875, he married a second wife, Miss Rosa 
Roop ; by her he had two children — Lydia and John. 

JEFF DUNBAR, books, stationery and news, is a native of Canton, Stark 
Co., Ohio, and son of R. A. Dunbar, who has been for many years a prominent 
citizen and connected with the Sheriff's office of that county. Upon the breaking- 
out of the rebellion, our subject, who was at that period employed in the mercan- 
tile business at Tiffin, Ohio, returned to Canton and enlisted in Company I, Nine- 
teenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He saw four years' active and severe service, 
participating in several of the leading battles of the war — Corinth, the Atlanta 
campaign and the Texas expedition of the Third Division of the Fourth Corps. 
He was mustered out in October, 1865, at which time he was acting as Orderly 
Sergeant. In 1866, he came to Kendallville, and in association with A. Koontz 
established his present business. The partnership lasted only a few months, 
since which time he has been in business alone. His stock is choice, well 
selected, and complete, and his establishment of great benefit to the city of 
Kendallville. 

ENGEL & CO., clothing and merchant tailors. This firm comprises two 
business men of long and successful experience. Joseph Kaufraann came to 
Noble County in the spring of 1856, locating at Ligonier, when he embarked in 
business with Strauss Bros., under firm name of Strauss & Kaufmann, dealers in 
clothing and general merchandise, which association lasted until the fall of 1864, 
when he went to New York and remained in business until 1880. He formed a 
partnership in Kendallville in 1862 with Moses Jacobs, under firm name of Kauf- 
mann & Jacobs, which business was condctued by Jacobs until 1869. The firm of 
Engel & Co. was formed in 1867, when Mr. Kaufmann became connected with 
J. Engel, in the clothing, gents' furnishing, and merchant tailoring business, 



CITY OF KENDALLVILLE. 301 

with Mr. Engel as the managing partner. They carry a large and extensive 
stock and do a successful business. Mr. Kaufmann returned in 1880 and settled 
upon his farm, consisting of 160 acres of finely improved land, located near 
Kendallville, and is also giving his attention to his business connection in the 
city. J. Engel became a resident of Kendallville in 1865, when he began his 
business career with the firm of Kaufmann & Jacobs, with whom he remained 
two years. He then became a partner with Mr. Kaufmann in their present 
business, to which he has since devoted his attention, and the extended trade 
that the firm enjoys is the result of his wise and judicious management. He 
is a Council member of the Masonic Order, and a citizen of worth and progress. 
One of the leading features of this establishment is the merchant tailoring de- 
partment, in which they have established an extended trade. They carry a 
splended line of piece goods, and have in their employ a practical cutter, there- 
by enabling them to turn out stylish and well-fitting garments. In all depart- 
ments this firm will be found to be among the leaders. The firm was dissolved 
February 13, 1882 (since the above notice was put in type), and the business 
is now carried on solely by Jonas Engle. 

S. W. FISH, grocer, is a native of Albany County, N. Y. His parents re- 
moved to Crawford County, Penn., when he was quite young, where, upon a 
farm, he was raised. In 1844, he went to Akron, Ohio, where he remained for 
nearly fourteen years engaged in the mercantile and bakery business. His next 
venture was in the grocery trade in Cleveland, where he remained until 1860, 
when he came to Kendallville and engaged in the hotel business, remaining two 
years, thence to Ligonier, where he was connected with a hotel about the same 
length of time. He then removed to La Porte, Ind., where for four years he was 
proprietor of a hotel. At the expiration of this time, he returned to Crawford 
County, Penn., where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits upon his father's 
old farm. Returning to Kendallville in 1875, he started his present business, 
to which he has since devoted his attention. Since 1878, associated with his 
sons, George M. and John W., under firm name of S. W. Fish & Sons. They 
carry a large stock of groceries and general produce, and are one of the leading 
business houses of Kendallville. Mr. Fish has served as member of the City 
Council two years. He was united in marriage with Miss Orrilla Ford, of 
Ashtabula County, Ohio, in 1836. They have two sons. George M. married 
in 1871 to Miss Eunice Trace, of Pennsylvania ; they have two children — Alice 
J. and an infant. John W. was married in 1875 to Miss Laura J. Stanley. 

F. P. FORD, photographer, is a native of New York State, and when a 
youth came with his parents to Adrian, Mich. His first business experience 
was in a printing office, where he was engaged for some years in the job and 
press work department, in which he became proficient. In 1862, he began 
learning his present art, continuing in Adrian until 1868, when he came to 
Kendallville, located, and has been in successful operation ever since. Mr. 
Ford is anxious to excel in his art, and has been a constant student of all of 
the many improvements in photography ; that he has succeeded, his superior 
work attests. His work bears the reputation of the best in Northern Indiana, 
which, coupled with reasonable charges, renders his trade extended. He was 
united in marriage, in 1869, with Miss Emma E. Allsbaugh, of Adrian, Mich. 

AUGUSTUS P. FRINK was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., and at 
the age of nine years came with his parents to this county. When eighteen 
years of age, he entered mercantile life as clerk in Fort Wayne, and was in 
same capacity subsequently, in Ligonier. In 1853, and until 1857, he was in 



302 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

trade for himself in Goshen, Ind. Soon after this he entered the Clerk's office 
of this county as an assistant. In 1862, he became a member of Company A, 
First Indiana Heavy Artillery, and had three years' service in the army. 
Returning home, he entered the employ of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern 
Railroad, subsequently serving the same company as station agent in Ohio, 
returning to Kendallville, where he filled the same position, being in their 
employ about nine years. He then for a time conducted a hardware business, 
since which his occupation has been varied. At the age of twenty-one, Mr. 
Frink was married to Rebecca Teal ; seven children were born to them, two 
dying in infancy. Nathan Frink, the father of A. P., was born in Oneida 
County, N. Y., in 1800, and at the age of twenty-one was married to Marian 
Pease, of Lewis County, same State. They had six children, the eldest dying 
in infancy. In 1836, the family came to this county, and settled in York 
Township, where the mother died in 1837. In 1842, Myra E., the eldest 
daughter, married William Pool, who subsequently died ; she then became the 
wife of Isaac Jopp. She had three children by her first husband, and two by 
the second. Harriet B., the second daughter, in 1849 married Nathaniel P. 
Eagles, and had eight children. Agnes E. became the wife of Thomas M. 
Eagles in 1854, and had seven children. Charles S., the youngest son, was 
married in 1858 to Isabel Vermilyea ; she dying, he married again a few years 
later ; he was the father by first wife of three children, and of four by second. 
Nathan Frink married for his second wife Achsa Kent ; they had four children. 
His wife died in 1874, and in July, 1878, he died in Elkhart County, Ind., at 
the age of seventy-eight. He was a citizen of good standing, serving as Justice 
of the Peace for several years, and as Assessor. 

JOHN L. GALLUP, lumber dealer and farmer, son of Rufus B. and Abi- 
gail (Reynolds) Gallup, natives of New York and pioneer settlers of Wayne Town- 
ship, Noble County, located on Section 26 in 1850, which land his father had 
purchased some years previous. His parents remained upon their farm until 1874, 
when they removed to Kendallville. where his mother still resides, his father 
dying in 1876. He was a successful farmer, an honored citizen, and, with his 
wife, a consistent member of the M. E. Church. Three of their children are 
now living — Luthena Jones, of Wayne Township ; Adeline Wright, of the same 
township, and the subject of this sketch, who is a native of Saratoga County, 
N. Y. He has devoted much of his past life to farming operations, and 
is still the owner of the old homestead farm. In 1876, he added to his enter- 
prises a saw-mill and brick and tile yard, which he still operates, and, in 1879, 
moved to Kendallville, forming a partnership with A. 0. Hamilton in lumber- 
ing interests. This business the firm of Hamilton & Gallup are pushing to 
extensive and successful issues, and with their one-half interest in the Reed, 
Hamilton & Gallup Handle Manufactory, form one of the leading business 
houses of the county. Mr. Gallup is a Knight Templar, an officer in the 
Grand State Council of Chosen Friends, and a member of the K. of EL. He 
has assessed Wayne Township six times on personal property, and twice on real 
estate, and is one of the promising, active and progressive young business men 
of Northern Indiana. He was united in marriage, in 1864, to Miss Martha E. 
Young, a daughter of Jacob Young, one of the early settlers of Wayne Town- 
ship ; they have one child — Rufus B. 

WILLIAM GEDDIS, blacksmith, is a native of Richland County, Ohio. . 
He learned his trade in Knox County, Ohio, where he remained two years, subse- 
quently working one year in Richland County, and then, in 1852, came to 



CITY OF KENDALLVILLE. 80S 



xi 1,1 rw,*„ Tnri where he has been identified ever sinee. Mr. Geddis first 
2nM?n Jeffe'r on T^nship where he remained two years. Orange Town- 
settled in Je nerson i0 ™ b 1 > uin „ his calling there ahout six years. He 
ship next became hs residence pureug ie | ^ ^jj,. 

^"w'Tout six «ars ate whi h he became a resident of Kendallville, where 
bon for about six years, ?™rw consic lered a first-class mechanic, and 

he still continues in his business He _ia eons «e j 

is well known all over the county. Mr Gedds mar.ed^^^^ y 

t:^! %z°i% a ::A%i u. *, »— a. «* Se th 8 . 

Mr. Geddis is a member o^OJ.J. ^ ^ rs 

of his professionln Northern Indiana. He is a nat ve of Columbiana Coung, 
O^ndtas ^tified upon U^g^£2E&2& 
T*Z"l* - y fo r f tw„1e C ars e ^fsopp.emented his studies by a course 

York TlS 7^ he S Kendallville. In his practice here he has met 
„I (fmcrinTsuccess Dr. Gilbert adds to his practical knowledge all ra- 
with flattering succe=, u discoveries that are being made 

tT Wa fe 1 Medtaf 6o,lef e w^Mel° institution he ? has been identified 
*ort Wayne ivieuicai v^u ,, oitizen he s ovial and popular. 

1^872 T£. wl° maSe n to a ML C1 lSle Chapman, of Ligonier 
daughter'of Hon G W. Chapman. They have two children l,ving-Eva and 
cufl their ddest daughter, Lillian, died when four years of age. 

SkS? SS£ KTeSkedt r P ^tT^ f suS| 

S ! f»e^ 

Ts^embl, 1881, Mr. Cesser associated with him m partnership M.G. 

L" a e r r tTd U :n er a p£ £Z tJul^Lt being progressive, and 
irpLing wfil dUtiss^oon take a leading position . amongst ebsn 
bouses of Kendallville. Mr. Glosser was married n 1873 to M ss Josepn me 
Demmon a daughter of Leonard Demmon, one of the pioneer settlers of Allen 
Township. Mr. Demmon is now a resident of Kendallville. 

In intellectual force he matured early, and at the age oi sevemee. 

the publication of a paper at Warsaw, Ind. Since attaining his majority, he has 



304 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : 

almost constantly held some public position. During the administration of 
Franklin Pierce he was appointed Postmaster at Warsaw, and served two years, 
when he resigned. An election was held to fill the position, but the result was 
ignored by the department at Washington, and as showing the reliance placed 
upon his sound judgment, the First Assistant Postmaster General wrote to him, 
saying : " If you will not hold the office any longer, please designate your 
successor." In 1858, Mr. Graves removed to Columbia City and was shortly 
after elected Clerk of the corporation. In 1860, he was appointed Deputy 
United States Marshal to take the United States Census of Whitley County. 
In the winter of 1861-62, he removed to Kendallville, and in the spring was 
elected Justice of the Peace for Wayne Township, and served twelve consecutive 
years. Just before the expiration of the last term, he was elected Mayor of 
Kendallville, serving six years. He then declined another re-election. The 
Common Council then appointed him City Attorney, and at the end of two 
years was re-appointed, which position he still fills. Though constantly in 
official office, Mr. Graves is not a politician, but gives his attention to his busi- 
ness. He is what may be termed an office lawyer, and though delicate in ap- 
pearance, the amount of business transacted by him is almost incredible. In 
addition to his professional business, he gives some attention to the mercantile 
trade, being associated with his son as James Graves & Co., who carry a line 
of groceries and provisions. He belongs to the Masonic Order. 

J. H. HASTINGS, carriage and buggy warerooms, has for over twenty 
years been a resident of Kendallville. He is a native of Boston, Mass., where 
at the age of thirteen, he commenced learning the painter's trade. He remained 
with the Slade & Widon carriage works for nine years in Boston, and went 
thence to Cleveland and entered the employ of 0. W. Hurlbut, and was employed 
by him ten years on fine carriage painting. After one year spent in travel- 
ing, he located in Kendallville. Mr. Hastings is a natural mechanic, and in 
the line of fine carriage painting has no superiors in Northern Indiana. He 
keeps constantly on hand at the warerooms, carriages, buggies, phaetons, etc., 
and does general repairing in all branches, trimming, painting, woodwork, 
blacksmithing, and also deals in second-hand buggies. His location in Kendall- 
ville is permanent, and his reputation for superior work extended. He ranks 
as one of the prosperous and enterprising citizen of Noble County. He is a 
member of the I. 0. 0. F., advanced to the Ligonier Encampment. 

H. L. HELMAN, grocery and produce, is a son of R. P. Helman, and a 
native of Allen Township, Noble County, Ind. He commenced an active busi- 
ness career when sixteen years of age, during the late war buying horses for the 
army, in association with his father. He then went to Michigan and was en- 
gaged in the lumber business and in dealing in horses until 1867, when he went 
to Iowa, buying land in Henry County, and followed farming, attending school 
in the meantime at Mt. Pleasant, and handling stock for three years ; he pur- 
chased this stock in Missouri and the Indian Territory, shipping it to the east. 
Returning to Indiana, he purchased a farm near Lisbon, soon after trading for 
a hardware store in Kendallville, which he conducted, in association with his 
father, for five years, doing a large and successful trade and carrying a valuable 
stock. He then sold out on account of ill health, went to the West and was 
dealing in land until January, 1877, when he returned to Kendallville and 
commenced a broker's business, also as commercial traveler for a Bryan (Ohio) 
manufacturing company, continuing about three years. In the meantime, had 
engaged in the grocery and produce trade, to which he now devotes his atten- 



CITY OF KENDALLVILLE. 305 

tion. Mr. Helman carries a fine line of groceries, and is also an extensive 
shipper of apples, produce, etc. He is an enterprising and wide-awake business 
man, and a citizen of value to Kendallville. He is a Knight Templar and a 
fifth-degree member of I. 0. 0. F. Mr. Helman was married in April 4, 1871, 
to Miss Maria Merchant, a native of Adrian, Mich. ; they have two children, 
Robert and Claude. 

R. P. HELMAN (deceased), was a native of Center County, Penn. 
His parents removed to Wayne County, Ohio, when he was a youth, settling 
upon a farm near Wooster, where the remainder of their days were passed. 
Our subject, in 1836, came with D. S. Simons to Noble County, and located 
some land near Lisbon. Returning to Ohio, they remained until 1844, when 
the two families came to this county in a one-horse wagon, settling upon their 
land in Allen Township. Mr. Helman was an active and progressive man, at 
various times engaged in mercantile and milling enterprises. In 1850, he re- 
moved to Grant County, Wis, remaining there only one year, then returning 
remained here until his death, in 1872. He was for several years a resident 
of Kendallville, and, in connection with his son, H. L. Helman, carried on the 
hardware trade for several years. He was a member of the Methodist Church, 
and a typical pioneer. His wife, whose maiden name was Louisa M. Smith, 
was a native of Stark County, Ohio, and daughter of Ralph Smith. She is 
now living with her son in Kendallville. Three children from this union now 
survive : H. L. Helman, in Kendallville ; Doran and Gordon in Kansas ; five 
are deceased — Ralph, Juline Sherman, Marv, Elizabeth and Lucretia. 

WILLARD C. JACKSON is a son of Eldad and Olive Jackson, the 
former a native of Kentucky, the latter of New York. Willard Jackson was 
born in New York, Delaware County, April 3, 1818, and there remained until 
he came to La Grange County, in 1844. Here he remained about seven years, 
then moved to Steuben County, and in 1865 to Kendallville, since which time 
he has made this place and vicinity his home. He owns valuable town prop- 
erty, besides a farm of 80 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson have a family of 
twelve children ; the eldest was born in 1840. 

E. G. JOHNSON, contractor and builder, is a native of Virginia. His 
parents were pioneer settlers of Seneca County, Ohio, and at an early day 
came to Jefferson Township, Noble County, settling upon a farm. His father, 
William Johnson, remained there until his death ; his mother still survives. 
Our subject remained with his parents upon the farm until he was seventeen 
years of age. He then learned his trade, and has followed it ever since, achiev- 
ing a splendid reputation as a workman and builder. He came to Kendallville 
in 1858, where his home was established and has remained. In 1858, he con- 
structed the old schoolhouse. In 1859, he built the first Methodist Church and 
many other of the old buildings of the community. His work of later years is to 
be seen all over the surrounding country, and ranks among the best. He is a 
citizen of established integrity and worth ; has served upon the City Council, 
and is a member of the Masonic fraternity. He married in 1859 Miss Emily 
J. Kerr, daughter of John C. Kerr, Esq. They have three children — Willie 
C, George B. and Ina P. 

W. C. JOHNSTON, proprietor of tannery, is a native of Canada, where 
he learned his trade. He came to the United States when twenty-two years of 
age, going to Rochester, N. Y., where he was employed two years, subsequently 
going to Spencerport, a town near Rochester, where he remained twelve years, 
working at his trade. In 1864, he came to Kendallville, where he has since 



306 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

resided. He was employed at first at his trade, subsequently, 1871, formed a 
partnership with Mr. Oviatt, which lasted two years, at the expiration of which 
he bought out his partner, since which time he has conducted business alone. 
Mr. Johnston has a complete institution of its kind, and manufactures superior 
grades of leather, also doing custom tanning. He is an honorable business 
man, and a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In the 
order of Masonry he is a Master. Mr. Johnston was married in New York 
State to Miss Mary Kinney in the year 1852. They have one child — Mrs. 
Dora Waltman, wife of J. G. Waltman, cashier First National Bank of Ken- 
dallville. 

J. KELLER & CO., general merchandise. This is one of the most 
enterprising commercial firms in Northern Indiana. In 1862, M. Jacobs, after 
six years' business experience at Ligonier, came to Kendallville, and, in associa- 
tion with J. Kaufmann, under firm name of Jacobs & Kaufmann, began a 
general mercantile business. In 1864, J. Keller became a partner. In 1869, 
Kaufmann retired, and Jacobs & Keller conducted the business until 1871, 
when J. Kann became connected with them, continuing until 1876, when he 
retired from the business, since which time the partners have been M. Jacobs 
and J. Keller. Their salesrooms are commodious and their trade extensive. 
They carry a large stock of dry goods, boots and shoes, carpets, etc., also a full 
line of gents' furnishing goods and ready-made clothing, making a specialty of 
merchant tailoring. This latter department is under the charge of Mr. Wolff, 
a courteous gentleman, with a long business experience. To Mr. Keller, the 
managing partner, a large share of the prosperity which this firm enjoys is due. 
He is a shrewd buyer and possesses progressive views. He has served on the 
City Council and is a Mason. Keller & Kann consist of M. Jacobs, J. Kel- 
ler and J. Kann. They handle yearly a large amount of grain and general 
produce, in which business they are the most extensive in Kendallville. J. 
Kann, the manager, came to Indiana in 1854, and was for several years in bus- 
iness in De Kalb County. In 1859, he went to Ligonier, where, until 1870, he 
was a partner with Sol Mier. He then came to Kendallville, where he has 
since lived. 

JAMES B. KIMBALL, commercial traveler, is a native of Monroe 
County, N. Y. His parents moved, when he was a youth, to Maumee City, 
Lucas Co., Ohio, where they resided until their death. Our subject, at the 
age of twenty-two, went to Akron, Ohio, and learned the machinist's trade, 
where he remained from 1842 until 1850, engaged at mechanical work. In 
1850, he went to Defiance, Ohio, and started a foundry and machine-shop, 
which is in successful operation at the present time. Mr. Kimball conducted 
these works for three years, at the expiration of which he removed to Adrian, 
Mich., and was in the machine-shops of the Michigan Southern Railroad for 
three years. He next embarked in the mercantile trade, running a retail 
grocery house there for one year, and, in 1857, commenced his career as a 
commercial traveler, and in which he has passed the last quarter of a century, 
for the past twenty-three years without losing a day's time. He began travel- 
ing for a Toledo grocery house, with whom he continued two years; thence to 
Cleveland, Ohio, representing a boot and shoe house for over six years, and then 
representing a New York house in the same line of trade for nearly the same 
period. In April, 1871, he again became the representative of a Toledo gro- 
cery house, and in that line of business he is still engaged. Mr. Kimball has 
traveled over about the same territory during his career — Ohio, Michigan and 



CITY OF KENDALLVILLE. 307 

Indiana. He selected Kendallville as his home in 1861, where he has been an 
enterprising and valued citizen ever since, taking an active interest in the 
advancement of the city and in building it up. He has serve! upon the City 
Council, and upon the School Board, being a member of the latter at the time 
the schoolhouse was built. Mr. Kimball is one of the prominent and leading 
members of the I. 0. 0. F. of the State of Indiana. He was admitted to 
Summit Lodge in Akron, Ohio, in 1845, and was a charter member of Apollo 
Lodge, No. 61, of Middlebury, Ohio. Since coming to Indiana, he has filled 
all of the offices of the Grand Lodge "of the State, in 1876 being Grand Mas- 
ter, and in 1877 and 1878 represented the Grand Lodge of the State at the 
meeting of the Grand Lodge of the United States, held at Baltimore. In 
Masonry, he is a Knight Templar. He was admitted in Toledo April 21, 1858 ; 
demitted and joined at Kendallville in 1861. He was one of the charter mem- 
bers of Apollo Commandery, No. 19, of Kendallville, and in 1877 and 1880, 
during the triennials at Cleveland and Chicago, was Eminent Commander. He 
is also a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Kimball was united in 
marriage, December 17, 1814, with Miss Sophia D. Tyler, a native of Summit 
County, Ohio. They have one child — Charles D. 

J. M. KINNY, livery, is a native of Illinois, and went out as a mem- 
ber of Company II, Seventy-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was in 
active service three years, participating in several of the leading battles of the 
rebellion. Upon his return, he practiced his profession of veterinary surgery 
for several years. He next was contracting upon the construction of railroads 
until 1872, when he returned to Illinois and engaged in merchandising for three 
years, subsequently engaging at farming one year. In 1877, he came to Ken- 
dallville, since which time he has been engaged in veterinary practice and the 
livery business ; in the latter, associated with William Hall. He is a member 
of the Society of Chosen Friends. Mr. Kinney married, in 1870, Miss Jennie 
L. McCune. They have two children — Bernice H. and Clarence M. 

HERMAN KRUEGER, wholesale wines and liquors, is a native of 
Germany. He came to America in the spring of 1853, and settled in Kendall- 
ville, which at that period consisted of only a few houses. Here he has been 
identified up to the present writing. In 1856, he embarked in the grocery 
business with R. Miller, which association lasted about one year. For a period 
of years, up to 1864, he was mainly engaged in real estate. He then again 
entered in partnership with Miller, continuing until 1867, when they dissolved 
partnership. His next enterprise was the building of the present Kelley 
House, in which building he conducted a grocery trade until 1870, when he 
started in his present business. Mr. Krueger has added much to business 
interests of Kendallville, his latest enterprise being the " Krueger Block," on 
the corner of Main and Mitchell streets. This block consists of three fine 
salesrooms, is two stories in height and neatly trimmed, built under the contract 
of James Brace. Mr. K. has served one term as member of the Common 
Council, and, in May, 1881, was re-elected. Is a member of the K. of H. 

JULIUS LANG, County Treasurer and merchant, is a native of Ger- 
many, and emigrated to America in 1849. He first located in New York, 
where he engaged in his trade of shoemaking. subsequently engaging in 
the boot and shoe trade in Brooklyn, which he continued for seventeen 
years. He next moved to Kendallville, when he embarked in the boot 
and shoe business, and which he is still conducting. He was elected 

Treasurer of Noble County in October, 1880, and is now serving in that 

pp 



308 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

capacity. Mr. Lang has served the city of Kendallville as Councilman for 
two terms, and as Treasurer of the Board of Education for three years. He 
ranks as one of the solid substantial business men of Kendallville, and, as a 
citizen, is progressive and enterprising. He was united in marriage, in 1850, 
to Miss Katherine Dietrich. They have eight children now living — Emily 
Bohn, a resident of Michigan ; Henry, Julius, Herman, George, Louisa, Minerva 
and John. 

JOHN H. LOHMAN, of G. H. Lohman & Co., druggists and manufact- 
urers of patent medicines, is a native of Germany ; he came to America in 
1869, and for four years was engaged in various occupations in New York City, 
after which he came to Kendallville, and was an employe of Miller & Duerr for 
one year ; he then went to Bryan, Ohio, where he was engaged in the dry 
goods business for two years. At the expiration of this period, he returned to 
Kendallville, and was employed as a traveling salesman by his brother, G. H. 
Lohman, for the sale of his patent medicines. In 1877, he was admitted as a 
partner, since which time he has been the manager of the manufacturing depart- 
ment. He was married, in 1879. to Miss Mollie Reber, of Kendallville. 

G. H. LOHMAN, of G. H. Lohman & Co., druggists and manufacturers 
of patent medicines, is a native of Germany. He became a citizen of the 
United States in 1865, and for one year was engaged in a drug store in Fort 
Wayne, coming to Kendallville in 1866 with the business interests of which 
he has since been identified. He was connected with the drug firm of Beyer, 
Meyer & Brother, until they sold out to Erickson & Bicknell, with whom he 
remained until 1869 when he went to Ann Arbor and entered the University 
of Michigan, from the pharmacy department of which he graduated in 1871. 
Returning to Kendallville, he engaged with W. & J. R. Bunyan, druggists, 
with whom he remained eight months. In the fall of 1871, he established 
his present business ; since 1877 associated with his brother, John H. 
Lohman, under firm name of G. H. Lohman & Co. In addition 
to a large stock of drugs, medicines, etc , they manufacture six patent 
medicines, two of which, Dr. Marshall's Lung Syrup and Dr. Marshall's 
Bromoline, have an extensive sale, and are made a specialty. Mr. Lohman 
is a member of the Board of School Trustees, of which he is also Treasurer. 
He was married, in 1873, to Miss Mary Brust, of Kendallville, daughter of 
Charles Brust, a deceased merchant of former prominence. They have three 
children. 

S. J. M. LOOMIS, dry goods, notions, etc., is a native of Port- 
age County, Ohio. In 1855, he came to Kendallville and engaged 
as clerk for George F. Clark, one of the first dry goods merchants 
of Kendallville, coming there from Medina, Ohio, in 1855, and in busi- 
ness until 1861. Mr. Loomis was associated as an assistant with Mr. 
Clark until 1861, when he embarked in business for himself, at Corunna, Ind., 
where he remained only nine months. Returning to Kendallville, he began 
business for himself, where he has since remained. Mr. Loomis is now the 
oldest dry goods man in business in Kendallville. He carries a large stock of 
dry goods, notions, boots, shoes, etc., and has secured a large and extended 
trade, which he manages successfully, giving his exclusive time and attention to 
its management. He is a member of the City Council and an advanced Mason, 
being a member of Kendallville Blue Lodge, Chapter, Commandery and Coun- 
cil. He was married, March 20, 1861, to Miss Angeline E. Fowler, a native 
of Huron County, Ohio. They have three children — Homer, Harry and 
Morton. 



CITY OF KENDALLVILLE. 309 

HENRY J. LONG, editor and proprietor of the Kendallville Standard, 
is the oldest son of Michael F. and Jane C. Long, natives of Maryland. 
The marriage of Mr. Long's parents was solemnized at Georgetown, Penn., 
though their youth was spent in Lancaster County, of the same State. At an 
early day, they immigrated to Wayne County, Ohio, and subsequently, in 1836, 
removed to Auburn, Do Kalb County, Ind., where they resided until their 
death. On the 1st of March, 1846, Henry J. Long was born in a log cabin 
near Auburn, De Kalb County, and here his youth was passed. Fair educa 
tional advantages were afforded him at Auburn, in the earlier part of his youth, 
but in March, 1860, he began his career as a printer, in the office of the Waterloo 
Press, where he remained working diligently until the spring of 1865, when he 
enlisted in Company A, Twenty-first Indiana Volunteer Infantry. When his 
term of service expired, at the close of the war, he came home, and purchased 
a one-half interest in the Waterloo Press, retaining the same until the spring 
of 1867. The following year, he entered the Standard office, at Kendallville. 
as foreman, and served in that capacity twelve successive years, and then pur- 
chased the entire paper, and has since been editor and proprietor. Under his 
management, the circulation of the Standard has been almost doubled, the cir- 
culation being largest of any in the county. Mr. Long is a practical printer, 
and was, during one winter, in the Public Printing Department of the Govern- 
ment, at Washington, D. C. He has also been in the employ of the Chicago 
Times. He is a genial, whole-souled gentleman, an active Republican, and has 
worked faithfully for the success of his party. He is a Knight Templar, and 
is a fifth degree member of the Odd Fellows. On the 3d of February, 186D V 
he was united in marriage with Miss Louise M. Rogers, of Rome City, Ind. 
Two children have been born to this union — Charles and Arthur. Mrs. Long 
is a lady of culture, and furnishes many interesting articles for the Standard, 

V. C. MAINS, attorney at law, is a native of Belmont County, Ohio. 
His parents subsequently moved to Muskingum County, where upon a farm our 
subject passed his boyhood days. He received good advantages of education, 
and at the age of eighteen commenced teaching, which he followed for three 
years ; in the meantime commencing the reading of law, with J. M. Buell, of 
Dresden, with whom he remained until he was admitted to bar of Ohio, in 1854. 
He commence the practice of his profession immediately in Muskingum County, 
where he remained until 1856, when he came to Noble County, Ind. He- 
located at Albion, remaining in practice there for three years, during two of 
which he served as prosecuting attorney for the counties of Noble and Whitley. 
In 1859, he became a resident of Kendallville, where he has been associated 
ever since, being one of the oldest lawyers in practice there. He is one of the 
progressive spirits of Kendallville, and a citizen of advanced standing and worth. 
Mr. Mains formed a matrimonial alliance in October, 1873, when he was united to- 
Miss Leah Omsted, a native of Lancaster County, Penn. They have two chil- 
dren — Wilder D. and Maud M. 

M. T. MATTHEWS, local editor of the Kendallville Standard, is a nativo 
of Morgan County, Va. His parents, Rev. L. W. Matthews, a divine of the- 
U. B. Church, and Mary A. (Michael) Matthews, became residents of Wabash 
County, Ind., in 1860, where they have since resided. Our subject received 
fine educational advantages, having taken an academic course at the South 
Wabash Academy, and subsequently a collegiate course at Fort Wayne. He 
began the journalistic profession in August, 1881, by becoming the local editor 
of the Standard, and possesses the necessary attributes to make a successful 
career in his chosen field. 



310 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

H. McCRAY & SON, butter and egg packers. Mr. McCray, Sr., is a 
native of Licking County, Ohio. He is by trade a carpenter, which occupa- 
tion, together with egg packing, occupied his attention prior to his coming to 
Indiana. In February, 1868, he came to Kendallville and engaged in his present 
business. This business he has given his attention to up to the present time; 
since May, 1880, in partnership with his son Elmer. They are doing a large 
trade in their line, for which they have excellent facilities. In eggs, they make 
a specialty, for which they have erected a building, which is, in fact, a mam- 
moth refrigerator, and which will store several hundred barrels ; their market 
is principally New York. Mr. McCray, Sr., has been a member of the Ken- 
dallville Common Council two terms, and in the order of Masons is a Knight 
Templar. He was married, in 1857, to Miss Amanda Reynolds, also a native of 
Ohio. They have five children — Homer (in Fort Wayne), Elmer, John, Cora 
and Lena. Mr. McCray is also the owner of a cooper-shop in which he manu- 
factures barrels in large quantities. 

G. S. MERKLING, marble dealer, is a native of France. In 1831, he 
came to America with his parents ; they located in New York, where they re- 
mained for about one year, subsequently emigrating to Wayne County, Ohio, 
where they settled permanently. Our subject lost his father when twelve years 
of age, and was bound out to a farmer. When sixteen years of age he com- 
menced learning the shoemaker's trade, subsequently learning the marble cut- 
ter's trade, at Wooster. This trade was his principal occupation until 1863, 
when he came to Noble County and engaged at farming in Wayne Township, 
at which he continued until 1873, when he came to Kendallville and inaug- 
urated his present business, which he has, by skillful management, brought up 
to an extensive trade. He has the reputation of carrying the largest and finest 
stock of marble and granite between Toledo and South Bend. Employing also 
skilled and artistic workmen, he is prepared to compete with all opposition. 
He is also in association with T. M. Evans, engaged in the undertaking busi- 
ness. Mr. Merkling is a member of Kendallville Blue Lodge, Chapter and 
Council, F. & A. M. He was married in 1852, to Miss Mary A. Miller, a 
native of Lancaster County, Penn. She died in December, 1872, leaving five 
children — Lewis, Rachel, Delia, Luther and Otis. In 1874, he was united to 
a second wife, Mary Smith, of De Kalb County, Ind. 

H. P. MILES, general produce dealer in butter, eggs and poultry. Mr. 
Miles is a native of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, and until nineteen years of age 
was associated at farming and milling. He then went to California, where he 
passed four years engaged in mining. He then Became a member of a com- 
pany of Massachusetts soldiers, enlisting at San Francisco, Cal. Upon their ar- 
rival in Massachusetts they were assigaed to the Second Massachusetts Cavalry, 
and for two years served upon severe and active duty, participating in thirty- 
four battles, among which we briefly name Gettysburg, Cedar Creek, Winches- 
ter, the Shenandoah campaign, the seige and capture of Richmond, and was a 
witness of the surrender of Lee. The severity of his service is most forcibly 
illustrated when from 500 men who enlisted with him in California, only sev- 
enty-five returned. Returning to Ohio, he engaged at the carpenter trade, 
which, together with milling, occupied his attention until 1870, when he went 
to Cleveland and engaged in selling produce there for three years. In Novem- 
ber, 1873, he came to Kendallville, where he has since continued to reside. 
His business has been in the produce line, shipping extensively to New York. 
He represents the typical business man, being honorable, attentive and pro- 



CITY OF KENDALLVILLE. 311 

gressive. He is a member of the Masonic order, and is a valuable addition to 
the business interests of the city. Mr. Miles married, in 1862, Miss Eliza J. 
Manuel, of California ; they have four children — Emma, William, Lottie and 
Archibald. 

REUBEN MILLER, deceased, was born in Ohio, October 3, 1829. In 
1853, he came to Kendallville, Ind., and remained until his death, which 
occurred October 17, 1879. He was married in 1855, to Eliza Browand, a 
native of Pennsylvania. Four children were born to them — Katie, William 
B., Mason M. and George W. Mr. Miller, during his life, was a very success- 
ful grocer, and at his death left property estimated at about $50,000. He 
belonged to the Knights of Honor and Odd Fellows. 

JOHN MITCHELL, a banker and prominent citizen of Kendallville, born 
June 2, 1830, in Montgomery County, N. Y.; a son of William and Nancy 
(Keller) Mitchell, also natives of that State and farmers. William Mitchell 
was of Scotch-English and his wife of German descent. In 1836, they removed 
to this county, and located on a tract of 160 acres of timber land, on which he 
platted the first village lots in the present city of Kendallville. He occupied a 
position of distinction and influence among the people, and, although he had but 
meager scholastic opportunities, yet his good sense and sound judgment made 
him master of a practical education. In 1843, Mr. Mitchell was the leader in 
the construction of the plank road built from Fort Wayne to Ontario, La Grange 
County, a distance of about fifty miles, which opened up that section of country 
to the trade of a large part of Southern Michigan. In connection with others, 
in 1852, he also engaged in the completion, under contract, of the Ohio & Indi- 
ana Railroad (now a part of the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad), 
the first constructed in northeast Indiana, extending from Crestline, Ohio, to Fort 
Wayne, Ind., a distance of 131 miles, and to Mr. Mitchell is largely due the credit 
for the commercial importance of the city of Kendallville. He was an attendant of 
the Presbyterian Church, of which his wife was an active member. In 1840, 
he was elected by the Whig party to represent his district in the State Legisla- 
ture, and in 1860 he was elected by the Republicans of his district to Congress, 
and has also served the public in minor offices with distinction. When on a 
business expedition to Macon, Ga., in 1865, he died, lamented by a large circle 
of friends. His wife, a lady of marked worth, died in 1864. John Mitchell 
was six years of age when he came West with his parents. He attended school 
winters and worked on the farm the rest of the time during his minority. In 
1863, the First National Bank of Kendallville was organized, in which he was 
a stockholder and Director. His father was President until his death, when 
John succeeded him, which position he still holds, and to whom the success and 
prosperity of the bank is due. In connection with the banking business, Mr. 
Mitchell is engaged in farming and real estate transactions. He is a worthy 
member of the Presbyterian Church, belongs to the Masonic fraternity, of 
which he is a Knight Templar, and politically a Republican. He was married 
January 6, 1857, to Miss Sophronia J. Weston, of Rome City, this county. 
She is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and is highly esteemed. They 
have three children — Lydia A., Kate R. and William. Mr. Mitchell is emi- 
nently successful in business, and a citizen of sterling worth. He has recently 
remodeled his residence, and surrounded himself and family not only with com- 
fort but luxury. 

JAMES NELLIS, Postmaster, is one of the old business men of Ken- 
dallville. He is a native of New York, born near Fort Plain, upon a farm, 



312 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

where he was reared until sixteen years of age. He then learned the trade of 
carriage making at St. Johnsville, where he remained for five years carrying 
on the business there. In 1855, he came to Kendallville and started a car- 
riage shop, and for about twenty years was engaged in that branch of industry. 
He manufactured all kinds of wagons, carriages, buggies, etc., continuing un- 
til 1837, when he was appointed Postmaster of Kendalville and engaged in the 
duties of that office, where we now find him. He has been, for twenty-eight 
years, a member of the Presbyterian Church ; is a member of Blue Lodge 
Free and Accepted Masons of Kendallville, and a trustworthy honored citizen. 
He was married in 1855, at St. Johnsville, N. Y., to Miss Elizabeth Borden, 
also a native of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Nellis have one child — Mrs. 
Agatha Tyner, of Chicago, 111. 

A. B. PARK, hardware, is a native of Ohio. He came with his parents 
to De Kalb County, Ind., in 1836. His father, Wesley Park, was a pioneer 
of that county, and subsequently one of its prominent business men. He laid 
out the county seat at Auburn in connection with other parties, and was for 
several years a county officer. Our subject was associated in the dry goods 
trade with his father at Auburn until 1861, when he followed the fortunes of 
the late war until 1865, when he came to Kendallville and commenced business 
life, where he has since continued. He was first in partnership with his 
brother, Harry A. Park, under firm name of A. B. Park & Bro.; they con- 
tinued in business together until 1877, when his brother retired, since which 
time he has conducted business alone. He carries a line of shelf and heavy 
hardware, stoves, tinware, agricultural implements, etc., and is the agent for 
the Eldridge and Domestic Sewing Machines. He has served the city several 
terms as a member of the Common Council, and takes a leading interest in all 
matters of progress and advancement. He is a Knight Templar and an en- 
campment member I. 0. 0. F. He was married, in 1858, to Miss Mary A. 
Cook, of Richland County, Ohio. They have three children — Mary S., Flora 
E. and Frank B. 

A. S. PARKER, M. D., and proprietor of the Weekly News, Kendall- 
ville, is a son of Rial and Achsah (Snow) Parker, both natives of New York, 
and married in Huron County, Ohio, where they resided until their death. 
The senior Parker being a farmer, the early impression and education of A. S. 
were received under the influences of that occupation. He was afforded good 
school opportunities of which he made valuable use. After his maturity, he 
attended the Homeopathic College in Cleveland, Ohio. In 1857, he began 
the practice of medicine in Kendallville ; continued until 1862, when he went 
to Iowa, remaining there two years, engaged in his profession. Returning to 
this State he entered the hardware trade in Ligonier ; this, together with the 
foundry business, he followed until 1871, when he resumed the practice of 
medicine in Kendallville. In the meantime, the Doctor attended lectures at 
Cleveland, where he graduated at the Homeopathic College. In 1875, he 
went to Garrett and entered upon his practice, but subsequently purchased the 
Garrett News, which he conducted there until the fall of 1877, when he re- 
turned to Kendallville, bringing with him the paraphernalia of his printing 
office and started the Weekly News. This venture has proved a success, 
financially and otherwise. A profitable job trade has been maintained in con- 
nection with the paper. In 1868, the Doctor served as School Examiner of 
Noble County, and has been a member of the City Council in Ligonier. In 
1869, he was married to Miss Chloe E. Wadsworth, daughteV of Elihu Wads- 



CITY OF KENDALLVILLE. 313 

worth, a pioneer in Allen Township. She was the first white female born in 
that township. They have four children living — Maud P., Wadsworth A., 
May G. and Wilson B. 

P. B. PEPPLE, foreman of the sash and door department of L. N. 
Reed's establishment, is a native of Pennsylvania, and, in 1846, came with his 
parents, Abraham and Mary (Koons) Pepple, to Allen Township, where his 
parents still reside upon a farm. Our subject passed his early life upon the 
homestead farm, remaining until twenty years of age, when he learned his 
trade of carpenter and joiner, and at that vocation passed the years from 1852 
until 1862. He then engaged upon the manufacturer of sash and blinds and 
doors, and for the past few years has been the foreman of that department, 
together with finishing, for L. N. Reed. Mr. Pepple is recognized as a superior 
workman, and is a citizen of worth and intelligence. He is in Masonry a 
Knight Templar. He married, in 1862, Miss Melissa Kerr, daughter of John 
C. Kerr, one of the pioneer settlers of Allen Township. Mr. and Mrs. Pepple 
have five children — Wilda, Edwin, Minnie, Bertha and Cora. 

L. N. REED, a prominent manufacturer, was born in Montgomery 
County, Ohio, in 1834, on a farm, and there remained till 1849, when he went 
to Euphemia, Preble County, to learn blacksmithing ; worked four years there 
and in Salem ; then, in 1853, came to Indiana and opened a small shop at Wolf 
Lake. In 1856, he moved to Wolcottville, where he was seriously injured 
while shoeing a vicious horse. The winter following, he taught school in Wash- 
ington Township ; visited Illinois and Missouri ; returned to Ohio in the fall of 
1857, and, on the 12th of December married Miss A. M. Cramer, of Piqua. 
who bore him one child — Erbie B. He tried farming in Montgomery County, 
and was drowned out in 1858, losing all his summer's work. He settled all his 
bills, however, and, with only $14 capital, traveled six hundred miles through 
the West ; then reached Rome City ; this point he deserted, as he found no 
credit or security, for Wolcottville, where he met with no better success, and 
finally located in Kendallville, where he commenced work for Nellis & Hill, 
blacksmiths. He labored four years as a journeyman, and then started a shop 
on West Mitchell street for manufacturing lumber wagons. His health failing, 
in May, 1866, he sold out and went to Elkhart, where he started a hub and 
spoke factory ; lost $1,000 ; returned to Kendallville, and started the lumber 
trade in 1868, and January, 1869, bought one-third interest in the planing-mill 
of Hill, Brace & Wakman, Mr. Brace retiring. In January, 1870, he 
bought out Mr. Wakman, and the business prospered under the firm name of 
Reed & Hill until January, 1877, when Mr. Hill withdrew. During this 
interval (1872) Reed & Hill, in company with A. J. Brace, erected the La 
Grange County Jail. Our subject continued the business, and now owns the 
most complete establishment of its kind in Northeastern Indiana, and is one of 
the oldest manufacturers in the town, carries a heavy stock of lumber, as well 
as builders' supplies, and does a heavy building contract business. Mr. Reed 
is a Mason, and is in the Knight Templar degree. > 

F. 0. ROSSBACHER, manufacturer and dealer in furniture, etc., is a 
son of Oscar Rossbacher, who emigrated from Germany to the United States, 
and after a few years' residence at Fort Wayne, came to Kendallville in 1857, 
and embarked in the manufacture of furniture and cabinet work. He estab- 
lished a good business, and was connected with this branch of industry until 
his death, in 1879. He was a member of the Lutheran Church, and a re- 
spected citizen. The subject of this sketch succeeded to the business of his 



314 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

father, and is carrying a complete line of furniture. The cabinet department 
is presided over by Gustav Sprandel, who came to Kendallville in 1863, and 
learned his trade of the elder Rossbacher, since which he has been nearly all 
of the time employed by that house. 

NORMAN L. SOUTHWORTH is a son of Lorenzo and Miranda 
(Isabell) Southworth, early settlers of Allen Township. His father was a 
native of New York, his mother of Ohio. They were married in Allen 
Township, Noble County, in 1840, by Elihu Wadsworth, and immediately 
settled in Michigan, where they remained three years. Returning to Noble 
County, they settled at Lisbon, where his father commenced a mercantile busi- 
ness, which continued for a number of years. They are now living in Wayne 
Township. Seven children are descendants from this worthy couple — Norman 
L., Sarah M. Hill, Bradley C, Mary A. (deceased), Leander, Harriet Gibson 
and Ida Duerr. Norman L. was born in Michigan in 1841. Until 1861, he 
was employed principally in a saw-mill, when he enlisted in Company F, 
Thirtieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was in service over one year, receiv- 
ing his discharge on account of disability. In February, 1865, he re-enlisted, 
and March 4 was commissioned First Lieutenant of Company C, One Hun- 
dred and Fifty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and upon landing at 
Charleston, was detailed on Gen. Egan's staff, in which connection he was 
assigned commander of Provost Guards. His services continued until the 
close of the war, when he returned to Kendallville. During the past seven 
years he has been employed as solicitor for Merkling's Marble Works. He is a 
member of I. 0. 0. F. In 1863, he was married to Miss M. J. Baughman, of 
Allen Township. They have six children — William, Minnie, Charlie, Guy, 
Clyde and Ray. 

HENRY J. STICHT, Union Carriage Manufactory, is a son of John 
M. Sticht, a native of Germany, who came to America about 1841, settling 
first in New York, soon after removing to Canajoharie, N. Y., and started in 
the boot and shoe trade, also running a harness shop. He continued there 
until 1867, when he came to Kendallville and engaged in banking, continuing 
for two years, at the expiration of which he was forced to take a carriage man- 
ufactory, and to this business he devoted his attention for several years. He 
was also engaged in the livery business. His carriage works he enlarged, and 
at one time employed over thirty men. His connection with the business in- 
terests of Kendallville was of a leading character, and continued until his 
death. He served as a member of the City Council, and was a respected and 
valued citizen. His wife's maiden name was Caroline Winsman. She was 
also a native of Germany. They were married in New York State, two chil- 
dren being the issue — Charles, and Henry J., the subject of this sketch, now 
one of the young business men of Kendallville. He is a native of New York 
State, and while there learned the trade of shoemaking of his father. Upon 
coming to Kendallville, he went to work at tinning, following that for one and 
one-half years. He then learned the trade of blacksmithing, to which he has 
devoted his attention since. In 1876, he became associated with his father in 
the management of the Union Carriage Manufactory, in which business he has 
continued. He was also at one time interested in the livery business with his 
brother. Mr. Sticht is now conducting the blacksmithing and trimming de- 
partments of the Union Carriage Manufactory ; also does general repairing and 
blacksmithing. 



CITY OF KENDALLVILLE. 315 

GEORGE B. TEAL, hardware, son to George and Nancy (Brower) Teal, is a 
native of Preble County, Ohio. When three years of age, his parents became res- 
idents of Perry Township, where, upon the farm, he passed his boyhood days, 
remaining at home until twenty-two years of age. He then went to Ligonier 
and embarked in the drug trade with Dr. Arnold, continuing for four months, 
when they divided up the stock, and our subject removed to Albion, starting in 
that trade, then in association with his brother, Dr. Norman Teal. They con- 
tinued there until 1861, when Dr. Teal entered the army, and our subject re- 
turned upon the farm, soon after going to Ligonier, when for ten years he was 
engaged as clerk in dry goods, hardware, drug and grocery stores, also learn- 
ing photography. He next went to Geneseo, 111., where he remained only two 
months, returning to Ligonier. In 1865, he removed to Brimfield, where for 
nine years he carried on the drug business, also serving as United States Ex- 
press Agent for five years. He then accepted the agency for Kendallville for 
that company, and in 1875 added to his business by buying a stock of hard- 
ware in association with A. P. Frank, which partnership lasted until 1880, 
when Mr. Teal became the sole owner. In 1880, he severed his connection 
with the express company, and is now devoting his attention exclusively to the 
hardware trade. In 1877, he was appointed Clerk of the Circuit Court, to fill 
a vacancy occasioned by the death of Joseph Cox, and performed the duties of 
that position for six months. He is a Knight Templar, and a progressive and 
liberal-minded citizen. Mr. Teal was united in marriage, in 1861, to Miss Anna 
A. Mason, a native of La Grange County, and daughter of Peter L. Mason, 
one of the early settlers, and the first Sheriff of that county. She died in De- 
cember, 1863, leaving two children, Adda B., now deceased, and William B. 
In October, 1880, he was united to a second wife, Mrs. Clara Ray, of Cold- 
water, Mich. Her maiden name was Clara Redfield, formerly of Clifton 
Springs, N. Y. 

J. M. TEAL, dentist, is a son of George and Nancy (Brower) Teal, early 
settlers of Perry Township. He was born in Perry Township, and is the sev- 
enth son of a family of eleven children. His early life and associations were 
upon the home farm until twenty years of age, when with Dr. Gants, of Ligo- 
nier, he commenced the study of dentistry, remaining associated with him until 
1867, when he was united in marriage to Miss Mary J. Crone, a resident of 
Allen Township, and native of Ohio. He then removed upon the farm with 
his father, soon after resuming his practice with Dr. Gants for one year. In 
1871, he became a resident of Kendallville, where he has been in successful 
practice since. He is a member of the State Dental Association, and is a thor- 
ough student in his profession, having a valuable medical and dental library, 
and strives to keep pace with the progress of his calling. He is a member of 
the Chosen Friends, and, with his wife, of the Methodist Church, of which for 
many years he has been Trustee. Mr. and Mrs. Teal's family consists of two 
children — Mattie and Angie. A daughter, Hattie A., died September 11, 
1881. 

NORMAN TEAL, physician and surgeon, whose portrait appears in this 
work, is one of the successful practitioners of Northern Indiana. He was 
born in Preble County, Ohio, in December, 1829, the third of eleven children, 
to George and Nancy (Brower) Teal, who were pioneers of Perry Township. 
Nine of the children are now living. Dr. Teal passed his earlier years on his 
father's farm, in teaching school and as a clerk in a store. He commenced the 
study of medicine in 1851, at Ligonier, with Dr. C. L. Wellman. In about 



316 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

one year, he went to Preble County, Ohio, where, for a short time, he was under 
the tutorage of Dr. Nesbitt, and subsequently with Dr. Latta, of Goshen. He is 
a graduate of the Rush Medical College of Chicago. In 1854, the Doctor 
commenced his practice in Swan Township. Spending one summer there, he 
went to Springfield, Elkhart Township, where, in association with Dr. W. N. 
Nimmon, he remained several years. He then removed to Albion, where, with 
a brother, George B. Teal, he engaged in the drug trade, and also practiced 
his profession. In 1862, the Doctor entered the service as Assistant Surgeon. 
During the winter of 1862-63, he was in charge of a hospital at Murfreesboro, 
Tenn.; at Chattanooga, in hospital service in winter of 1863-64 ; and during 
Sherman's campaign, of the summer of 1864, was upon the operating staff in 
the First Division Hospital of the Fourteenth Army Corps. He rejoined 
Sherman's army at Goldsboro in April, 1865, and was with the advance 
when Joe Johnston surrendered at Durham Station, N. C. The valuable ex- 
perience gained during this service has been of inestimable value to him in his 
later practice, especially in the field of surgery. With the exception of a few 
years passed in Michigan, where he was in practice, and also engaged in edit- 
ing a local newspaper, which he established at Hersey, Dr. Teal has, since 
the war, resided at Kendallville. Here he has established a successful and 
lucrative practice, and as a citizen is held in high esteem. His acquaintance 
with the people and past events is extensive. In current literature as well as in 
medicine, the Doctor is well informed and keeps apace with the times. He is 
an influential Republican, and a member of the County Medical Society, of 
which he has been Secretary since its organization in 1873. He also belongs 
to the N. E. Medical Association. Dr. Teal was married, in 1855, to Miss 
Electa Shupe, of Richland County, Ohio. She died in 1860, leaving a son, 
George A., who graduated at Rush Medical College, Chicago, in 1882. In 
1866, he married Miss Amgeline Gruey, of Kendallville ; they have one child 
living, Nannie; two dead, viz., Norman Teal, Jr., who died September 17, 
1870, aged two years and two days; Alice Dutton, who died November 4, 
1881, aged fourteen years one month and twenty days. Alice was a child in 
years, but of intellect far in advance of them — thoughtful, unselfish, tender, 
loving and gentle; a favorite with her teachers and classmates, and was sin- 
cerely mourned by all who knew her. 

L. A. THOMPSON, who is engaged in the grocery and produce trade, is 
a native of Morris County, N. J., where he was born in 1809. At the early 
age of ten years, he began work at the tanner's and shoemaker's trades, and for 
forty years continued in those industries in his native county, building up an 
extensive business ; finding sale for his boots and shoes principally in the South. 
In 1863, he disposed of his interests there and came to Kendallville in 1864. 
Here he commenced in the grocery trade by purchasing the interest of Whit- 
ford, in the firm of Whitford & Bosworth. Mr. Thompson subsequently started 
the business in another locality alone, his relations with Bosworth having 
been dissolved. In the new venture he soon associated with himself, his son 
William H. This business in about eighteen months was wiped out by fire, the 
loss to Mr. Thompson being about $3,000. From this they started in the 
grocery and bakery business, dissolving in about four years. Mr. Thompson 
has since been engaged, first in the poultry business, then in groceries and prod- 
uce. He is a Mason and a member of the societv of I. O. O. F.. and in New 

a/ 

Jersey filled several positions of trust. Although now about seventy-four years 
old, he is vigorous and active, and has more "push " in him than most of the 



CITY OF KENDALLVILLE. 317 

• 

younger generation. In 1832, he married Miss Jane C. Mase, who was also a 
native of New Jersey. Five children have been born to them — Sarah J., now 
Mrs. Seeley, of New York ; Anna B., now Mrs. Andrews, of Coldwater, Mich. ; 
Mary C. Holbrook (died in Coldwater) ; David Headly, who was a volunteer in 
the Seventh New Jersey Volunteer Infantry, and in active and severe service 
nearly three years, was captured by the rebels near Petersburg and passed 
eleven months in captivity, being in five different prisons. From the effects of 
this confinement, he never recovered, living but fifteen months, when he died in 
Kendallville September 7, 1866. The youngest son, William H., resides in 
Kendallville. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are members of the Presbyterian Church. 
Have a decidedly comfortable home in a large brick residence, where Mrs. 
Thompson accommodates a few boarders to occupy the extra room in their large 
dwelling. Those who find a home under her roof can testify as to the gener- 
osity with which she dispenses her hospitality. Fifty years of wedded life have 
been the lot of Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, and in their almost perfect health they 
seem to have the promise of many years more. 

J. G. WALTMAN, Cashier of the First National Bank, is a son of 
Emanuel and Barbara (Algire) Waltman, natives respectively of Pennsylvania 
and Ohio. They were married in the latter State, where they lived on a farm 
until about 1854, when they removed to this county, locating in Allen Town- 
ship. In 1870, they removed to Kendallville, where the father is now engaged 
in stock dealing. Himself and wife are members of the Evangelical Lutheran 
Church. Three children have been born to them — J. G., Mary C. (now Mrs. 
Parks) and Ivan J. The subject of this sketch is a native of Richland 
County, Ohio. When eighteen years old he commenced the mason's trade. 
This he followed for about five years. He then for a time served in his father's 
employ in a meat market. Then, after a few months in the railroad freight 
office, he entered the bank in 1873, assuming the duties of cashier after the 
the death of Mr. Schulze. In this capacity, he is both popular and efficient, and 
as a young man has a bright future before him in business life. He is a member 
of the Chosen Friends, and was married in 1880 to Miss Dora Johnston, of 
Kendallville. 

FRED J. WESTFALL, Union Carriage Manufactory, is a native of 
Prussia, where he learned his trade of carpenter and wagon-maker, and followed 
it for five years. In 1863, he came to America and located at De Kalb Coun- 
ty, Ind., where he remained for seven years employed at his trade. In 1870, 
he came to Kendallville and was employed by Mr. Sfcicht one year; subsequent- 
ly, by Mr. Nellis three years. He then moved to Orange Township, where, 
for a period of four years, he followed farming and also working at his trade. 
He then went to Wolcottville, where he remained one and a half years, and then 
returned to Kendallville where he is now established. In January, 1881, he 
became proprietor and manager of the woodwork department of the Union Car- 
riage Works, to which he is now devoting his attention. In 1862, he was mar- 
ried to Frederica Lamback ; she died in 1868, leaving two children — Lewis and 
John. In 1869, he was united with a second wife, Miss Margaret Hunter, of 
De Kalb County. They have one child — Inez. Mr. Westfall is a member of 
the I. 0. 0. F., and an industrious, enterprising citizen. 

E. J. WHITE, Union Carriage Manufactory, is a native of Miami County, 
Ind., and, since the age of seven years, has been a resident of Kendallville ; at 
the age of eighteen, commenced to learn his trade of carriage painting with Mr. 
Gradon, with whom he remained eighteen months. He subsequently was in 



318 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

• 

the employ of J. H. Hastings about fifteen months, and thence to the carriage 
works of James Nellis, where he remained seven years. In October, 1876, he 
became connected with Mr. Sticht's carriage works as proprietor of the painting 
department, which he has operated and controlled up to the present time. Mr. 
White is conceded to be a superior workman, and has done no small share to- 
ward the establishing- of the extended name for first-class and honorable work 
which the Union Works bears. He is a Royal Arch Mason (office of Senior 
Warden), and also a member of the Good Templars. Mr. White was married, 
in 1874, to Miss Ida Shoyer, a native of Noble County. They have one child 
— Libbie. 

A. C. F. WICHMAN, superintendent of brewery, came to America in 
1849, with his parents, from Prussia, his native country. They located in Cin- 
cinnati, where our subject learned the cabinet-maker's trade. After working at 
it there two and a half years, he came to Fort Wayne, where he pursued his 
calling about the same length of time. After a short period in Logansport, 
Ind., he returned to Fort Wayne and remained until January, 1864, when he 
came to Kendallville, engaging in the furniture trade until 1867. For several 
years, subsequent to this period, he worked at different things — principally 
book-keeping. In 1877, he bought one-half interest in the brewery with 
William Seifert, which they conducted until the death of Seifert in September, 
1879, when Mr. Wichman became the sole owner, and which he has conducted 
up to the present time, being now, by a subsequent change in proprietorship, 
manager for the owner, Henry C. Paul, of Fort Wayne. This brewery was 
built in 1867, by Louis Schwartzkopf and Geo. Aichele, subsequently becom- 
ing the property of Francis J. Beek, Seifert and Heinike, and the parties men- 
tioned above. Mr. Wichman has served as City Clerk three years ; as Town- 
ship Assessor one term, and is now the City Civil Engineer. He is a promi- 
nent member of the German Lutheran Church, having been a member, together 
with his wife, since 1864. Mr. Wichman was united in marriage, in 1857, with 
Miss Elizabeth Eberlein ; she came from Bavaria, Germany, in 1848, to Amer- 
ica. • They have nine children — Emma, Herman, Lizzie, Magdelena, Albert, 
Lydia, Paul, Henry and Clara. 

WILLIAM WILLETT is a resident of Kendallville, and engaged exten- 
sively in contracting for stone masonry and bridge work. He is a native of 
England, from which country he came to America in 1850, locating in New 
York, where for a short time he followed painting. He then came to Michi- 
gan, and soon thereafter located at Lima, La Grange County, this State, where 
he was occupied at his trade of stone masonry for several years. He then 
located in Goshen one year, and in 1865 became a resident of Kendallville. 
Mr. Willett was married in 1851 to Miss Maria Taylor, who was also a native 
of England. They have four children of their own, living — William E., 
Frankie, Lena and John, and one grandson, Claudie. Four of their children 
are deceased — Annie (who became Mrs. Emerson), Harry, Grace and an infant. 
Mr. Willett is well up in his business, being a practical workman and a suc- 
cessful manager. As a citizen, he stands high, and is regarded with much favor 
as a member of the community in which he lives. He belongs to the I. 0. 0. 
F. and to the K. of H. 

DR. S. T. WILLIAMS is a native of Mount Gilead, Morrow Co., 
Ohio, and son of Dr. N. and Lydia (Eicher) Williams. He had superior edu- 
cational advantages, for about four years attending select school at Defiance, 
Ohio, under the tutelage of a Professor of Languages, who was a ripe scholar 



CITY OF KENDALLVILLE. ^19 



and an excellent educator. Dr. Williams was a close student and, having 
decided upon the medical profession, began his studies with his father, also m 
association with Drs. Colby and Moss. In his professional course, he was the 
same careful, earnest student, and after two series of lectures at an Eclectic 
medical institute, in 1858 he graduated therefrom. He began teaching when four- 
teen years of age, which he followed at intervals until he began his practice in 
1858. He was associated with his father at Defiance, Ohio, until 1863, when 
he entered the United States service as Surgeon, remaining until 1855, during 
which period he was in charge of Hospital No. 14, of Nashville. Tenn., and 
acquired a most valuable experience. Returning to Ohio he soon came to 
Kendallville, where he has been in professional association with his lather. Dr. 
Williams is a thorough gentleman, progressive, well-read m his profession, and 
also in general literature. He is a Knight Temper Mason, and in 1879 held 
the office of Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery, K T., of the 
State of Indiana. He is a member of the Northeastern Indiana Medical Asso- 
ciation ; was Surgeon for the Lake' Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad unfa 
the office was discontinued in 1879; is a Surgeon of the Railway Hospital 
Association of Toledo, and is Pension Examining Surgeon Dr Williams was 
married in 1858 to Miss Mary E. Lehman, of Defiance. They have four chil- 
dren— Effie, Warren S., Minnie and Allie. 

DR N WILLIAMS is a native of Fayette County, Penn. At the 
a 2 e of ten years, he was thrown upon his own resources by the death of 
his father, and hired out for $2.00 per month at farming ; this he followed un- 
til sixteen years of age, attending school in the meantime at every opportunity. 
He next engaged at cabinet-making, which he continued about three years ; he 
then began the study of medicine, and also acquired a higher education ; At 
the expiration of four years of study, he graduated from a school of medicine 
at Connellsville, Penn., in 1828, and for nearly two years practiced in Eastern 
Ohio From this time up to 1845, he was engaged in various occupations ; 
coming then to Columbia City, Ind., where, after nearly two years residence, 
he aaain resumed the study of medicine with the intention of making that pro- 
fession a life business. In 1847, he removed to Defiance, Ohio, in which 
vicinity for nearly twenty years he was actively engaged in practice. In Ji Lily, 
1865 he came to Kendallville, where he has since been one of the leading 
members of the medical profession. He is a genial gentleman, and although 
passing into the " sere and yellow leaf" his years sit lightly upon him. He 
was united in marriage in 1831 to Miss Lydia Eicher, of Pennsylvania, lliey 
have two children living, Salathiel T. Williams, M. D., in practice with his 
father, and Tryphenie, wife of Dr. Wilson, of Kendallville. Dr. Williams has 
been for over fifty years a member of the Methodist Church, and in society 
ranks as one of its most valued members. 



WAYNE TOWNSHIP. 

ABRAM R. ACKERMAN is a son of John and Jane (Bennett) Acker- 
man, who were natives of New York State, and residents there until 1845, 
when they emigrated to Indiana and located in Wayne Township, where they 
resided with their son William up to the time of their death. Abram is a na- 
tive of the Empire State. His life has been passed in farming, at which he is 



°^ U BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

still actively engaged— for the past twenty-five years in Wayne Township, where 
he now owns seventy-five acres of good land, which is well improved and which 
he has cleared and cultivated himself. He was united in marriage, in 1855 
to Miss Mary A. Wade, daughter of Robert Wade, who was an early settler of 
La Grange County. Mr. and Mrs. Ackerman have one child— Mary J. Trin- 
dle, living in Wayne Township. Mr. Ackerman is a progressive and practical 
farmer and a citizen with enterprising ideas. He is a member of the I. 
F. of Kendallville. 

AN ,??o EW ALLSH0USE > son of Henry and Catharine Allshouse, was 
born in 1828. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania, where thev were 
married in 1818. In 1825, they went Westward, locating in Stark County 
Ohio, where they lived until 1840, when they moved to Crawford County' 
Ohio, remaining there the remainder of their life. Andrew Allshouse who 
was one of eleven children, lived with his parents until twenty-five years of 
age. January 12, 1853, in Crawford County, Ohio, he married Rosanna Eley 
who was born in 1832. After three years, they came to Indiana, this county 
and settled near Albion. In 1861, removed to Wayne Township, their present 
home. Mrs. Allshouse has had six children— two, Henry and Dora, now 
living. Mr. Allshouse owns 160 acres of farming land and is prospering 
Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

k ?; F \ B . R1 SP IG ? T is a native of Noble County, Ind., where he was 
born March 1, 1857. His parents, John and Mary Brundige, were natives of 
New York, and had four children— Charles F., Ruthann (deceased), Albert 
T i oJnf" Charles B ™ndige has always made this county his home. July 
2, 1879 he was married to Estella L. Milks, a native of Indiana, born Sep- 
tember 20, 1861. Their only child, Getta F., was born April 5, 1881. Mr 
Brundige owns ninety acres of land and is identified with the growth and prog- 
ress of the county. r & 

DANIEL DECKER is one of the old residents of Wayne Township 
He is a native of Orange County, N. Y., where he remained until 
eighteen years of age, upon a farm ; he then went to Onondaga County, where 
or twenty years he was engaged in farming. He then became a pioneer set- 
;' er ra of u R ' chland County, Ohio, farming for six years near Plymouth. In 
1852, he became identified with the farming interests of Wayne Township set- 

r& T, n G ?*?* Where he n0W lives - Mr - Decker has followed farming all 
of his life, and has helped develop his share of Noble County. He owns 
eighty-three acres of land which he has cleared and improved himself and is 
a citizen of worth and enterprise. He married Miss Cornelia Bevier, a native 
of Broome County N. Y., December 12, 1835. They have six children— 
Phedora (wife of James A. Brace, of Kendallville), Gem, Adeline Isbell (of 
Kendallville), Mate, Justus and Agusta. 

HARMON A. DIGGINS, whose parents were natives of Vermont, was 
born m St. Lawrence County, N. Y., in 1827, from which locality the family 
emigrated m 1832, and settled in La Grange County, Ind.. near Lima. The 
lather and mother were Luke and Silence (Wheeler) Diggins, and had eight 
children only three of whom are now living— Lucia A., Artemas and the subject 
of this sketch. Those deceased were Fidelia, who died at Wolcottville in 1881 • 
William, at the age of forty-five years, in Allen County; George, a^ed forty - 
six, at Kendallville; Harriet, when nineteen ; and Mary, at the age of thirty-one. 
Ine father moved to Wayne Township with his family in about 1835 He 
kept the first hotel in Kendallville about five years and was Postmaster on the 




^J,^^ 




WAYNE TP. 



WAYNE TOWNSHIP. 321 

old Fort Wayne road. He died in 1864, and his wife, who was a member of 
the Methodist Church, in 1872. Harmon A. Diggins has been a resident 
of this township since his parents moved here in 1835. He was married, in 
1859, to Miss Eliza Deuell, daughter of John Deuell, an early resident of the 
township. Their children are Ada (now Mrs. Berhalter), Flora, Hattie and 
Jimmie. Mr. Diggins is the owner of a farm of ninety acres of land in the 
township, which is productive and valuable property. 

S. T. EMRICK is one of the leading farmers of Noble County. His 
father, John Emrick, was a native of Pennsylvania. His mother, whose 
maiden name was Diane Green, was a native of Virginia. They both went 
to Ashland County with their parents, who were among the pioneers of that 
locality and there were married, residing there until 1861, when they came to 
Wayne Township, where our subject had settled in 1854. Here the mother 
still remains, now at the home of her son, our subject. The father died in the 
township in 1879. Seven children of a family of eight are now living — Rachel 
Eberhart, in Missouri; S. T. ; John, also a resident of this township; Diane 
Tryon, Kendallville ; Sarah Bucher, Wayne Township; Eliza Chesroun, in 
Ohio ; and Martha Roush, a resident of Wayne Township. The subject of 
this sketch was born in Ashland County, Ohio, where, in 1849, he married 
Miss Catherine Eberhard, of that county. He remained there, engaged at 
farming, until 1854, when he came to Noble County, settling in Wayne Town- 
ship. He has cleared up and improved a large tract of land and is now the 
owner of 230 acres of as fine land as there is in the county. Mr. Emrick has 
given his entire attention to farming, and the splendid condition which his 
property presents attests the value of a practical and industrious manager. 
He has served the township as Justice of the Peace for two years and is a lead- 
ing member in all public matters of merit. Mr. and Mrs. Emrick have seven 
children — Sylvester, Rachel Randall (in Michigan), Noah, Ella, Jane Hantee 
(a resident of this township), Joshua and John F. They are members of the 
M. E. Church. Mr. Emrick is a member of the F. & A. M. of Kendallville. 

WILLIAM J. HALL, of this township, stands prominent throughout Noble 
and La Grange Counties as an extensive and successful farmer and stock dealer. 
He was born in Clark County, Ohio, in 1809, in the midst of pioneer surround- 
ings. His father and mother, John and Margaret (Williams) Hall, were natives 
of Kentucky, in which State they were joined in wedlock. In 1807, they 
moved to Ohio, settling in Clark County. That country was then new, and the 
settlements sparse, necessitating the trying experiences of frontier life. After 
a number of years, the family moved to Logan County, but returned to Clark 
County at the expiration of about four years, where the mother died in 1824. 
Seven children had been born to her, three of whom are now living, viz.: John, 
in California; Emily, now Mrs. Collins in Lima, La Grange County; and the 
representative of this sketch. Subsequently the father married Widow Judy, 
and in 1835 came to La Grange County, where he entered upon his second ex- 
perience as a pioneer settler, making his location in Springfield Township of 
that county, where he resided up to his death in 1843. His wife survived him 
a number of years. She was the mother by Mr. Hall of seven children, only three 
of whom are living : Charles, Whitley, and Ann, now Mrs. Osborn. William 
J. was married in Ohio in 1830 to Miss Lucinda Hull, also a native of Clark 
County, born in 1811. Her parents came there about 18^10 from Pennsylvania, 
their native State, where they remained until their death. Mr. Hall, after his 
marriage, commenced farming, and in 1835 joined his father's family and emi- 



322 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

grated to La Grange County. There, in .Springfield Township, he rented a 
farm for a time, subsequently buying land. In 1845, he went to Greenfield 
Township, where he had acquired land by trading his Springfield property. In 
that township he labored early and late in clearing up his new possessions, to 
which he gradually added other acres by purchase, until his landed estate 
numbered 675 acres, all accumulated by unceasing toil and judicious manage- 
ment. In 1865, he sold out, and, purchasing 228 acres where he now resides, he 
moved his family to the new location. Here in 1869 his wife died ; she was the 
mother of eight children, five of whom are now living — Griffith F. and George 
W., in Springfield Township, La Grange County ; Ezra D., in Kansas ; William 
H., in Michigan, and Benjamin F., in this township. William EL and a son 
Rollo were soldiers in the war of the rebellion. The former entered the 
Thirtieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry as a private, and served through the 
entire war, being mustered out at its close as Captain. Rollo became a member 
of the Seventh Indiana Cavalry, and at the end of fifteen months, while yet in 
the service, was stricken with disease and died. Mr. Hall, out of the abundance 
of his heart and with a paternal regard for his children, divided a portion of his 
land among them. Wherever he has lived, he has been true to honorable citizen- 
ship, thrifty and successful in most of his undertakings; eschewing political 
honors, he has devoted his best energies to his own business affairs. Since 
coming to Wayne Township, he has given his attention largely to fine stock of 
the Durham blood, first purchasing this class of cattle in Ohio ; in this branch 
he is achieving merited honors. 

NICHOLAS HILL is the eldest son of Simeon and Catharine Hill, who 
emigrated from Germany to America in 1840. They located in Ohio, Licking 
County, where they remained about six years; then came to Noble County, set- 
tling in the woods, upon what is now the splendid farm of our subject. The 
father, soon after their arrival, was run over by a heavy wagon while clearing 
up the land, and died from the injuries received. The mother lived until 1878, 
attaining the age of past ninety-four years. Three children were descendants, 
Nicholas, Lawrence and Mrs. Catharine Ringle, the latter now deceased. Nich- 
olas is a native of Germany. Since 1846, his home has been upon the land 
upon which they first settled, which consists of one hundred acres, with superi- 
or improvements. He has been connected with the Methodist Protestant 
Church since its organization, being one of the six members to create the soci- 
ety, and aiding materially in its progress. He built the present church build- 
ing in 1869. He was united in marriage in 1845 to Miss Mary Kinney, a na- 
tive of Licking County, Ohio. She died in 1870. Their children now living 
are Mary Lawrence, in Michigan ; Arvilla Wright, Wayne Township ; Orange, 
now operating the homestead farm : Wilbur and Charles, in Michigan, and Al- 
bert and Rilla at home. Mr. Hill was united to a second wife in 1871, Mrs. 
Frances Warner, whose maiden name was Zimmerman. She is a native of 
Ohio. 

LAWRENCE HILL is the second son of Simeon and Catharine Hill, early 
settlers of the township, locating there in 1846. Lawrence was born in Germany 
in 1830. With the exception of six years' residence in Michigan, in his early 
life, he has been a resident of Wayne Township since his parents settled there. 
Dividing up the land entered by his father with his brother Nicholas, he chose 
the eastern portion, upon which he settled and has cleared it up and improved 
it until it ranks with the best in Wayne Township. He now owns 120 acres, 
upon a portion of which an Indian village was located in early days, the chief's 




Lucinda Hall 

WAYNE TP. 



WAYNE TOWNSHIP. 323 

house, Schock-o-pee, standing where the residence of W. C. Jackson is now- 
located ; an Indian mound was also upon this farm, and many curious articles 
and implements of the Indians have been found from time to time. Mr. 
Hill is one of the valued residents of the township, and always iden- 
tifies himself with progress and improvements. He was united in marriage in 
1855 to Miss Elinor Creigh, a daughter of Samuel and Lydia Creigh, who 
came to Wayne Township in 1844. They have four children — Catharine A. 
Johnson, Alice E. Johnson. Elinor I., Emrick and Alfred L. 

JACKSON IDDINGS is a native of Portage County, Ohio, and son of 
Henry and Sarah (Mettlen) Id dings, who were pioneers of Portage County, 
now Summit County, Ohio, where they settled prior to 1812, and remained un- 
til August, 1836, when they started for Indiana, landing in Allen Township 
September 10, 1836. They settled in Wayne Township, and after some years 
removed to Allen Township, where the remainder of their lives was passed. 
Five children now survive them — Hiram, Eliza Reed, Lewis, Warren and 
Jackson. The last-named was born in 1816, and was twenty years of age 
when his parents removed to this county. In August, 1837, he married Bar- 
bara Dingman, a daughter of Mrs. Frances Dingman, subsequently Mrs. Tru- 
man Bearss, early settlers of Allen Township. He immediately settled upon 
eighty acres of land in Allen Township, where he resided for one and one-half 
years. His land, however, proved to be a "second entry," and he was forced 
to have it exchanged. After living in Wayne Township one year, he secured 
another tract in Allen Township, upon which he remained five years. He then 
removed to Green Township, where he resided eight years, then to Jefferson 
Township for eight years, and in 1863 made a home on the farm where he now 
resides. This consists of 154 acres conveniently located and well cultivated. 
Mr. Iddings has devoted his time exclusively to farming, and has been amply 
rewarded. In Green Township, he held the office of Justice of the Peace for 
one year. Mr. and Mrs. Iddings have seven children — Hiram B., Owen, Asa 
J., Frances Bloomfield, Sarah Jordan, Ida Stray ter and Ruth Bailey. 

E. T. ISBELL, a son of Charles and Adah (Tryon) Isbell, born in Wayne 
County, Ohio, in 1817, in the midst of pioneer life. He married there, in 1835, 
Miss Elizabeth Cosper, daughter of John Cosper, who became an early settler 
of Allen Township, Noble County. Our subject learned the shoemaker's trade 
of his father, which occupied his attention until about 1837, when, with his 
parents, he removed to Michigan, where he farmed for eighteen months. In 
1838, with his parents, he came to Noble County, settling in Allen Township. 
Here he followed his trade, also farming and carpentering ; he built the first 
frame house in Lisbon, and subsequently removing to Kendallville, built the 
first frame house there. In a short time he removed to La Grange, where he 
erected and used the first shoe shop. He next removed to La Porte, Ind., to 
secure medical advice. Then, on account of ill health, he went to Texas, travel- 
ing the entire distance with a wagon. He worked at his trade there four years; 
then returned to Kendallville, subsequently removing to Valparaiso, Ind., where 
he conducted a large boot and shoe business for twelve years. He subsequently 
returned to Kendallville, and in 1877, purchased his present property, where 
he is following gardening. Mr. Isbell has been a member of the Methodist 
Church for over forty years, of which he is an exhorter, and has also done good 
service as an advocate of Temperance. His first wife died in 1860, having ten 
children, five of whom are now living — William H. is a farmer, now living in 
the West ; he was a volunteer in the late war, and in service over three years ; 

QQ 



324 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Nathaniel H., now in Mexico, was also in the service about one year ; Adelina 
Moore, of Chicago ; Alice Goodwin, of Valparaiso, Ind.; and Harriet Nellis, a 
resident of Chicago. Mr. Isbell was united with a second wife in 1862, Mrs. 
Mary G. Lash, widow of William Lash, one of the early residents of Noble 
County. 

P. C. ISBELL, son of Charles and Adah (Tryon) Isbell, born in Wayne 
County, Ohio, in 1819. His parents were natives of New York, and pioneers 
in Ohio, Michigan and Indiana, settling in Allen Township, Noble County, 
about 1838, where they died. Charles served as Justice of the Peace, and was an 
exhorter of the Methodist Church, of which denomination he and wife were 
members for many years. His family were participants in the Revolution, and 
himself a volunteer in the war of 1812. He died in November, 1865, aged 
sixty-nine years, his wife November, 1857, aged fifty-seven years. Their chil- 
dren are as follows: Ezra T., P. C, Rosanna Weston, of Iowa; Miranda 
South worth, of Plymouth, Ind.; Fanny Salisbury, of Kendallville: Hannah 
Dodge, Nebraska ; Neomi Rickey, Kendallville ; Martha Lehr, Kendallville ; 
Emily Bidwell, of Fort Wayne, and Louisa Bidwell, of Albion. P. C. Isbell 
was reared in Ohio ; when eighteen years of age, he went to Michigan, and 
engaged in farming, near Kalamazoo. In 1838, he came to Noble County, and 
settled in Allen Township, where he cleared up a farm. In 1852, he removed 
to his present farm, where he owns eighty acres of land ; but for the past twenty 
years he has been manufacturing trusses and abdominal supporters, elastic 
trusses for males and females, and braces and supporters of all descriptions, and 
has an extended trade. His office, in Kendallville, is at the drug store of 
Lohman Brothers. Mr. Isbell has the first ballot box of Wayne Town- 
ship, in which five votes were cast. He has, for many years, been Superintend- 
ent of the Cemetery, and is a member of the Masonic Order. He was married, 
in 1838, to Miss Maria Cosper, daughter of John Cosper, a pioneer settler of 
Noble County. They have seven children — Elias, Elizabeth, Gretzinger, of 
Jefferson Township ; Marion, who was a member of Company E, Thirtieth In- 
diana Volunteer Infantry, serving about two years, now a resident of Goshen ; 
Alonzo ; William, Manager of the Commercial College of Terre Haute, Ind. ; 
Leander and Anna Winans, of Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. Isbell are members of 
the Methodist Church. Mr. Isbell, for many years, was identified with Sun- 
day school work, and traveled extensively, organizing and aiding schools. 

G. L. KIMMELL is one of the earliest settlers of Wayne Township. 
His parents, Henry and Susanna (Rust) Kimmell. were natives of Pennsyl- 
vania, and in 1817 emigrated to Illinois, settling near Kaskaskia, where they 
remained for eight years. The country then was inhabited by only a few white 
settlers and the Indians. His father erected a grist-mill, and did an extensive 
business trading with the Indians. He was engaged in stock raising and deal- 
ing. He emigrated to Michigan with his family and 100 head of cattle, taking 
a " bee line " through the forest, cutting their road as they went. After a 
journey of thirty-nine days, during which they saw no white person, they arrived 
at their destination near Ypsilanti. This country was also a wilderness, and in 
clearing, improving and cultivating it his parents passed the remainder of their 
lives. His father was a large land owner and speculator, an extensive dealer 
and raiser of stock ; erected large manufactories of potash and pearlash, and was 
a respected and beloved citizen. Our subject is the third child of a family of 
eleven. He is a native of Pennsylvania, and was a small child when they emi- 
grated to Illinois, where he had for his associates and playmates Indian children. 



WAYNE TOWNSHIP. 325 

He has been associated with pioneer life in three States — Illinois, Michigan, 
where he remained with his father, assisting him until twenty-four years of age, 
and in Indiana, where he came in 1838 to Wayne Township, upon a venture 
for himself. He located upon Section 13, having to cut a road for three miles, 
to get to his land, and had no neighbors within three miles. Here he began to 
clear up his land, keeping " bachelor's hall." In 1840, he married Miss Phoebe 
Ann Gail, a native of New York, and upon this farm the worthy couple still 
live, enjoying a well-earned prosperity. Mr. Kimmell owns 245 acres of valuable 
land, which is operated by his sons. Mr. and Mrs. Kimmell have been mem- 
bers of the Baptist Church over twenty-five years. They had five children — 
Henry S., George Edgar, Albert J., Charles Grant, and Mary Ann. (deceased). 

HENRY S. KIMMELL is a son -of George L. and Phoebe A. (Gail) 
Kimmell, early settlers of Wayne Township. Henry is a native of Wayne 
Township, and has passed his life, from its earliest associations up to the present 
time, in farming. He now owns 135 acres of fine land, which he has* in a good 
state of cultivation. He is a young man with good practical ideas, and is pro- 
gressive in all matters of public interest. He was united in marriage in Feb- 
ruary, 1877, to Miss Lucinda Rendel, of Michigan. They have four children 
— George C, Camillus H., Linus E. and William W. 

J. W. LEARNED is a native of New Hampshire, and son to Samuel and 
Polly (Fowler) Learned. His father was a wealthy farmer of New Hampshire, 
and was thrice married, his last wife being a widow ; her maiden name was 
Susanna Hills, and she was the mother of the subject's wife. The parents were 
unfortunate in losing their entire property, and their last days were passed in 
this county, where they were cared for by their children. Their deaths occurred 
in August, 1855, only fifteen days intervening. J. W. Learned, when nearly 
twenty-one years of age, paid his father $20 for the few remaining months of 
his time, and went to Boston, where he was employed about two years ; then 
returned to New Hampshire, and in 1831 was married to Miss Abigail M. Dar- 
ling, also a native of New Hampshire. He then bought a piece of timbered 
land upon which he lived two years ; next emigrated to Cayuga County, N. 
Y., then to Seneca County, Ohio. In 1836, he came to this county and entered 
180 acres of land, and in 1837 moved upon it with his family. In 1861, he 
purchased the land where he now resides, locating upon it in 1869. This he 
has well improved. Mr. Learned now has 220 acres, and is a successful farmer. 
He has served the township as Trustee several terms ; has been County Com- 
missioner ; is public-spirited and alive to the best interests of the people. Mr. 
and Mrs. Learned have two children living — Olivia Call and Almira Milk. 

R. T. LYMAN is a native of Massachusetts. His business ex- 
periences have been varied and extended. He engaged at lumbering in 
Vermont for his first venture, remaining there ten years. He then went to 
Washington County, N. Y., where he was engaged at farming five years. He 
then returned to Vermont and conducted a hotel for three years, at the expira- 
tion of which he engaged at farming there for two years. His next departure 
was in Ohio, where he remained until 1868, embarking in the egg and butter 
trade in various portions of the State. In 1868, he came to Kendallville, 
soon after forming a partnership with H. McCray, in the egg and butter trade, 
remaining in association with him until 1875 ; when he again turned his atten- 
tion to farming, at which he is still engaged. He is now the owner of the old 
" Green " farm, located in the central portion of the township. It is finely 
cultivated and well improved. Mr. Lyman is a member of the Masonic Order 



326 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

and an enterprising citizen. He was married in 1850 to Miss Angelina Moore, 
of Washington County, N. Y. They have three children — Milton, Elmer and 
Annie. 

HENRY POPPY is a son of Frederick and Dorothy (Roaric) Poppy, 
natives of Germany, who emigrated to America about 1830, settling in Mary- 
land, where they resided for several years, subsequently emigrating to Rich- 
land County, Ohio. In 1848, they removed from Ohio to Noble County ; 
becoming residents of Orange Township, where they settled upon a piece of 
timbered land. Here they l^esided for the remainder of their lives, clearing 
up and improving their property, becoming valued and respected citizens, and 
esteemed members of the Albright Church. Five children came with them to 
Indiana — Wilhemina ; Thomas, living in Iowa ; Agustus, a resident of Orange 
Township; Henry; Charles, deceased ; and Sarah A. Walker, a resident of 
Kansas. The father died in 1872, the mother in 1850. Henry Poppy, our 
subject, is* a native of Germany. Since the removal of his parents to Noble 
County in 1848, he has been identified with the agricultural interests here. 
He married, in 1856, Miss Susanna Rendel, of Wayne Township, daughter of 
William Rendel, and the same year he became a resident of Wayne Township, 
where he has improved a farm of 114 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Poppy have five 
children — Emma, Rettie, Dora, Marshall and Charles. They are members of 
the Disciples' Church. 

JOB RENDEL is one of the young and successful farmers of Wayne 
Township. He represents also one of the early families of the township. 
His parents, William and Susanna (Likes) Rendel, were natives of Pennsyl- 
vania ; thev came from Wayne County, Ohio, to Wayne Township, about 1853, 
settling in the southern portion of the township, where the mother died in 
1875. His father still claims it as his residence. They were parents of eight 
children — Mary J. Poppy, Susanna Poppy, Job, George, a leading farmer of 
Wayne Township ; John, of Springfield Township, La Grange County ; Mag- 
gie Kimmel, residing in Michigan ; Arminda Mawhorter, of La Grange 
County, and Sarah Muter, of Orange Township. Job was born in Wayne 
County, Ohio, but since the removal of his parents to Noble County, has been 
associated in agricultural pursuits here. He now owns 160 acres of superior 
land with splendid improvements, and is one of the leading practical farmers 
of the township. He was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Drowley, of 
De Kalb County, in 1863. They are members of the Disciples' Church,' and 
have three children — Hattie B., George 0. and Herbert. 

HIRAM ROBERTS is a son of Nehemiah and Charlotte (Tanner) 
Roberts, natives, respectively, of Vermont and Massachusetts. They were 
married in the State of New York, subsequently moving to Pennsylvania, then 
to Wayne County, Ohio. In 1841, they came to this county and settled in 
Allen Township. The father died in 1850, while on a visit to Ohio, and the 
mother in Allen Township in 1853. They were parents of thirteen children, 
only three of whom are now living, viz. : Hiram, who is the eldest ; Amy, the 
wife of Wm. Whitford, of Allen Township ; and Nathan, of Allen Township. Hi- 
ram Roberts was born in Jamestown, New York, in 1820. He came to Allen 
Township, from Wayne County, Ohio, in 1840, and purchased eighty acres of 
land, after which he returned to Ohio, and in 1841 brought his parents to 
Indiana. While a resident of Allen Township, he cleared and improved his 
land. In 1865, Mr. Roberts removed to his present home. His landed pos- 
sessions are very valuable, and comprise over 400 acres, well improved and 



WAYNE TOWNSHIP. 327 

cultivated, making a farm difficult to excel. He was first married in 1847 to Miss 
Betsey Munger, of Orange Township. She died in 1852, leaving two chil- 
dren — Mary M.. now Mrs. Smith, of Kendall ville, and William Henry. Mr. 
Roberts married for his second wife, in 1856, Catherine Lash, a native of 
Pennsylvania, daughter of Phillip Lash, who came to Wayne Township about 
1852. By this union three children have been born — Charles, on the old farm 
in Allen Township ; Rose Long, of Ligonier, and John E. Mr. Roberts is a 
member of the Chosen Friends, and a practical, substantial farmer. 

ANDREW ROSENBURY is a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, 
born in 1811. His parents, Oliver and Ann (Jack) Rosenbury, were natives of 
Pennsylvania, and early settlers of Columbiana County, Ohio, subsequently 
removing to Summit County, and thence to Tuscarawas County, where they 
died. Our subject passed his early days in pioneer life in Ohio, subsequently 
engaging in farming in Summit County, where he remained for twelve years. 
In 1848, he became a resident of Wayne Township, locating in the extreme 
northeast corner, where he entered 80 acres, clearing and improving part of it,, 
and then selling it, after seven years' residence. With the proceeds, he pur- 
chased 280 acres where he now resides. Here he has lived up to the present 
time, improving and clearing his land himself. He now owns 260 acres, 
160 of which are in a splendid state of cultivation. Mr. Rosenbury is one of 
the many pioneers who have added much to the wealth and prosperity of Noble 
County, whom posterity should justly hold ever in grateful remembrance. He- 
was married, in 1833, to Miss Justa Metland, a native of Summit County, 
Ohio. They have seven children living — Ann E. Shultz, of Kendallville; 
Louisa, deceased ; Oliver, in Missouri ; Jane Devoe, in Kansas ; Joseph, a 
farmer of Wayne Township; Harriet Chaffee, of Missouri ; Warren, a resi- 
dent of Allen Township, and Norman. 

JOHN SHIFALY is a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, born July 
17, 1838, and attended school until fourteen years old, when, November 23, 
1852, unaccompanied by friends, he left home and made the trip to the United 
States, landing in New York City January 9, 1853. After one year on a 
farm in Mahoning County, Ohio, he landed in Kendallville, Ind., March 27, 
1854. Here young Shifaly, though not able to speak English, entered as 
clerk in the grocery store of J. Kime, where he worked one season for three 
dollars per month. On the 24th of December, 1854. he commenced to make 
Thomas B. Weston's his home. During that winter, he attended school two 
weeks, and, though, commencing with his ABC, by his characteristic perse- 
verance, in studying at home nights by the flickering light from the fire-place, 
in the spring he was able to read quite well. Home studying has been the 
source of his English education. As evidence of his attainments, he has been 
identified with school interests, as Director, for years, and there is to be found 
in his house one of the best libraries of any farmer in Indiana, comprising 
such works as Encyclopedia Brittanica, Appleton's Encyclopedia, Bancroft's 
History, Edward Everett's, David Hume's, and most of the standard works of 
other noted authors. Mr. Shifaly continued to work for Mr. Weston until 
January 2, 1859, when he was united in marriage with Emily Pauline Weston, 
only daughter of his employer. He then took entire charge of the farm, 
making improvements, building, clearing, etc., continuing in full control until 
Mr. Weston's death. To the original tract — which was inherited through his 
wife — he has added by purchase 240 acres, the whole now comprising 510 
acres, and constituting one of the best stock and grain farms in Northern In- 



328 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

diana. Mrs. Shifaly was born in Plymouth, Wayne Co., Mich., August 30, 
1838, and has lived on their present farm nearly 38 years. Their children 
are as follows : Mary Pauline, born May 5, 1860, and married to Albert 
Chaffee September 16, 1877 ; they have one child, born September 28, 1881 ; 
Charlotte Josephine, born August 18, 1862 ; Grant George Thomas, born 
May 7, 1864, died, July 21, 1872. Mr. Shifaly has the greatest reverence 
for the memory of Mr. and Mrs. Weston, and entertains for them both the 
highest appreciation for their kindnesses to him during his stay under their roof, 
which will always be remembered as equaling parental affection. Mr. Shifaly 
is a true representative of perseverance, energy, thrift and strict integrity. In 
physical endurance he is a prodigy, having performed an amount of labor that 
would have broken down a man of ordinary constitution, but no doubt much 
of this ability to endure is attributable to correct habits and his temperate 
mode of life. For twenty years past he has neither used tea nor coffee, neither 
has he used tobacco in any shape or manner. Never did drink spirituous liquors, 
nor does he drink beer, or even hard cider. This is the more remarkable 
when his nationality is taken into consideration. The good judgment and 
labor bestowed in the management of his farm has been almost marvel- 
ous in results. Two thousand bushels of shelled corn were marketed in one 
season, besides retaining sufficient for stock feeding ; another year he raised 
188 bushels of clover seed, and another season 2,000 bushels of wheat. From 
this same farm he has sold wood for twenty-two winters, often three and four 
loads per day, hauling a distance of six miles, and not an uncommon thing to 
unload on his first trip at 4 o'clock in the morning. He has now 400 head of 
sheep, thirty-five head of cattle and several head of horses. Mr. Shifaly is of 
a social disposition, a stanch Republican, and, in public matters, keeps apace 
with the progress of the age. He is a fitting representative of the progressive 
and practical farmers of Noble County. 

ADDISON B. STANTON is a son of Caleb S. and Chloe (Caldwell) 
Stanton. Caleb was a native of New York ; his wife of Canada. They were 
married in Wayne County, N. Y., and in 1834 emigrated to Michigan, where 
they remained until 1836, when they removed to Noble County, Ind., settling 
on Section 10, Wayne Township. There the worthy couple passed the re- 
mainder of their days, assisting in the development of the community and 
aiding as best they could in the progress and advancement of the township. 
He served in various offices of trust, for three years as Township Trustee.- 
He died in 1872; his wife in 1873. She was a consistent member of the M. 
P. Church. They were parents of four children — Dorliska Andrews, now a 
resident of La Grange County; Addison B. ; Alphonzo, a resident of Mich- 
igan; and Luftus, also of Michigan. Our subject is a native of the "'Empire" 
State. He has been identified with Wayne Township from the "pioneer" days 
of their early settlement up to the present time. Mr. Stanton has always fol- 
lowed the vocation of farming, and is now the owner of 160 acres of valuable 
land. He has always taken an interest in public measures for the improve- 
ment of Noble County and is one of the representative and practical farmers. 
He was united in marriage, in 1850, with Miss Lucinda Potter, daughter of 
Henry Potter, an old resident of the county. They have two children — Ade- 
laide Devoe, living in Wayne Township, and Seymour, who is a divine in the 
M. P. Church and (in 1881) located in Grant County, Ind. Mr. and Mrs. 
Stanton have been identified with the M. P. Church for many years and are 
esteemed and valued citizens. 



WAYNE TOWNSHIP. 329 

CHAUNCEY G. R. WATERHOUSE represents one of the leading 
farmers and large land owners of Northern Indiana and also a pioneer family 
of La Grange County. His parents — Benjamin B. and Harriet Waterhouse — 
were natives of Vermont, and in 1837 emigrated from New York State to 
Milford Township, La Grange County, Ind. His father became a prominent 
citizen and successful farmer, and remained there until his death. His mother 
still survives. They were parents to five children, four of whom are now liv- 
ing — Sarah Wilson, of Sturgis, Mich. ; Emma Cosper, of Milford Township ; 
Artemissa Spellman, residing in La Grange; and the subject of this sketch, 
who is a native of New York, and who, since the removal of his parents to 
this county, has been prominently identified with its progress, especially with 
the agricultural interests. He remained in La Grange County until 1869, 
when he removed to Wayne Township, where he has resided since and has 
permanently located. He erected, in 1881, an elegant residence, one half a 
mile north of Kendallville, where we now find him, superintending personally 
his large farming interest. He owns about eleven hundred acres of land, divided 
into six farms and located in La Grange and Noble Counties. Mr.Waterhouse, 
while giving his entire attention to farming interests, is a public-spirited and 
valued citizen, and favors all measures of progress and advancement. He was 
united in marriage with Miss Harriet Vine in 1860. Her parents were early 
settlers of Milford Township, coming there from Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. 
Waterhouse have four children — Albert, Frank, John and Homer. 

CHARLES WEINGART, a native of Germany, was born September 12, 
1844. His father, Joseph Weingart, came to America in 1852, locating in 
this county, and in 1860 was followed by his wife (Elizabeth Weingart) and 
family. They have had three children — Louis, Rosa (now dead) and Charles. 
The latter was married, in 1869, to Salome Kundert, who afterward died, 
leaving one child, William, born August 18, 1870. Mr. Weingart subse- 
quently married Margaret Zonker, a native of Indiana. Their children were 
Joseph A., Mary E. and Waldo C They own a well improved farm of 140 
acres and are industrious and intelligent people. 

THOMAS B. WESTON (deceased) came from a pioneer family whose 
ancestry can be traced back in the seventh degree to his namesake, Thomas 
Weston, who landed from the Mayflower at Plymouth in 1620, and another 
named John Weston who came to Salem, Mass., in 1644, from Buckingham- 
shire in the North of England, just 200 years before Thomas B. moved into his 
log cabin in Indiana. The Westons are a numerous family ; those bearing the 
name and springing from one common source are distributed over the whole of 
the Eastern, Western and Northwestern States. A significant remark was often 
made by the representative of this sketch, that he could travel on foot to his 
birthplace in York State and stop every night but one with those belonging to 
the Weston family. As a whole, those of the name are found to be equal to any 
family in the land in the possession of those sterling qualities — morality and in- 
tegrity. Thomas B. Weston was a native of Pompey, Onondaga Co., N. Y., 
where he was born October 13, 1799, and was amongst the earliest pioneers of 
this township. When a boy he moved with his father, Nathan Weston, to Mon- 
roe County, N. Y., where he worked on the home farm until the death of his 
father, August 26, 1823. The care of the family, consisting of two brothers and 
two sisters, then devolved on him. The succeeding thirteen years he tilled the 
soil and, in the meantime, taught writing-school and studied surveying. In the 
spring of 1836, he came to Indiana, and in later years took delight in recount- 



330 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

ing his experiences while hunting land ; how he with others were seven nights 
in the woods of what is now De Kalb County with the wolves howling around 
them, and other hair-raising events. On making his selection of land, he went 
on foot to the land office at Fort Wayne and made the entry of a rich tract, a 
part of which being in what is now Wayne Township, the balance being located 
in Wells County, this State. Returning to the Empire State, he married, on 
September 7, 1837, Miss Paulina Maxfield, of Copake, Columbia Co., N. Y., 
moving the next spring to Plymouth, Wayne Co., Mich., where their only 
daughter, Emily Paulina,, was born August 30, 1838. On June 20, 1841, he 
was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife. Thus left with the care of his 
child, with home broken up, he came, in 1842, to make a permanent settlement 
in this county, and was married a second time to Catherine Anderson, who was 
born in Huntingdon County, Penn., January 6, 1802, emigrating to Licking 
County, Ohio, with her parents, and from there to La Grange County, Ind., in 
the year 1838, her father being one of the first settlers on Pretty Prairie. July 
16, 1844, Mr. Weston with his wife, and his child by his first wife, moved in- 
to the log cabin which was to be their future home, situated on the northwest 
corner of Section 11. It was in this rude home that the first religious services 
held in the township were conducted by the Rev. John Martin, of La Grange 
County. Through the deprivations and laborious toil of those frontier days, 
Mr. Weston found in his wife a source of moral and material aid that buoyed 
him up under the most trying circumstances, and it was through her heroic 
efforts in his behalf that many seeming impossibilities were surmounted. While 
he was engaged in clearing, she was to be found at her spinning-wheel or the 
loom, preparing cloth for their clothing or other fabrics for household use. 
Their home farm was heavily timbered, hard maple predominating, and one 
spring there were thirteen sugar camps on his land worked by different parties 
on shares, the fact being admitted that he had the most extensive sugar bush in 
the country. Mr. Weston possessed qualities of a social nature in an eminent 
degree; this with his strict ideas of honor and justice made him deservedly pop- 
ular. Politicallv, he was conservative, voting with the Whigs until the birth of 
the Republican party, whose standard he followed on all national issues, but at 
local elections he cast his voce for the best man. In 1855, he, having served the 
public as Town Clerk for about six years, was elected Justice of the Peace, 
which office he filled for twenty-four years. In 1863, he had declined to be 
again a candidate, but being pressed finally consented to his name being pre- 
sented in the caucus by certain parties, who turned against him and nominated 
a teetotaler in his stead. This aroused the old pioneer, and at the earnest re- 
quest of the leading men in the township, he came out as an independent can- 
didate and was triumphantly elected, only lacking six votes of beating both the 
Republican and Democratic candidates combined. A few years after he settled 
on his land, he donated to the public a piece of ground for a cemetery — an ex- 
ceedingly pleasant location on what is known as the tk Big Hill," that part of 
the farm passing a few years later into the hands of his son-in-law, John Shifaly, 
who donated ground for a church, which was named Weston Chapel in honor of 
the memory of the old pioneer. Just thirty-four years to a day from the time 
they moved into their log cabin, Mrs. Weston died July 16, 1878. Mr. Weston 
retained his mental faculties in his old age to a remarkable degree ; he excelled 
in penmanship, and a letter written just before his death was a piece of art wor- 
thy of a writing master. After an illness of only thirty-six hours he died July 
26, 1881, at the advanced age of eighty-one years, nine months and thirteen 



WAYNE TOWNSHIP. 331 

days. His funeral was attended by the largest concourse of people of any that 
ever occurred in this part of the country. The last twenty years of his life he 
made almost daily rounds among his neighbors for a social chat, and " Uncle 
Tommy," as he was familiarly called, was ever welcome. With the closing of 
this noble life we can appropriately say with the poet : 

" Life's race well run ; 
Life's work well done ; 
Life's crown well won ; 
Now comes rest." 

L. D. WHITFORD is a son of Stutlev and Elizabeth Whitford, who are 
old residents of Wayne Township. He is a native of Wayne County, Ohio. 
Since the removal of his parents to Noble County, he has resided here and given 
his attention to agricultural pursuits. He became the owner of the old " Childs " 
farm in 1880, which he is now operating. His farm consists of eighty-five acres 
of improved land, conveniently located. In 1866, he formed a matrimonial 
alliance with Miss Louisa Wright, daughter of James Wright, one of the early 
residents of Wayne Township. Mr. and Mrs. Whitford are members of the 
M. E. Church. They have one child, Charles F. Mr. Whitford is one of the 
enterprising young men of Wayne Township, who are soon to fill the places of 
the old pioneers who are passing away. 

JAMES W. WRIGHT is the oldest son of James Wright, a native of 
England, who came to America in 1833, first locating in Ohio, where he resided 
until 1844, when he came to Wayne Township and settled upon the farm now 
owned by the subject of this sketch. Here he remained, clearing and improv- 
ing his land, passing his time in the quiet tenor of farming life until his death, 
dying as he had lived, a Christian gentleman, July 22, 1881. His wife's maiden 
name was Emily Finch. They were married July 5, 1838. She is a native of 
New York, and is now living with her son. She is a member of the M. P. 
Church, which, together with her husband, she has been identified with for over 
forty years. Seven children are descendants. Sarah Shaffer, of Wayne Town- 
ship; Mary Weaver, deceased; Margaret Weaver, in Nebraska; James W., 
William C, Frances Browand, in Nebraska ; and Louisa L. Whitford, of Wayne 
Township. James W. is a native of Wayne Township, where he has always 
resided and engaged in farming. He is now the owner of the old homestead 
farm, which consists of 110 acres of well cultivated and improved land. 
He is an industrious and liberal-minded citizen, and one of the reliable farmers 
of the township. He was married in 1869 to Miss Mary A. Gallup of Wayne 
Township. They have two children, Mattie and Nellie. 

WILLIAM C. WRIGHT is a son of James and Emily (Finch) Wright, 
early settlers of Wayne Township. William is a native of Wayne Township, 
where he has always been identified. He is now the owner of the "Joseph 
Childs" farm, consisting of eighty acres of land, which is well improved and 
adjoins his father's old farm. Mr. Wright is a young and promising farmer, of 
industrious habits, and will doubtless become one of the standard farmers of the 
future. He was married, 1876, to Miss Arvilla Hill, a daughter of Nicholas 
Hill, another pioneer settler of the township. They have two children — John 
and Amelia. 



332 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES; 



TOWN OF LICONIER. 

JOHN ABDILL, hardware and tinware, is the third child in a family of 
seven children, and was born in Delaware. He came here with his parents, Jo- 
seph and Jemimah (Blockson) Abdill, natives of Delaware. His father was a 
farmer, and also a local preacher of the United Brethren denomination, and 
moved to Richland County, Ohio, with his family in 1835 ; thence to Noble 
County, settling, in 1849, in York Township. At the age of seventeen, John 
commenced his apprenticeship at the tinner's trade in Ligonier, serving three 
years; then followed his trade there until 1856, when he went to Michigan and 
remained there working at his trade till the fall of 1858. He returned to 
Ligonier, and in August, 1873, went into the hardware business, on his own 
responsibility. This proved a successful enterprise. Mr. Abdill has served as 
Councilman, and is now a member of the school board, in his second term ; is 
also a member of the Masonic Order. He was married in Michigan in 1856 to 
Miss Mary E. Crane, a native of Indiana and former resident of Ligonier. 
They have four children, Edward E., now reading law in Ligonier; Zula M., 
Wallace and Merton, and are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

ALBERT BANTA, Justice of the Peace, is a native of Mont- 
gomery County, Ohio. He was engaged in farming in Preble County. 
Ohio, until 1836, when he came to Elkhart County, Ind., and com- 
menced in the mercantile business. This he followed until 1840, 'when 
he was elected County Sheriff, and served four years, and then returned 
to farm life in Benton Township. In 1854, he came to Ligonier, where 
he located and remained until 1862, when he went to Bluffton, Ind., 
returning to Ligonier in 1870, where he has since resided. In 1872, he 
was elected Justice of the Peace, and has since held that office. He was a 
member of the City Council one year, and belonged to the Methodist Church in 
1840, but is now a member of the Disciples' Church. In 1824, Mr. Banta mar- 
ried Mary Brower, of Ohio. She died in 1870, leaving six children, five now 
living: Albert J. and John D., both living in Elkhart County ; Peter, now re- 
siding in Kansas ; Mary J. Carmean, of Noble County ; and Elizabeth Sher- 
wood, of Ligonier. He was married again, in 1871, to Mrs. Mary J. Parks, of 
Ligonier. Mr. Banta has been a member of the Masonic Order since 1844, 
and is now a Royal Arch Mason. 

A. C. BEECHER, dentist, son of A. B. and Mary J. (Bailey) Beecher, 
was born in Hancock County, Ohio, is the eldest of five children, and came 
with his parents in 1859 to La Grange, Ind., where his parents still reside. 
Here, he attended school, and in 1870 commenced the study of his profession 
with F. M. Hamsher, with whom he remained two years. He spent one and 
one-half years in Butler County, Ind., practicing ; and then went to the Uni- 
versity at Ann Arbor, Mich., where he took the course of study, and in 1876 
graduated from the Dental Department. He returned to La Grange, and fol- 
lowed the practice of his profession there until 1881, when he came to Ligo- 
nier, where he is building up a good business. He is a proficient workman, 
and a promising young business man. While in La Grange, he served as Dep- 
uty Postmaster. He is a member of the Knights of Honor. He was married 



TOWN OF LIGONIER. 333 

in 1874 to Miss Alice Speed, of La Grange ; they have two children — Char- 
lie and Veva. 

J. M. BELTS, manufacturer and dealer in furniture, is one of the success- 
ful business men of Ligonier, in his line of trade, having secured a large and 
successful custom. He was born in Livingston County, N. Y., and in his 
native State learned the trade of cabinet-making. He followed this calling in 
various locations in different States, and came to Ligonier in 1874, where he 
was employed at his trade for two years. In 1876, he started his present busi- 
ness, which has proved most successful. He has extended it, and now carries 
a large and splendid stock of furniture, and his business is steadily increasing. 
Mr. Belts was married, December 27, 1859, to Miss Sarah L. Brooks, a native 
of New York. They have three children — Adelbert M., Claude J. and Maud. 

F. P. BOTH WELL, of Green & Bothwell, lawyers, is a native of this county, 
and son of T. H. and Zillah A. (Eagles) Bothwell, who were married in Noble 
County, and were residents of Sparta Township until the death of Mr. Both- 
well in 1867. He was one of the early settlers, and, besides farming, carried 
on the lumber and saw-milling business. The mother is still living in Ligonier. 
They had five children — Lucy Galloway, of Ligonier ; Harriet Jones, of Sparta 
Township ; the subject, Melvin and Leslie. Our subject lived in Sparta Town- 
ship, attending district school there until the age of fourteen, when he went to 
Hillsdale, Mich., and attended college for three years, then for one year went 
to school at Valparaiso, Ind. In 1875, he became a student in the law office 
of I. E. Kinsley, at Ligonier, and remained two years, then went to Chicago, 
and after completing the course of study in the Union Law College there, was 
admitted to the bar of Illinois. He returned to Noble County in the fall of 
1878 ; was admitted to practice there, and formed a partnership with J. W. 
Scott ; this existed only a short time, and in December, 1878, he became asso- 
ciated with D. W. Green. Mr. Bothwell is an able and rising young lawyer, 
and has already attained a prominent position among the attorneys of the 
county. .He was united in marriage, April 22, 1880, to Miss Lena M. Decker, 
daughter of J. Decker, of Ligonier. 

S. M. BRADEN, of the firm of Braden & Peck, millers, is a native of 
Fostoria, Seneca County, Ohio, and a son of William Braden, who for a num- 
ber of years operated there woolen and grist mills. In Fostoria our subject 
passed his earlier years, where he became familiar with milling. He subse- 
quently went with his father to a farm in Illinois, where he became familiar 
with agricultural life. After his father's death, he engaged in milling in dif- 
ferent States, until 1869, when he located in Ligonier, and assumed the charge 
of Ulmer & Clark's mill, subsequently becoming a -partner in the firm of 
Strauss, Henderson & Co. Mr. Braden has continued his connection with this 
mill up to the present time, although the above association lasted only about 
two years. The present firm was organized in July, 1879, by the association 
of Jarvis Peck with Mr. Braden. They have four run of stone, and possess an 
extensive trade. Mr. Braden has, for nearly twenty-five years, been engaged 
in superintending mills. He obtained a patent in 1879, on " Braden's Im- 
proved Wheat Heater," which proved of practical utility, and is meeting 
with good success in the market. Mr. Braden married Miss Rachel Hen- 
derson, of De Kalb County, Ind., in 1865. He is a Mason, and valued 
citizen of Ligonier.' 

G. W. CARR, M. D., began life during the pioneer days of Stark County, 
Ohio. His parents, Benjamin and Mary (Jennings), were early settlers of Stark 



334 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

County, and farmed there for many years. The mother died there in 1852, 
and the father subsequently remarried. He came to Ligonier in 1856, where 
he died in 1861. Of their children, twelve attained maturity, and ten are now' 
living. Our subject, who is next to the youngest child, assisted on his father's 
farm in Stark County until seventeen years of age. He then went to Navarre, 
and commenced reading medicine with Dr. Leeper, under whose tutelage he 
remained three years. In 1850, he came to Ligonier, and for two years 
studied medicine with Dr. Wellman. He then established an office, and prac- 
ticed his profession for four years, when he went to Cleveland, and in 1856 
graduated from the Cleveland Medical College, returning at the end of that 
time to Ligonier, where he has since been in practice, with the exception of 
three years' service in the late war. He went out in 1862 with the Forty- 
fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and remained with them as Assistant Surgeon 
until March, 1864, when he was appointed Surgeon of the One Hundred and 
Twenty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served in this capacity until the 
war ended. He has established a large and successful practice. His popularity 
as a physician is well deserved, and he is well-informed on the science of med- 
icine and surgery. Since the year 1880, he has been in partnership with 
William A. Shobe, who, since fourteen years of age, has been with Dr. Carr, 
having made the study of medicine a pursuit. He graduated from the Detroit 
Medical College in 1880 Dr. Carr is a Royal Arch Mason, and was married 
to Miss Dulcina Teal, daughter of Joseph Teal, of Perry Township, in 1852. 
She died in 1862, leaving two children — Wallace W. and Denoyer P. In 
1864, he was united in marriage with Sarah McMillan, a native of Rochester. 
N. Y. 

WILLIAM CULVEYIIOUSE, gunsmith, is a native of La Porte County, 
Ind., and lived at home on his father's farm until thirteen years of age, when he 
was crippled, and went to Plymouth, Marshall Co., Ind., where he commenced 
learning the gunsmith's trade, finishing it in Indianapolis. He spent four 
years in the different States ; then, in 1859, he enlisted on an English man-of- 
war at Baltimore, but failed to go with them. For two years, he was connected 
with the hydraulic water-works of Annapolis Naval School. In 1862, he went 
to La Porte, Ind.; remained nine months, and in 1863 came to Ligonier, where 
he conducted a gun and sporting store, and followed his trade until in March, 
1880. He then went to Easton, Md., returning to Ligonier in August, 1881, 
where he is permanently located in his old business calling. He was married 
in 1862 to Miss Eliza A. Stewart, of Annapolis, Md. Their children are 
William H., Maretta V., Elizabeth and Vesta A. 

L. J. DUNNING -is the eldest of five children born to Jesse and Lorinda 
(Lawrence) Dunning, natives of New York, and was reared on his father's 
farm in the place of his nativity, Dutchess County, N. Y. At the age of twen- 
ty-one, he w y ent to Fairfield County, Ohio, where he practiced farming, teaching 
school winters. He came to this county in October, 1859, and entered a farm 
in Perry Township, which he managed one year. He then went into the gro- 
cery business with J. E. Braden, in Ligonier. This partnership lasted until 
1867, when Mr. Braden retired, Mr. Dunning continuing the business alone. 
In 1865, his parents left their farm, and came from New York to Ligonier, 
residing with their son until their deaths ; that of the father occurred in 1866, 
and the mother in 1880. In 1873, Mr. Dunning's son, Jesse L., became a 
partner in his store, and in 1881 they associated with them Frank Jackson, mak- 
ing the firm of Dunning, Son & Co. Their stock consists of general groceries, 



TOWN OF LIGONIER. 335 

produce, tobacco, cigars, crockery, lime, salt, cement, etc. Mr. Dunning's wife 
was Anna Huber, a native of Fairfield County, Ohio. They have four children 
living — Jesse L.; Lucinda, wife of W. A. Jackson, of Ligonier ; Emma, wife 
of Frank Jackson, of the firm Dunning, Son & Co.; and Libbie, at home ; and 
two deceased — Mary Miller and Jacob. Mr. Dunning has been Township 
Trustee four years, and the Dunning family are all members of the Disciples' 
Church. 

C. ELDRED, druggist, lived on a farm in New York, his native State, until 
about sixteen years of age, when he went to Akron, Summit Co., Ohio, where 
he learned the tinner's trade. To Stark County he next went, where he was 
employed at Navarre, in the hardware and tinning business, until 1854. The 
following eleven years, he followed his trade in Huntington County, Ind:, and 
in 1865 began his present business in Ligonier. He first formed a partnership 
with P. Serbert, which existed only a few months, Mr. Eldred conducting the 
business alone until in 1872, when his son became a partner, and the firm has 
remained to the present C. Eldred & Son. Mr. Eldred was married to Miss 
Eliza Hawk, a native of Pennsylvania and resident of Stark County, Ohio, in 
1845. They have three children — S. T. Eldred, druggist; John H., a printer 
at La Porte ; and Mary Hoffman, of Ligonier. They are both members of 
the Methodist Church and Mr. Eldred is a Knight Templar. 

S. T. Eldred, junior member of the firm of C. Eldred & Son, was born 
in Stark County, Ohio. In 1865, he began his business experience in Wabash, 
clerking in a drug store, then was in his father's store at Ligonier until he be- 
came a partner in 1872. They are both courteous gentlemen and progressive 
business men. The son is also a Mason, and was married, in 1873. to Miss 
Elizabeth Randall, a native of Indiana. They have one child — Frank. 

S. B. ENGLE, son of Andrew and Ann R. (Conrad) Engle, was born in 
Perry Township. His parents were there engaged in farming, and came at an 
early day. The subject's younger days were associated with farm life, and his 
educational facilities were up to the standard, which sufficiently warranted him 
in teaching school during the winters. He officiated three years as a preceptor 
in the public schools at Ligonier, to which place he came in 1877, where he 
he formed a matrimonial alliance with Miss M. E. Myers, who was a resident 
of Illinois at the time of her marriage, but originally came from Ohio. 

J. F. GARD, M. D., one of Ligonier's prominent professional men, was 
born in Preble County, Ohio, where he was reared on a farm. In 1859, he 
began the study of medicine with A. D. Potts, and continued it until the open- 
ing of the war, when he enlisted, in May, 1861, in the Sixteenth Indiana 
Volunteer Infantry. He was with this regiment for one year, and during the 
remainder of the war and until January, 1866, he served in the First Indiana 
Heavy Artillery, thus making over four years' service, during which time he 
acted chiefly as Assistant Surgeon. After the war closed, he commenced the 
practice of his profession in Miami County, Ind., where he remained six years. 
He named the town of North Grove, in Miami County, Ind., where he went 
in 1866, succeeded in establishing a post office, and when he left the place 
numbered 300 inhabitants. Mr. Gard came to this county in October, lb71, 
and remained at Wawaka, where he built up a large practice, until he came to 
Ligonier and located in 1877. He has secured an extended and lucrative 
practice, and is well known as an able physician. Mr. Gard is a graduate of 
Bennett Medical College of Chicago and is a Knight Templar. He was 
married to Miss Mary J. White, a native of Ohio, in 1867. They have two 



336 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

children living — Ettie B. and Addie. Albert L. died in 1870, aged eighteen 
months. 

W. G. GARDNER, merchant tailor, was born in Germany, March 10, 
1833, is the youngest of five children, and the only one of the family that came 
to this country. His parents, Alexander and Regene Gardner lived and died 
in Germany. The subject emigrated to New York City in 1854, and after four 
months went to Newton, N. J., remained six months, then returned to New 
York City. He then went to Burlington, Va., and after returning, spent some 
time in New York, and after an extended trip throughout the Western States 
and Canada, returned again to New York, subsequently going to Connecticut, 
where he stayed until 1862. In that year he enlisted in Company F, Nine- 
teenth Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, and served until July 17, 1865, then 
returned to Connecticut ; he received two wounds while in the army. He came 
to Ligonier in 1877, and was employed for some time by Jacob Straus & Co., 
as cutter and fitter in their clothing establishment. In 1879, he established a 
business of his own and has been very prosperous ; he employs from five to 
seven workmen. Mr. Gardner was first married in Connecticut, July 3, 1860, 
to Louisa Kohlor, who was born in Germany in 1842. She died in 1861, May 
18, and he married January 1, 1862, Mary A. Commings, a native of Connec- 
ticut, born February 25, 1838. By his first wife Mr. Gardner had one child, 
W. F., and the remaining children are Phebie A., Sophia J., Nellie M., and 
an infant as yet unnamed. Mr. Gardner is a Mason, and owns town property 
in Ligonier ; he is a popular citizen as well as an honorable business man. 

E. B. GERBER, hardware, etc., a genial gentleman and an energetic, 
thrifty business man, was born in Stark County, Ohio, one of eleven children, 
whose parents were David and Susanna (Buchtel) Gerber, early settlers of E. 
B.'s native county. The father wa3 a persevering farmer, who, with his family, 
removed to La Grange County, Ind., in 1855, settling in Eden Township, 
where he died in 1872. In 1876, the mother moved into Ligonier, where she 
still resides, in the conciousness of a well spent life and with the respect of her 
many acquaintances. Eight of the children are now living — Eliza Shrock and 
Abraham, in La GrangeCounty ; Lydia Yoder and Daniel, in Perry Township ; 
and E. B., Sarah Bruner, Tena King and Christopher W., of Ligonier. In 
1861, Jacob J. entered the army for the suppression of the rebellion, as a 
member of Company C, Thirtieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which he 
served until he was taken prisoner at the battle of Chickamauga. He was then 
taken to the rebel prison at Andersonville, where he died September 2, 1864. 
Benjamin F., the youngest of the family, was a tinner by trade, and had charge 
of that department in E. B.'s hardware store until the 5th of June, 1881, when 
he and his wife were drowned in the Reservoir at Rome City. They were 
married in 1878. Her maiden name was Maxwell. E. B. Gerber, in his early 
manhood, learned the carpenter trade, also civil engineering, in addition to 
which he commenced teaching school whilst yet in Stark County, Ohio. In 
1855 he came to La Grange County with his parents, but went to Nebraska the 
same year. Here bringing into requisition his knowledge of engineering, 
assisted in laying out Omaha City. After about eight months, having visited 
other parts, he returned home and resumed school-teaching and carpentering. 
In 1857, Mr. Gerber was appointed Deputy County Surveyor of Noble County 
under William Dowling, and in 1858 was elected County Surveyor, serving 
until 1865, with his residence in Ligonier. Was engaged in publishing town 
and county maps, from 1864 until 1867. The real estate business then en- 



TOWN OF LIGONIER 337 

grossed his attention for one year. In January, 1869, he purchased the interest 
of Mr. Wadsworth, of Wadsworth & Parker, hardware, and one year later 
bought Mr. Parker's interest, thus succeeding to the proprietorship of the 
whole establishment. He carries a full line of hardware, stoves, tinware and 
agricultural implements. This business is conducted in a progressive manner 
characteristic of the man. In 1871, Mr. Gerber, in connection with Mr. 
Treash and Kirchbaum, established a foundry in Ligonier, which business, in 
1880, was changed to a carriage manufactory. In 1874, he, with Carlton 
Jones, started a handle manufactory, but is not now connected with that busi- 
ness. In political positions, in addition to that of Surveyor, Mr. Gerber has 
served in nearly the whole line in his town and township. In 1856,, he was 
elected as Trustee of Eden Township, La Grange County, and served as first 
Assessor of Ligonier after its incorporation. Has been City Councilman for 
several terms ; has also filled the office of City Clerk, and is now President of 
the City Council, and has served several years as School Trustee. He is a 
Knight Templar, and now Master of the Ligonier Lodge, No. 185, F. & A. M. 
In October, 1857, Mr. Gerber was married to Miss Mary Moses, of Perry 
Township. They have four children — Owen F., Delta, Minnie and Dwight. 
The honorable and active career of Mr. Gerber, as summed up in his record, is 
a higher commendation of his usefulness as a citizen than can be bestowed upon 
him by any words of praise. 

D. W. GREEN, of Green & Bothwell, attorneys at law, was born in Stark 
County, Ohio, son of John F. and Christina (Bowers) Green, natives of Germany, 
and early settlers of Stark County, where they resided up to 1860, the father engag- 
ing in blacksmithing, being a mechanic by trade, learned edge tool-making in the 
old country. They moved to Wayne County, Ohio, where they lived one year ; 
then, in 1861, came to Ligonier. While in Noble County, he followed farming ; 
then, in 1875, removing to Jasper County, he engaged in the hardware trade, 
in connection with his son, which still occupies his attention. They had six 
children, the subject being the fourth. He had a good education, and after com- 
ing to Noble County, with parents, attended Wittenburg College, at Spring- 
field. In 1862, he enlisted Company B, Eighty-eighth Indiana Volunteer 
Infantry, and soon after was appointed Steward of No. 1 Hospital, at Louisville, 
Ky. When this was closed, he was transferred to Crittenden Hospital, where 
he was connected until 1865. He returned to Ligonier, and attended com- 
mercial college at Fort Wayne one term. He then spent a short time at 
Kendallville, in the grocery business, with Albert Banta, subsequently farming 
two years in Perry Township, where he was elected Justice of the Peace. 
Moved to Ligonier in 1870, and served eight years. Previous to this, he had 
been studying law, which he has been practicing since 1876, when he was 
admitted to the bar. In 1878, he formed his present association with Frank 
P. Bothwell. He is now serving as City Attorney, and is an eminent lawyer, 
and progressive citizen. He was married, in 1867, to Miss Ellen Banta, 
daughter of Albert Banta. In 1872, she died, leaving a child, Lulu M. Mr. 
Green married again, in 1874, Ladora D. Dodge, of Elkhart Township ; she 
died in 1875. His present and third wife was Mrs. Electa W. Fleming, whom 
he married in 1877. They have one child, Charles F. Mr. Green belongs to 
the Methodist Church. 

A. C. HARDENBROOK, grocery and saloon, is a native of Elkhart Town- 
ship, this county. His father, Ralph Hardenbrook, was a native of Virginia, and 
his mother, Eunice (Carr), was a native of Ohio. They left Richland County, 



338 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Ohio, in 1835, and came to Noble County, locating in Elkhart Township. Here 
they passed their remaining days on a farm ; the mother died in 1849, and her 
husband in 1862. Of nine children, there are now living — Freman, Harriet 
Hardenburgh and Emily Gibson, of Iowa ; Solomon, of Albion, Ind. ; Francis, 
of Michigan, and the subject. The latter's early life was passed on a farm, 
until he reached his majority, when he went West, and passed nine years among 
the mountains in Idaho, Montana and Nevada, engaged in packing and min- 
ing. He returned to Ligonier in 1866, and engaged in the livery business ; 
subsequently starting a grocery and saloon, which he has since continued. Mr. 
Hardenbrook has crossed the plains seven times, and has been once by water 
to California. He has served on the City Council, and is one of the oldest 
citizens born in the county. He possesses a fine library, is a well-read man 
and a progressive citizen. He was married, in December, 1866, to Miss 
Melinda Hathaway, native of Ohio. They have five children — Harry, Lora, 
Vernon, Allie and James. 

J. VV. HIGGINBOTHAM, jeweler, passed his early life in Ohio, Stark 
County, where he was born. He came to Ligonier with his parents. His 
father, Mark B. Higginbotham, was a native of Ireland, and was married in 
Stark County, Ohio, to Jane Scott, who was a native of Scotland. He was a 
jeweler by trade, and followed it throughout life, working at the bench for over 
half a century. They remained in Ohio until 1857, when they came to Ligo- 
nier, and he commenced his trade with a small stock of goods, that he afterward 
enlarged, his son, J. W., being the manager. He died in 1876, and his wife 
in 1881. They were both Episcopalians, and had two children, the subject, and 
Elizabeth Miller, of Bloomington, 111. The former learned the jeweler's trade 
of his father, and was in partnership with him, making the firm of Higgin- 
botham & Son. Since his father's death, he has conducted the business alone ; 
through constant practice, has become a superior workman ; makes repairing 
a specialty ; and carries an extensive stock of watches, clocks, silverware and 
jewelry. He has been a member of the City Council one term ; has served as 
Town Clerk one term ; and is a member of I. 0. 0. F. In 1861, he was 
united in marriage with Miss Sarah Fisher, of Stark County, Ohio, daughter of 
Henry C. Fisher, an early settler of Noble County, and now a resident of Kan- 
sas. They have four children — Harry M., Maud, Pearl and John J. 

J. H. HOFFMAN, books, stationery, news, wall paper, etc., an ener- 
getic business man. He is a native of De Kalb County, Ind. His par- 
ents, George R. and Sarah (Cramer) Hoffman, came from Pennsylvania to De 
Kalb County about 1837, being pioneer settlers and residents there until their 
death. They located in Butler Township. His father was a prominent citi- 
zen and served that county as Recorder several years. Our subject was asso- 
ciated with his father on the farm until 1861, when he enlisted in Company K, 
Forty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was in active service about one 
year, being wounded at the battle of Pittsburg Landing. Returning to his 
home, he engaged at school teaching, using the money earned in attaining a 
higher education. In 1867, he came to Ligonier and embarked in his present 
business, also teaching in the public schools for three years. His stock is varied 
and extensive, and embraces everything in the line of a first-class book and 
stationery store. He is the agent for various makes of cabinet organs and the 
Weber piano. Mr. Hoffman has served in the City Council one year, and as 
Town Clerk three years. He is a member of the I. 0. 0. F. In 1877, he 
was united in marriage with Miss Mary C Eldred, daughter of C. Eldred, 
druggist, of Ligonier. 



TOWN OF LIGONIER. 339 

HON. HENRY HOSTETTER is the present Representative to the State 
Legislature from Noble and La Grange Counties, to which position he was 
elected in 1880. He is a native of Chillicothe, Ohio, where he was born July 
14, 1813. His parents, Henry and Catherine (Maughmer) Hostetter, were 
natives of Virginia and Maryland, and of German and Scotch descent. Ulrich 
Hostetter, the grandfather of our subject, emigrated to this country from Ger- 
many at the close of the Revolutionary war, and located in Greenbrier County, 
Va., afterward removing to Rockingham County, same State. Henry 
Hostetter, at the age of fifteen, was apprenticed to the tanner and currier's 
trade, but was compelled to abandon that occupation on account of failing 
health. In the spring of 1831, he came with his father's family to what is 
now Perry Township. Here they began clearing a large tract of land. His 
father was a representative man, serving as one of the first County Commis- 
sioners, and as Township Trustee several terms. They had a family of twelve 
children, five of whom are now living — John, Benjamin, Henry, Joel and Mrs. 
Mary A. Walker, a widow living in Goshen. The parents remained here until 
their death, the father, in 1847, and the mother in 1855. After coming here, 
Henry served for a time on the home farm and then entered the employ of 
Spenser & Dawson, of Fort Wayne, as a salesman. After two years in that 
capacity, he attended school for four months at Goshen, after which he 
taught school four months in the year and worked at common labor the rest. 
July 5, 1839, he married Miss Margaret Ann Harsh, whose parents, with their 
family, came to Ligonier, in 1837, from Hocking County, Ohio, she, then only 
fifteen years old, walking the whole distance, over three hundred miles. Mr. 
Hostetter and wife settled on the Haw Patch and cleared a farm. In 1853, 
they moved into Ligonier, where he entered upon the practice of the law. Mr. 
Hostetter is a Republican in politics ; he filled the office of Justice of the 
Peace for fourteen consecutive years, and Township Assessor for twelve years ; 
in 1840, he was elected County Sheriff, and, in 1842, was defeated for re-elec- 
tion by only three votes, the Democratic majority for other candidates being 
about 350. In 1840, he was also appointed County Appraiser by the Legisla- 
ture. His long continuance in official position by the people is a fitting tribute to 
his efficiency and moral worth. In religious views, Mr. Hostetter is liberal, 
though he and wife both were reared under strict orthodox teachings. He is 
an active Mason, having joined that fraternity in 1853. His business enter- 
prises have been so successful as to place at his command an ample fortune 
which he and wife are enjoying in their home in Ligonier. They have four 
children — Dewitt Clinton (agent of the B. & 0. R. R. at Milford Junction, 
Ind.), Mary W., Alma E., Barney (of Elkhart), and Alice E. Sandrock, of 
Ligonier. 

DAVID HOUGH, farmer, was born in Westmoreland County, Penn., 
and was brought up on his father's farm. He remained in Pennsylvania, farming 
in Westmoreland and Allegheny Counties for himself until 1864. In this year, 
he came to Indiana, locating in this township, where he still resides. In 
1852, he, was married to Miss Amanda Guffey, of Westmoreland County, 
Penn. They have four children — Mary Wade (who resides in Ligonier), Ben- 
jamin, Margaret and Andrew. Mr. Hough owns eighty acres of well-improved 
farming land situated on Section 19, and is one of the prominent and practical 
farmers of Perry Township. From 1871 to 1875, he filled the office of Coun- 
ty Sheriff and creditably discharged the duties assigned him. 

RK 



340 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

J. E. HUFFMAN is a contractor and builder, resident of the city of 
Ligonier, which has been his home since the close of the war, and where he has 
prosecuted his business with success. Mr. Huffman was born in Stark Coun- 
ty, Ohio, September 20, 1840. He remained with his parents until he was 
eighteen years old ; then learned the carpenter's trade. In 1861, he enlisted in 
Company F, Forty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which regiment he 
served with bravery. Returning home, he subsequently entered the Thirteenth 
Indiana Infantry, and served until the close of the war, sharing in the cam- 
paigns and battles of his command. Mr. Huffman, at the termination of his 
service, settled in Ligonier, and commenced work at his trade. November 28, 
1869, he was married to Miss M. B. Smith, native of York State, born Jan- 
uary 18, 1840. The parents of Mr. Huffman were Frederick and Elizabeth 
Huffman, he a native of Switzerland, and she of Pennsylvania, both born in 
1808. He came to this country in 1816, remaining in Pennsylvania until 
1834. In the meantime, learned the shoemaker's trade. He then came to 
Stark County, Ohio, and was married in 1835 to Elizabeth Simmons. In 
1848, he moved with his family to De Kalb County, this State, where the old 
people still reside. The father and mother have been members of the Christian 
Church upward of fifty years. Their family of children consisted of Adam 
L. (who was killed in the army), Ann, J. E., A. C, Elizabeth, Almira (de- 
ceased) and Frederick. J. E. Huffman owns some property in the city ; be- 
longs to the Masonic Order, having passed through the Grand Lodge, and is a 
member of the Christian Church. 

C. V. INKS, importer and dealer in granite and marble, is an active busi- 
ness man of Ligonier. His parents, Joseph and Louisa (Vinson) Inks, were 
early settlers of Elkhart County. In 1846, they removed to Noble Township, 
where they resided until 1868, when they became residents of Ligonier. Here 
the mother died in 1869 ; the father is still living. Two children are descend- 
ants, John F., connected with the marble works, and the subject of this sketch, 
who was born in Goshen, Elkhart Co., Ind., in 1836. When seventeen 
years of age, he commenced to learn his trade with his uncle, Beecher Inks, of 
Elkhart, with whom he remained one year, subsequently going to Goshen, 
where he finished. In 1855, he embarked in the marble business at Wolf 
Lake, prosecuting the same for two years. He then removed to Goshen, where 
he remained in business until 1860, returning at that period to Wolf Lake, 
and resuming his business connections there. In 1868, he removed to Ligo- 
nier, establishing his present works. He executes artistic and substantial de- 
signs, and besides supplying an extensive local trade, has extended his sales to 
the adjoining States of Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Illinois. For several 
years he has been importing granite from Scotland, also dealing in the best 
American grades. He is a member of the Masonic Order, and at one time was 
a candidate for Representative on the Democratic ticket. Mr. Inks, in 1860, 
married Miss Caroline Myers, of Medina County, Ohio. They have four chil- 
dren, Harry, William B., Albert and Rosa. 

ANDREW JACKSON, Justice of the Peace, is a native of Cumberland 
County, Penn., and came in early youth with his parents to Ohio, finally locat- 
ing in Fayette County. Here his boyhood days were passed on a farm, and he 
subsequently was engaged in farming for himself until he came to Ligonier in 
1859, where he has since been located. For several years he was employed in 
draying at the depot and as grain inspector. Although he has been elected 
Justice of the Peace heretofore, he never served until 1878, when he was elected 



TOWN OF LIGONIER. 341 

to, and has since administered the duties of, that office ; he also has served as 
Corporation Assessor one year. He was married, February 3, 1848, to Julia 
A. Shobe, of Fayette County, Ohio. They have seven children living — Sarah 
E. Wolf (of Ligonier), Samuel T., Ira M., William L., Charles E., Edward and 
Addie. Mr. Jackson has been a member of the I. 0. 0. F. since 1852, hav- 
ing joined in Ohio. He passed all chairs in subordinate lodges, and has been a 
member of Grand Lodge for the past eleven years. He is also an Encampment 
member of the lodge, and has been an officer in that department since its organ- 
ization in about 1869. Since the Encampment was organized, he has held the 
office of High Priest, and in the. lodge has been Recording Secretary for four 
years, and for one year was Grand Guardian in the Grand Lodge of the State. 

JACOBS & GOLDSMITH, merchants, one of the leading mercantile 
houses of Noble County, was organized in December, 1873, by the association of 
M. Jacobs and A. Goldsmith, who purchased the stock of Straus & Meagher, 
and, in 1878, E. Jacobs was admitted as a partner. The firm now consists of 
the three enterprising young men ; they carry a large line of dry goods, boots 
and shoes, carpets, notions and groceries ; they also deal in clothing and gents' 
furnishing goods, having purchased, in 1878, the entire stock of J. Straus, Jr. 
This department is presided over by M. Jacobs, and under the firm name of M. 
Jacobs & Co., they make a specialty of merchant tailoring. 

M Jacobs has been connected with the business interests of Ligonier since 
1866, when he entered the employ of Straus Bros., and subsequently as clerk 
for Straus & Meagher, until he entered his present partnership. Mr. Jacobs is 
an Encampment member of the I. 0. 0. F., and also member of the I. 0. B. 
B., No. 298, of Ligonier. 

A. Goldsmith began his business career in Ligonier as book-keeper for 
Straus Bros., in 1867, retaining the position under Straus & Meagher. He 
spent one year in New York, employed in his previous capacity for a wholesale 
firm there ; then returned to Ligonier, and began his present business. He is 
a member of the Blue Lodge, A., F. & A. M., and of the I. 0. B. B., No. 298, 
of Ligonier. 

E. Jacobs came to Ligonier in 1869, and engaged as clerk for Straus & 
Meagher with whom he remained until 1873 ; then was employed by Jacobs & 
Goldsmith until 1878, when he became a partner. He is a member of the 
Council, A., F. & A. M., and also of the I. 0. B. B., No. 298, of Ligonier. 

E. W. KNEPPER, M. D., was reared on his father's farm in Portage 
County, Ohio, the place of his nativity. Having received a good education, he 
commenced the study of medicine in 1853, with Dr. J. M. Viers, of Bryan, 
Ohio, under whose tutelage he remained two years, finishing his studies with Dr. 
Cooney of the same place, and subsequently graduated at a Cincinnati medical 
college, commencing the practice of his profession at Eden, Williams Co., Ohio, 
where he remained until the spring of 1866, when he came to Ligonier, where 
he has built up a lucrative practice besides performing for eight years the serv- 
ices of his profession for the L. S. & M. S. R. R. The Doctor keeps the advance 
in his profession, and takes advantage of opportunities for information. He be- 
longs to the American Medical Association ; is President of the N. E. Indiana 
Medical Association, and was President two years of the Noble County Medical 
Society ; also served as President and Secretary of the Ligonier Medical Asso- 
ciation, now defunct. As Secretary of the Ligonier Board of Health he has 
served the public since its creation six years ago. He is a Past Chief Patriarch 
and Past Noble Grand of the 1. 0. 0. F., No. 267, Excelsior Lodge, and No. 



342 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

89, Washington Encampment. In 1855, Dr. Knepper was united in marriage 
with Miss Margaret J. McQuilkin, of Carroll County, Ohio. They have two 
children living — Edwin VV. and Mabel J. 

J. M. KNEPPER, lumber dealer and express agent, is a native of Co- 
lumbiana County, Ohio. His early life was passed on a farm with his father 
in his native county and in Portage County. At the age of seventeen, he 
started out for himself and learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed 
about ten years in Columbiana and Williams Counties, Ohio. He lived at 
Bryan, Ohio, from 1852 to 1860, when he came to Ligonier and filled the 
position of telegraph operator for ten years, when he became express and 
freight agent, and conducted all three for some time. In 1877, he engaged in 
the lumber trade, dealing in laths, shingles and all other building materials. 
This, in connection with the express agency, has occupied his attention since. 
In 1854, Mr. Knepper married Miss Delia M. Patterson, a native of Colum- 
biana County, Ohio. They have four children — Evah Sisterhen (of Ligonier), 
Albro, Rosa M. and Oliver Morton. Mr. and Mrs. Knepper are both mem- 
bers of the Disciples' Church, and he is a member of the I. 0. 0. F. and a 
prominent citizen of Ligonier. 

SAMUEL KRICHBAUM, of Krichbaum & Gilbert, merchants, was 
reared on a farm in Stark- County, Ohio, the place of his nativity. ,He learned 
the carpenter's trade, which he was engaged in there until he came to Perry 
Township in 1863, where he followed the same calling until he became identi- 
fied with the firm of Gerber, Treash & Krichbaum, of the Ligonier Foundry. 
In 1876, he discontinued this and embarked in his present business, in asso- 
ciation with Huffman & Teal, Huffman soon retiring and the business con- 
tinued by Teal and Krichbaum until 1879, when our subject became the sole 
proprietor. In the fall of the same year, he associated with him a partner, Mr. 
M. E. Gilbert, and since then the firm have been actively engaged in their 
present business operations, viz. : the manufacture of handles, snow-shovels, 
and dealing in and manufacturing hard-wood lumber. Mr. Krichbaum is an 
enterprising, pushing business man, has served on the City Council and is a 
valued citizen of Ligonier. He was, in 1862, married to Miss Susan Buchtel, 
of Stark County, Ohio. 

MATTHIAS MARKER is the eldest of a family of ten children. He 
was born in Westmoreland County, Penn., November 6, 1811, and remained 
with his parents until he was twenty-two years old, then came to Indiana in 
1834, and after a stay of about one year returned to Pennsylvania. Spending 
another year there, he retraced his steps to St. Joseph's County, Ind. ; again 
returning to his native State in about one and one half years, where, on May 
29, 1839, he was married to Miss Charlotte Felgar, born in Pennsylvania 
March 17, 1817. In 1844, they came to this county and settled on land pur- 
chased by him in 1835. Mrs. Marker died February 24, 1848. He married 
for his second wife Sarah Wright January 27, 1859, who died March 27, 1866. 
Mr. Marker was married again November 25, 1870, to Nancy Shidler. He is 
the father of six children, viz. : Henry, John, Lewis, Albert, George and 
Philo J. Himself and wife belong to the Christian Church. He has retired 
from active life; owns 219 acres of land and town property by his last wife. 
The parents of Mr. Marker were George and Mary Marker, both natives of 
Pennsylvania. He was born November 15, 1785 and she April 20, 1790. 
They were married February 5, 1811, emigrated to this county in 1845, where 
he died September 24 of that year and she in 1866. 



TOWN OF LIGONIER. 343 

A. R. McNAIR, barber and hair dresser, son of William and Elizabeth 
McNair. was born in Allen County, Ind., December 20, 1856. When about 
a year old, his grandmother undertook the care of him, and he lived with her 
until about nine years of age, when he returned to his home in Allen County ; 
his grandmother had, in the meantime, moved to a La Grange. The subject 
remained with his parents about six months, then came with them to La Grange 
County. After living at home three years, he commenced an apprenticeship at 
the blacksmith's trade, which he followed for some time, and, after a vacation of 
fourteen months, resumed it again. After another year in La Grange, he 
spent six months at Brighton, then went to Sturgis, Mich., all the time work- 
ing at his trade, which he discontinued in 1877, and began his career as a bar- 
ber in Sturgis. He subsequently sold out and returned to La Grange, where 
he formed a partnership with J. Jagger. In 1881, he came to Ligonier, and 
established himself in his present successful business. He was married, Octo- 
ber 7, 1879, to Miss Orcena Selby, who was born in La Grange County 
March 9, 1860. Mr. McNair owns property in La Grange and Ligonier. and 
is a good citizen. 

SOL MIER, banker and capitalist, stands among the men of Northern 
Indiana, who have made their career a successful one by industry and good 
business management. Mr. Mier came to Indiana in 1852, and, for two years 
sold goods through De Kalb County. He came to Ligonier in 1854, and for 
twenty years was engaged in mercantile pursuits. In 1874, he established his 
present bank business, which is considered one of the most reliable in Noble 
County. He is also largely interested in real estate operations, and in buying 
grain and general produce, and horses. Mr. Mier has assisted materially in 
building up the business interests of the community. He is a member of the 
I. 0. 0. F., of Ligonier, and of the Emek Beracha Lodge, No. 61, I. 0. B« 
B., of Fort Wayne. 

JOHN S. OHLWINE is next to the eldest of twelve children of Charles 
and Elizabeth Ohlwine, and a native of Greene County, Ohio. His mother 
died in Ohio, and his father emigrated to Noble County in 1855, where he died 
in Sparta Township, in 1856. Until twenty-four years old, our subject worked 
on a farm in Ohio, where he learned the cooper's trade, which he followed 
until 1856, when he came to Ligonier and formed a partnership with a Mr. 
Smith in the mercantile trade, which business he has principally been engaged in 
since. For ten years he was associated with J. C. Zimmerman. In the fall of 
1857, Mr. Ohlwine, having been called to Sparta Township on business, found, 
upon arriving there, some men engaged in hunting a bear in a huckleberry 
marsh. Mr. Ohlwine entered the bushes and there witnessed John H. Ward 
struggling with a huge bear. Armed with a gun, he advanced, and was about 
to put the muzzle of the gun against the bear, when the latter turned and 
rushed upon him, and succeeded in getting him down in a sitting posture. Mr. 
0. managed to hold the bear off by the throat, when the bear was killed. This 
encounter is one of the many stories of early times related by Mr. Ohlwine, 
who is one of the oldest business men of Ligonier. He is a Mason, and has 
served on the City Council several times. He was married, in 1846, to Miss 
Maria Kendall, a daughter of John Kendall, an old settler of the county. 
They have two children — Laura Hays and Elizabeth Hepler, both residents of 
Ligonier. 

FAYETTE PECK is the second of twelve children, and was born in La 
Grange County, where his youth was passed in assisting his father in distilling 



344 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

peppermint, and working on the farm. His parents, Hawley and Harriet 
(Burnett) Peck, were early settlers of La Grange County, where he now re- 
sides. Our subject came to Ligonier in 1866, and with his brother, Jarvis 
Peck, was engaged in running a planing-mill until 1873, when they added a 
saw-mill. In 1878, he bought out his brother's interest, and since then 
has conducted the business alone. He contributes largely to the business in- 
terests of the town, and employs several hands in his mill. He was married 
in 1866 to Miss Ida S. Perry, a native of New York, and daughter of James 
Perry, who was an early settler of Steuben County. She is a member of the 
Disciples' Church, and they have two children — Oscar G. and James H. 

JARVIS PECK, of Braden & Peck, millers, son of Hawley and Har- 
riet (Burnett) Peck, was born in Ontario County, N. Y. His father is a 
native of Connecticut, and his mother of New York. They were farmers, and 
came from Ontario County, N. Y., to La Grange County, in 1844, and 
settled in Clearspring Township, where they purchased land, and where she 
died in 1873. The father has held numerous offices of trust ; was Justice of 
the Peace several terms, also served as School Director and Township Trustee, 
and is now living in retirement. Jarvis Peck is the third of twelve children, 
and was reared on his father's farm in La Grange County. In the spring of 
1866, he came to Ligonier, and started a planing-mill, in connection with his 
brother, Fayette Peck. In 1873, they added a saw-mill, and conducted the 
business until 1878, when Jarvis Peck sold his interest to his brother and en- 
gaged in the lumber trade with J. M. Knepper, which he continued one year. 
In 1879, purchased an interest with S. M. Braden in a flouring-mill, with 
whom he is now associated. Mr. Peck possesses good business qualifications. 
He was married in 1870 to Julia Maxon, a native of New York. She has 
been a member of the M. E. Church since eighteen years old. They have 
two children — Gertrude and Edith. 

A. W. RANDOLPH, wholesale and retail lumber, left his native State 
(New Jersey) at the age of fourteen, and came to Ohio. His parents, Abram 
F. and Abbey (Wilcox) Randolph, were also natives of New Jersey, and pio- 
neers of Ashtabula County, Ohio, where their last days were spent, and where 
the father was engaged in farming and carpentering. Our subject was 
reared on a farm, and for nine years followed the carpenter's trade. In 1864, 
he came to Perry Township and purchased a saw-mill, which he operated until 
the fall of 1879, when he came to Ligonier and built his present planing and saw 
mill. This, in connection with the wholesale and retail lumber trade, engages his 
present attention, and has become a leading industry. He constantly employs, 
on an average, seven men. He is a member of the I. 0. 6. F., and 
occupies a position of prominence among the business men. In 1855, 
he was married to Miss Jane Rose, of Ashtabula Countv, Ohio. She died in 
1874, leaving two children — Nevada McConnell, of Ligonier, and Oakley. 
Mr. Randolph, in 1875, married Miss Mary Britton, native of Cuyahoga 
County, Ohio. They are both members of the Methodist Church. 

E. REEVE, general produce, son of Hiram and Catherine (Elum) Reeve, 
was born in Columbia County, N. Y. He began his career in life as fireman 
on a steamboat on the Hudson River ; engaged in this capacity for two 
years, then for three years he was salesman on a stationary barcre in New York. 
He located in Bristol, Ind., in 1857, and followed his present business in 
connection with mercantile trade for five years, when he came to Ligonier, and 
has since remained in the general produce business, viz., eggs, butter, hides, 



TOWN OF LIGONIER. 34 5 



poultry etc. His business is extensive, and he is principally engaged in ship- 
Sm a m .supplies to New York. At one time he employed six teams, but at 

R ° b H REYNOLDS, attorney at law. is a native of Branch County, Mich 
and the eldest of three children of Ambrose J. and Margaret (Deloria) Reynolds. 
Xl father is a descendant of the Puritan stock, and a native of New York 
The meter o? FrenS descent, and was born in Canada. They were marned 
in Mich aan where they settled in about 1836, and farmed for many years. 
Thev areCw HvTng with their son in Ligonier. Our subject remained on the 
Inn until twenty-three years old, when he went to Sturgis, Mich and became 
a ZZ t in the 7 law office of Daniel E. Thomas, and afterward studied with 
%X William L Stoughton. He was admitted to the bar m November, 1879, 
bu t had p ™oa 8 ly commenced practicing with Daniel E Thomas with whom 
™fflibar years. Afterward, he practiced alone until he came to 
LiffonLrTjanuary, 1881. In September of the same year, he formed a part- 
n ?sh p wi'h S D. J Crane, now dissolved. Mr. Reynolds is a member of the 
To O F and was married in 1873 to Miss Amy E. Whitman, of Michigan. 

They have ™*%j^»fc D ., was born in Perry Township, Noble 
County Ind., the fifth of a family of twelve children. His Parents Gideon 
an Mar OSngle) Schlotterback, were the first couple married m Noble County 
Our sub ec\ livV on a farm until eighteen years old, when he wen , Wes and 
scent several months. In 1861, he entered the army, enlisting in the In itietn 

Sana Volunteer Infantry. ^«^."^F™^*££% 

havins received injuries which rendered him unfit for duty. He returned to 
this county and attended school; afterward taught several terms. For a short 
rim , -ftpr this he was engaged as an agent for medical works. In 1804, ne 
™ d af ed and servld seve'raf months in the Provost Marshal's office at Ken- 
ITlville when he was exempted and went to Michigan where he was engaged 
t e curing substitutes. He'commenced the practice of medicine ,a Detroit 
Mich., and then had an extensive traveling practice throughout the bates ot 
Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, Indiana and Missouri. In 1867 he solicited for 
paintings then embarked in the patent ^* *~ ™* J^^J^ 
when he resumed soliciting for pa ntings, continuing this until the spring ot 
1870 After one year at home, he started out traveling again At Cedar 
Rapids Iowa, in 1872, he practiced in his profession, and traveled over the 
Sta P te of Iowa in specialties" In 1873, after a few months spent at home, he 
Returned to his practice over Iowa and Illinois ; desiring new territory ^ 
January, 1875, he went to California, and traveled over the State ^» go 
fession remaining until 1876. During the winter of 187b-77, he attended a 
cou rse' oHecburl at Jefferson Medical College, in Philadelphia, afterward 
Tra icing ver Illinois until the fall of 1877, when he came to Ligonier and 
LtabHshe'd himself in his profession. He makes a specialty of chronic disease 
also of head and throat diseases. These, he has made his study, and has 
been his own preceptor. He has considerable artistic talent, and has painted 
IZo^lZL descriptive of the veins, arteries, ^^ hjj^ofc-^ 
Mr. Schlotterback is a Mason. He was married, in 1864, to Ellen M. Matthews, 



346 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

who was born in Ashtabula County, Ohio, and whose father, David Matthews, 
is now living in Albion. They have one child — Vivian. 

Gideon Schlotterback, father of the subject, is a native of Sny- 
der County, Penn., where he was born, May 23, 1811. At the age of ten, he 
accompanied his father to Ohio, remaining there until he came to Noble County, 
Ind., in 1832, where he yet resides, and is a prominent citizen. He owns 500 
acres of land, and has served creditably as Justice of the Peace, Trustee, Town 
Clerk and County Commissioner. The first court assembly in the county was 
held in an old house that stands on his farm. April 16, 1833, he was united 
in marriage to Miss Mary Engle, born in Ohio November 20, 1810. She 
died January 23, 1856, and Mr. Schlotterback was again married to Miss Mary 
Hoak, a native of Ohio. Mr. Schlotterback has seven children living, viz., 
Peter, Henry, Eli, Amelia, Adam, Ira and Amy. 

D. S. SCOTT, one of the leading merchants and influential citizens of 
Ligonier, is a native of Greene County, Ohio. His father, James A. Scott, 
was among the prominent men of Greene County. He was a soldier in the 
war of 1812, and for over forty years, served efficiently in public offices, hav- 
ing been Representative, Sheriff, Auditor and Recorder. After sixty-five 
years of married life, himself and wife departed this life in the year 1881, he 
at the age of eighty-eight, and she at eighty-six. Our subject, while in Ohio, 
learned the millwright trade, and followed it a number of years in connection 
with lumbering. After coming to Indiana in 1850, he was engaged in the 
lumber trade, at Rider's Mill, in Washington Township, where he located, 
until in August, 1851, when he went to Wolf Lake, Noble Township, and 
began general merchandising. In 1866, he sold out, came to Ligonier, and 
started as a broker, continuing this business until 1878, when he established 
an interest in the drug store of his son, J. W. Scott, and F. Sandrock, now the 
firm of D. S. Scott & Son. Mr. Scott also continues to do some brokering. 
He was Trustee of Noble Township for many years, and has rendered services 
to the public schools of Ligonier, also been a member of the City Council. In 
1872, he was chosen Representative of Noble and Elkhart Counties, and 
served one term. During the time of the " Regulators," he was President of 
one of the societies. In 1850, Mr. Scott was married to Miss Amanda 
Leonard, a native of Pennsylvania, and resident of Miami County, Ohio. 
They have had three children — James W., David E. and Frank L. 

J. W. Scott, of the firm of D. S. Scott & Son, druggists, is a native 
of Washington Township, Noble County. He learned the trade of dentistry 
with Dr. Gants, of Ligonier, and practiced it about eighteen months in 
Columbia City. He returned to Ligonier in 1873, and entered the drug busi- 
ness with F. Sandrock ; this partnership lasted until 1878, when Sandrock 
retired, and his father became a partner ; they carry a complete stock of goods 
in their line, and have an extended custom. James W. Scott married Miss 
Margaret Brandt, of Columbia City, in 1873. 

JACOB SHEETS, of the firm of Sheets & Wertheimer, dealers in gen- 
eral merchandise, dry goods, clothing, carpets, groceries, boots and shoes, and 
custom tailoring, came to Noble County in 1855. His first experience in the 
mercantile business was with J. E. Braden in the grocery trade; this partner- 
ship was of three years' duration. Then, for ten years he was employed by S. 
Mier & Co., dealers in general merchandise ; at the end of this period, he 
became Mr. Mier's partner. This association lasted two years, when Mr. 
Mier retired in 1873, and Nathan Wertheimer became an equal partner with 



TOWN OF LIGONIER. 347 

Mr. Sheets. They have since conducted the business and established a good 
trade. Mr. Sheets is a Mason, a present member of the City Council, and a 
good business man. 

S. SHOBE, livery, is a native of Ross County, Ohio. His father being 
a tanner, he was in that business until 1838, when he came to this place and 
became a farmer in Perry Township, following this until 1849, when he started 
a tan-yard. This business he conducted until 1854, when he was forced to 
retire on account of failing health. After a year and a half's residence in 
Iowa, he returned and made a venture in the hardware business with George 
McLain, with whom he was associated three years. From this, in 1859, Mr. 
Shobe engaged in the livery business, which he still conducts. He ow^s fifteen 
to twenty good roadsters and fine buggies and carriages. He is a member of 
the Masonic Order, Blue Lodge. In September, 1839, he was married to 
Miss Mary Smalley, daughter of Joseph Smalley, who came to Perry Town- 
ship in 1836. They have six children — Sarah E. Kerr, Taylor C. (in Ligo- 
nier), Isabella Parsons, Mary Henry (in Coldwater, Mich.), Charles H. and 
Allie. Mr. Shobe is one of the oldest business men of Ligonier, and well 
known all over the country. 

SAMUEL S. SHROCK, painter, is a son of Samuel and Catherine 
(Johns) Shrock, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and who came with a team, 
at an early day, to La Grange County, settling in Eden Township, where the 
father died in 1856. Three of their children are living — John M., with whom 
the mother is now living, in Eden Township ; Joseph S., a jeweler at Ligo- 
nier ; and Samuel S. The latter spent the first twenty years of his life on his 
father's farm. His education was obtained at the schools of Valparaiso and 
La Grange, Ind., and Battle Creek, Mich. In 1879, he came to Ligonier and 
learned the painter's trade, which he has since followed. He was married in 
June, 1880, to Miss Ida B. Kegg, of Ligonier. 

JONATHAN SIMMONS, retired farmer, a native of Pennsylvania, was 
born April 4, 1811. Here he remained until 1833, when he emigrated to 
Ohio. He was married to Sarah Shidler, also a native of Pennsylvania, and 
resided in Ohio until 1857. They then came to Noble County, where Mr. Sim- 
mons has since lived. October 9, 1872, his wife and one of his daughters were 
buried, having succumbed to that dread disease, typhoid fever. They died 
within a few hours of each other, and were laid to rest on the same day. Mr. 
Simmons was again married July 10, 1873, to Nancy Nelson, a native of Indi- 
ana. He has been employed in farming most of his life, and has been very suc- 
cessful. He was one of the early settlers of this county, and owns 158 acres 
of well-improved land, also town property in Ligonier, where he resides, hav- 
ing retired from the farm. Mr. Simmons was President of the Noble County 
Fair for two years ; is a member of the Christian Church. Of the children of 
Mr. Simmons, twelve in number, nine are now living. Two of his sons were 
soldiers in the war of the rebellion, one of them serving throughout the entire 
war. 

P. SISTERHEN, boots and shoes, a native of Germany, came to 
America in 1847, locating in Stark County, where he followed shoe- 
making — which trade he had learned in the old country — until 1863, 
when he became a resident of Ligonier. He was first engaged in the 
manufacturing of boots and shoes exclusively, subsequently investing in 
a stock of ready-made goods, and has built up a large and success- 
ful trade. Since 1873, his son, George W., has been associated with 



348 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

him, under the firm name of P. Sisterhen & Son. They make a spe- 
cialty of custom work. Mr. Sisterhen is a chapter member of the Masonic 
Order. He was married in 1849, in Stark County, Ohio, to Miss Mina Stru- 
ble. They are both members of the Disciple Church, and have four children 
living — George W., Rosa Simmons, of Perry Township, William A. and Ed- 
ward. 

J. C. STANSBURY & SON, merchants ; was born in Stark County, 
Ohio, where his parents, William and Elizabeth (Armstrong) Stansbury, came 
at an early day, and are still residing. He remained on his father's farm until 
fifteen years of age, when he went to Canal Dover, and served a three years' 
apprenticeship at the tailor's trade. Then went to Greenville, Ohio, and was 
there in business for himself one year ; thence to Massillon and clerked two 
years. Here, also, he had two years' experience in the grocery business in 
companv with T. Tinkler. In 1856, he came to Ligonier, where he has resided 
since. He followed his trade a number of years, then was engaged in railroad- 
ing. In 1870, he started on a small scale his present business, which he has 
extended, and succeeded in establishing a large trade. He has two fine sales- 
rooms, which were constructed for this special purpose. He carries a large line 
of dry goods and groceries. His son Robert has been a partner in the business 
since 1875. In 1852, he married Miss Mary Watchorn, a native of Stark 
County, Ohio. They are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
Robert is their only child. 

STRAUS BROTHERS, bankers and capitalists, consist of an associa- 
tion of three brothers — F. W., Jacob and M. Straus. F. W. Straus came to 
Ligonier in 1853, and in 1855 was joined by his brother Jacob, when they 
formed a partnership in general merchandising. In 1856, the firm of Straus 
& Kaufmann was organized, consisting of the two brothers and Mr. Kaufmann. 
The firm were actively engaged in general merchandising until 1863, when Mr. 
Kaufmann retired, and M. Straus, who had come to Ligonier in 1862, was ad- 
mitted as a partner. They continued together in the mercantile business un- 
til 1869, when M. Straus and Meagher bought out the goods and continued that 
business, while F. W. and Jacob Straus started a broker's office. In the spring 
of 1870, Jacob withdrew from this association, and went to New York, where 
for six months he was engaged in manufacturing colored papers, when he 
returned to Ligonier, and re-instated himself with his brother in the 
broker and real estate business. In 1873, M. Straus entered with his 
brothers, having disposed of his interest in the mercantile business, thus 
organizing the present firm. They do a general banking business, to- 
gether with buying and shipping grain, and dealing in real estate. 
The firm of Straus Bros, is situated in one of the best business blocks 
of Ligonier. The senior member, F. W. Straus, is a Mason, and has served on 
the City Council. Jacob and M. Straus are both members of the Emek Bera- 
cha Lodge, No. 61, I. 0. B. B., of Fort Wayne. 

JOHN B. STOLL, journalist, was born in Wurtemberg March 13, 1843. 
His father, Bernard Stoll, was an extensive land-owner and the proprietor of 
a large country hotel. In the fall of 1842, before the subject of this sketch 
was born, the father was drowned in the River Murg while watering his horses. 
When young Stoll had reached the age of ten years, his mother immigrated to 
the State of Pennsylvania, locating in the city of Harrisburg. Two years 
later, the beloved mother died, and our subject was placed on a farm near Har- 
risburg owned by Simon Cameron. In this position he remained one season; 



TOWN OF LIGONIER. 349 

in the meantime being kindly advised by Mrs. Cameron to learn her husband's 
trade — that of printing. He resolved to accept the advice, though, as he was 
too young at the time to begin, he engaged himself for a time to George Dress, 
a baker in Harrisburg. About six months later, through the influence of his 
Sunday-school teacher, William K. Verbeke, he entered the office of the State 
Printer, George Bergner. Here he served an apprenticeship of three years, 
beginning the latter part of 1855. Having no educational advantages after 
his tenth year, he applied himself industriously to the accumulation of knowl- 
edge and to a general familiarity with newspaper work. He learned to read 
the English language in the Lutheran Sunday school. His readings were 
extensive, especially in newspapers; and though a worker in a Republican 
office, he evinced decided Democratic tendencies. During the campaign of 
1856, he organized a juvenile "Buck, and Breck." club, and participated in 
all the Democratic festivities. At this time, though still in the office of ardent 
Republicans, the boy frequently contributed to the columns of the Harrisburg 
Democrat. After his three years' apprenticeship, the boy accepted a position 
as journeyman in the office of the Middleburgh (Penn.) Volksfreund (People's 
Friend), published by A. J. Peters, father of the foreman in the Banner office 
at Ligonier. A year later, when in his seventeenth year, he bought an in- 
terest in the Independent Observer, at Johnstown, Penn. Here he continued 
about a year, or until his partner had robbed him of his earnings. Young 
Stoll made his first political speech in 1860, after the nomination of Stephen 
A. Douglas for the Presidency. At this time, though but seventeen, he 
weighed 183 pounds and was considered "of age." A large audience greeted 
the young orator, and, though shaking with fright, he spoke for two hours 
without notes, and after that was in great demand. At the commencement of 
the war, he took a decided stand for the suppression of the rebellion. He 
delivered many addresses to that effect, and induced numerous hesitating 
Democrats to enlist. He enlisted in one of the eight companies that were 
organized at Youngstown within ten days after the fall of Sumter. His 
company was rejected (as the quota was overflowing) and was disbanded. 
About this time Mr. Stoll resumed his old position on the People's Friend. 
Here he remained, subject to various changes of fortune until he came to 
Noble County. At the almost unprecedented age of twenty-three years, 
Mr. Stoll boldly shouldered the responsibilities of editorial life in a Repub- 
lican county, having to encounter the merciless criticism of a keen-edged 
editor of opposing politics in a neighboring town, and the frowns and gibes of 
numerous enemies. In appearance, he seemed older than he really was, and, 
from his first arrival in the county, was " dubbed " " Old Stoll," a phrase that 
yet clings to him like Sindbad's burden. Possessing great physical vitality, vast 
mental energy, and a placid and hopeful demeanor under difficulties, he steadily 
grew in popularity, influence and social worth. His style in speaking and in 
writing is much the same. His diction is excellent ; his sentences clear and 
sweeping, somewhat too heavy for light reading, but extremely forcible and con- 
vincing when delivered from the stage. He soon attained great notoriety as a 
public speaker, and became the leader of his party in the county. In Decem- 
ber, 1867, he was, by special direction of President Johnson, appointed Assist- 
ant Assessor of Internal Revenue, in recognition of his unwavering support of 
the President's reconstruction policy. In 1868, he was elected Chairman of 
the Democratic County Committee, filling the position during 1868, 1876 and 
1880. In 1870, he became a candidate for the Democratic nomination for 



350 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

State Auditor, and, though less than four years a resident of the State, came 
within twenty-nine votes of securing the nomination against heavy odds. Two 
years later, he received the nomination for State Auditor against his successful 
competitor of 1870 ; but at the election, with the bulk of the Democratic ticket, 
was defeated by 172 votes, most of the other candidates suffering a much 
heavier defeat. In 1876, Mr. Stoll was elected a Delegate to the Democratic 
National Convention at St. Louis, of which body he was elected one of the Vice 
Presidents. In 1878, he received the nomination for Congress, and made a vig- 
orous campaign, reducing the Republican majority from 2,300 in 1876 to about 
1,600. Mr. Stoll was largely instrumental in organizing the Northern Indiana 
Editorial Association, of which he was President for six terms : at this writing he 
is President of the Democratic State Editorial Association. He was two years 
Treasurer and three years President of the Noble County Agricultural Society ; 
was a member of the Ligonier Town Council for five consecutive years ; was Presi- 
dent of the two Building, Loan and Saving Associations of Ligonier, and is now 
Secretary of the Ligonier School Board. In 1869, after Mr. Stoll had retired 
from the Internal Revenue service, he established the La Porte Argus, of which 
he was publisher and editor until the fall of 1872, when he sold his interest. 
In 1875, he assisted in establishing a German paper at South Bend, called The 
Courier, of which he was editor-in-chief for something over six months. It is 
scarcely necessary to add that Mr. Stoll, in his political, editorial and social 
capacities, has done a great deal for the prosperity of Ligonier, for schools and 
churches, for industrial enterprises, for his patrons and for the county. On the 
4th of August, 1861, while at Middleburgh, Penn,, he was united in marriage 
with Miss Mary A. Snyder, a lady of much social worth. The young couple 
began housekeeping upon the husband's income of $5.50 per week, and as both 
were practically familiar with economy, they managed to save some of their 
earnings, with which Mr. Stoll purchased of his employer the little '* print 
shop " in which he had for several years worked. Four children of these 
parents are living — Ella C, aged nineteen ; Eva B., eleven ; Edgar A., seven ; 
and Elmer Roscoe, four. Four children have died in infancy, the severest loss 
being that of Johnny B., aged four years and three months, whose death occurred 
during his father's absence in the southern part of the State, during the cam- 
paign of 1870. 

U. R. TREASH, of Gerber & Treash, is a native of Stark County, Ohio, 
and lived until eighteen years old upon his father's farm. After learning the 
carpenter and joiner's trade, he worked at it in that county several years. He 
then went to Akron, Ohio, where he resided two years, and in 1861 came to 
Indiana ; located in Marshall County ; engaged two years in following his trade 
summers and teaching school winters. He returned to Stark County, and 
spent two years, finally, in 1866, settling in Ligonier. Here, until 1871, he 
was employed at his trade, when he became a member of the firm of Gerber, 
Treash & Krichbaum, manufacturers of plows and agricultural implements. 
For four years they conducted this business, when they added another branch 
of industry, viz., that of carriage and wagon making. They continued both 
until 1879, Mr. Krichbaum in the meantime retiring. The present firm of 
Gerber & Treash, at one time, employed about eighteen men, but now furnish 
work for ten, under the supervision of Mr. Treash. Their works are large and 
commodious, and their sales extensive. Mr. Treash is a member of the Order 
of Chosen Friends. He was united in marriage, in 1863, with Miss Sarah 
Evans, of Stark County, Ohio. Their children are Olive M. and Mabel. 



TOWN OF LIGONIER. 351 

JACOB VANCE is a native of Preble County, Ohio, where he was reared 
on a farm. He came to Indiana in 1834, locating in Elkhart County, where 
he remained two years, when he came to this county, Perry Township, with 
which place he has been identified up to the present time. He is familiar with 
all the phases of pioneer life, and has cleared 160 acres of land. He married 
Margaret Price in 1833. They have five children — Harrison and Jacob, Caro- 
line Long and Mary L. Redmon, of Ligonier, and Sarah Long, a widow, living 
in Perry Township. Mr. Vance retired from active life, and came to Ligonier 
in 1881, where he now is living. He owns eighty acres of land in the town- 
ship which his son Harrison operates. When Mr. Vance first came here, Lig- 
onier consisted of but one log cabin. He is a valuable citizen, and is worthy 
of mention as one of the typical pioneers. 

D. C. VAN CAMP, counselor and attorney at law, son of Benjamin 
F. and Hannah E. (Kirby) Van Camp, both natives of Virginia, passed his early 
youth upon his farther's farm. He learned the machinist's trade, and also 
worked at carpentering. In 1864, he became a member of the West Virginia 
troops, and served until the war closed, participaring in some severe engage- 
ments. He then returned to West Virginia, and followed carpentering until 
February, 1867. when, in company with his father's family, he came to Indiana, 
and located in Huntington County, where, with his brothers, he went to lum- 
bering, furnishing timber for railroad purposes. Subsequently, he formed a 
partnership with William Crabbs, for contracting and building ; this was a 
successful enterprise, and they employed a large number of hands, and were ex- 
tending their trade into various counties, when, in 1869, Mr. Van Camp met 
with a severe accident, that lamed him for life; and he was forced to discon- 
tinue the business. While engaged in business, he was, ad interim, attending 
school and reading law. When his condition had improved sufficiently to ad- 
mit of his attending school, he spent three years at the Roanoke Seminary, 
teaching at intervals, and afterward in the Seminary. In the fall of 1873, 
he was a teacher in the County Normal School. The ensuing winter he was 
elected Superintendent of the High School of Drovertown, Ind. He afterward 
entered the law office of Hon. H. B. Saylor, and was with him over two years. 
During this time (in 1874) he was admitted to the bar. In 1876, he came to 
Ligonier, where he has since resided, and has established a leading practice. 
He is well versed in all law matters, and ranks as one of the rising young law- 
yers of the county. During the year 1878, he served as City Attorney. He 
was married, in 1875, to Miss Lillie Truax, daughter of William Truax, of 
Whitley County, Ind. They have two children — Lloyd H. and Maud. 

JOHN WEIR, of Weir & Cowley, hardware, is a native of La Grange 
County, Ind., and son of Elijah W. and Amy (Hern) Weir, both natives of 
Eastern New York. They were married in La Grange County. The father 
came to La Grange County in 1836, and is now living in La Grange. His 
wife died in 1847, and he subsequently remarried. He has occupied a con- 
spicuous position in public life ; at one time served as State Senator, and has 
been connected with numerous minor offices. Our subject, in 1861, started in 
the drug business, as his father's representative, continuing about two and a half 
years. He commenced his career as a hardware merchant in Ligonier in 1864, 
with the firm of Weir, Welch & Co. This partnership, after three years, was 
dissolved, Weir continuing the business in association with his father until 1873. 
From that time Mr. Weir was the sole proprietor until in 1881, when B. \V. 
Cowley became a partner. In addition to a complete line of hardware, they 



352 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

deal largely in agricultural implements. Mr. Weir is a public spirited citizen,, 
and a substantial business man. He is now serving his sixth year as City 
Treasurer. He was married, in 1865, to Miss Alcinda J. Welch, whose father, 
John W. Welch, was an early settler of La Grange County. Their children 
are two in number — Fred E. and Harry W. 

JACOB WOLF is next to the oldest living settler in Noble County. He 
was born in Pennsylvania (Cumberland County) in 1805. His father, George 
W., was of the same nativity, and his mother, Margaret Wolf, was a native of 
New Jersey. They were married in Pennsylvania, and in 1816 went to Hock- 
ing County, Ohio. From there they moved to this county in 1836, locating 
in Perry Township, on a farm where their last days were spent. Both were 
members of the Presbyterian Church. Of twelve children, six came with 
them to this county — Leonard (now deceased), Jeremiah, Nancy Harsh and 
Catharine (deceased) and Margaret. Jacob, after he was twenty-one years of 
age, was for five years employed on the Ohio Canal. In August, 1831, with 
$500, he came to Perry Township, and bought 160 acres of land, which now 
adjoins Ligonier. Upon this tract, in 1814, he erected the first brick dwelling 
built in the county. In 1833, Mr. Wolf was elected Justice of the Peace and 
received twenty-four out of twenty-five votes cast, filling the position five years. 
As Township Trustee, he served several terms, and was appointed Road Com- 
missioner, during which service $4,000 of the three per cent bonds were 
expended in opening roads. In 1846, he was elected County Commissioner 
and served three years. Being elected to the same position in 1866, he served 
three years more. During this time, the County farm was purchased and the 
poor-house built, as also were a number of the large bridges in the county. 
December 31, 1833, Mr. Wolf was married to Miss Deliliah Hostetter, of 
Perry Township. She died in 1865. They had ten children, six now living — 
Abel, Henry, Silas, Allen, Matilda and Mary. Mr. Wolf moved to Ligonier 
in 1875 and retired from active life. His son Abel is probably the oldest living 
male child born in Perry Township. In 1862, he engaged in the livery busi- 
ness, and after five years opened a saloon with Mr. Hardenbrook, in which 
line he continues. He was married, in 1861, to Miss Loantha Walker. They 
have one child living — Ollie. 

HARRISON WOOD, retired farmer, is the son of Niah and Polly (Hoyt) 
Wood, natives respectively of New Hampshire and Vermont. They were res- 
dents of Franklin County, N. Y., for many years, and subsequently spent one 
year in Michigan, coming to Noble County in 1837, and settling at Rochester, 
Perry Township. He was a pioneer settler of New York and also of Noble 
County. He followed farming in Perry Township, where they both died. 
They brought with them six children — Achsa, Harrison, Charles (now a resi- 
dent of Nevada), Charlotte Kinnison (of Perry Township), Evaline Shobe and 
George (both of Iowa). The subject is a native of Franklin County, N. Y., where 
his early life was passed. In 1834, he went to Michigan, where he resided near 
Detroit for three years, then came to this county. He purchased land in Perry 
Township and farmed until 1844, when he was elected County Sheriff and moved 
to Augusta, then the county seat. He served two terms and subsequently was 
appointed Probate Judge, was re-elected and served until 1851, when the office 
was abolished. He then returned to Perry Township and re-engaged in fann- 
ing. In 1874, he retired from active labor and located in Ligonier, where he 
has a fine home residence. Mr. Wood owns 500 acres of land, 350 of which 
are finely improved. Besides the above offices, Mr. Wood served one term as 



TOWN OF LIGONIER. 353 

Township Trustee and is a prominent citizen, esteemed by all. He was married, 
in 1844, to Miss Barbara Engle, her father, Adam Engle, being one of the 
early settlers of Perry Township. She died in 1858, leaving two children — 
Frank and Alice. In 1860, Mr. Wood married again. His wife, Elmira L. 
Drake, is a native of New Jersey. 

J. C. ZIMMERMAN, retired merchant, is a native of Switzerland, and 
came to America with his parents about 1831, locating in Tuscarawas County, 
Ohio, on a farm, where his parents remained until their deaths. At the age of 
twenty years, our subject quitted farm life and went to Canal Dover, where he 
began his mercantile experience. His stay here was brief, and he came in 
1849 to Indiana, locating in Elkhart Township, where he worked at carpenter- 
ing for a short period, when he went to Albion, and became a clerk for Judge 
Clapp. After four years with him, he started in business — general merchandise 
— with Owen Black, of Albion. One year at this, then he sold out, and in 
1857 came to Ligonier, and established a successful merchandise trade. For 
many years his sons, Greeley M. and Frank W., were working with him, and 
in the spring of 1879 became his partners, under firm name of Zimmerman & 
Sons. They carried a large line of dry goods, groceries, clothing, boots, shoes, 
etc., and did an immense business. November 10, 1881, the father disposed of 
his interest to his sons, and the firm was changed to Zimmerman Bros., and he is 
at present retired from business. He has figured conspicuously in public offices ; 
for eight and one-half years served as Township Trustee, and represented the 
counties of Elkhart and Noble, in 1877, in the State Legislature one term. 
He has also served several times on the Common Council, and has been ah active 
worker in the schools. He is a Mason — Knight Templar — having been con- 
nected with that order since 1853. In 1853, Mr. Zimmerman married Miss 
Sarah J. Brown, daughter of Abram Brown, an early settler of Elkhart Town- 
ship. She was a native of Ohio, and died in 1876. Three of six of her chil- 
dren are now living — Greeley M., Frank W. and Verona J. His present wife, 
to whom he was married in 1877, was Miss Callie Young, daughter of John 
Young, a prominent citizen of Noble County. 

COL. S. M. ZENT, tinsmith, is a native of Stark County, Ohio, and son of 
John and Jemima (Masters) Zent, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and early 
settlers of Stark County, subsequently moving to Richland County, Ohio, and in 
1853 to Huntington County, Ind., where the father is now living ; he is a farmer. 
The mother died in 1863. The subject is the eldest of ten children, and fol- 
lowed farming until eighteen years old, when he learned the tinner's trade at 
Mansfield, where he remained four years. In 1854, he came to Indiana, and 
until 1861 was in the employ of the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Rail- 
road. At the beginning of the war, he went out as private in the Thirteenth 
Indiana Volunteer Infantry, being the first man in Fort Wayne to enlist. He 
was actively engaged throughout the war, passing through forty-seven battles 
and engagements, being most of the time with the Army of the Potomac. He 
was regularly promoted through the different grades up to that of Lieutenant 
Colonel, excepting that of Major, and was commissioned Colonel by brevet by 
the President. After four years' service, he returned to Roanoke, Ind., and 
engaged in the hardware and tinware trade. He continued this until 1871, 
when be went to Fort Wayne, and spent one and one-half years, then went to 
Ligonier, where, in 1875, he was instrumental in starting a Gordon expedition 
to the Black Hills, but they were intercepted by United States troops, and com- 
pelled to return. The following year he spent West, mining among the Black 



354 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Hills, and since then has been residing in Ligonier, where he is now proprietor 
of a tin store, giving particular attention to the repairing of goods in that line, 
jobbing, spouting, etc., and fitting iron, tin, copper, etc., for their various uses, 
Col. Zent is a Mason and a very desirable citizen. He was married in 1858 to 
Miss Sarah A. Price, of Roanoke, Ind. They have five children living — 
William S., John F., Charles F., Eva M. and Henry H. 



PERRY TOWNSHIP. 

MRS. ELIZA BECKNER, whose maiden name was Slabaugh, was the 
wife of Eli Beckner (deceased). He was born in Elkhart County, Ind., Feb- 
ruary 12, 1837, and lived on his father's farm until his death, November 6, 
1869, of consumption. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and had a 
family of thirteen children, seven girls and six boys. Mr. Beckner's mother 
died October 24, 1861, at about the age of sixty-two years ; his father died 
October 14, 1881, at the age of eighty-five years. Mrs. Beckner, after the 
death of her husband resided with her parents for about five years. Her 
father, Elias Slabaugh, then gave her a farm, upon which she erected a house, 
and with her children moved in ; this she has since made her home. She has 
three children— Jacob W., born October 16, 1861 ; Mary A., October 27, 1863 ; 
Chauncey A , November 6, 1866. Mrs. Beckner's farm of sixty-nine acres 
is well improved, and with the judicious management bestowed in its cultiva- 
tion affords a comfortable and well provided home. 

FRED BORCHART came to Chicago from Germany in 1855. After a 
stay in that wonderful city of about two years, Fred took his baggage, and 
transferred his place of residence to La Porte, Ind., and then to Elkhart, where he 
remained some time. In 1862, Mr. Borchart came to Noble County, settling 
on his farm of eighty-four acres, where he now lives. March 9, after his ar- 
rival, he was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Salina Lorman, a 
native of Prussia. They have become the parents of four children, whose 
names are Henry, Emma, Frank and Minnie. Fred Borchart was born in 
Germany May 27, 1827, the youngest of four boys, whose names were Charles, 
John, Henry and our subject. They constituted the family of children born 
to John and Elizabeth Borchart, who died in Germany in the year 1857, about 
four months apart. Fred Borchart and wife belong to the German Methodist 
Church, and live according to its precepts. 

ISAAC CAVAN is a native of Pennsylvania, born October 27, 1807. 
At the age of 23, in 1830, he came to Indiana ; remained about six weeks, 
when he returned to Pennsylvania. After a stay there of six months, Mr. 
Cavan came back to Indiana, with $400, and worked in this vicinity about 
one year, and in the meantime bought one-half section of land, following this 
up with a purchase of one-quarter section more, whereupon he went back to 
Pennsylvania. In 1833, another trip was made to this, then new country, and an 
addition by purchase of one-quarter section more made to his previous posses- 
sions. Returning again to his home in Pennsylvania, Mr. Cavan married 
Elizabeth Marker, March 27, 1834. She was born in Pennsylvania January 
6, 1814. The same year they made the trip to this township, and settled on 
Section 2. Here Mr. Cavan carved himself and family a home. His markets 
for grain were Fort Wayne and Michigan City. Indians were then his most 



PERKY TOWNSHIP. 355 

numerous neighbors, with whom he preserved the kindliest relations, and with 
whom he bartered and traded. Two children, William and John, have been 
settled on land divided between them by Mr. Cavan. His landed possessions 
at one time comprised several hundred acres, and among his early entries was 
the tract, now the site of Ligonier, made in 1833. In 1835, in company 
with a few others, Mr. Cavan laid out the town of Ligonier. Of the families 
that moved into this section at that early day, his is the only one that still resides 
upon the original homestead. 

DAVID CUNNINGHAM is the only surviving member of the family of 
Michael and Elizabeth (Dennison) Cunningham, who were born in Ireland, 
he September 18, 1795, and she November 2, 1796. They came to West- 
moreland County, Penn., at the age of about twenty-one, where they were unit- 
ed in marriage about the year 1817. Here they remained until their death. 
She died March 18, 1846^ and he February 20, 1880. They had a family of 
four children, viz.: James, a physician, who died in Pennsylvania when about 
fifty years old ; George, who died when about eleven years old; Eliza, whose 
demise took place at the age of seventeen; and our subject, who was born in 
Westmoreland County, Penn., August 20, 1828, where he remained until 
1855, when, having married Elizabeth Galbreth, October 9, 1851, he, with his 
family, came to this county Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham had a family of eight 
children, viz.: Elizaetta (deceased), Celestia, James (deceased), William F., 
John W., Ellsworth, Joseph R. and Norris. The six living are at home. Mr. 
Cunningham is an influential and worthy citizen ; is the possessor of 100 acres 
of well-cultivated land, and now holds the office of Trustee. 

ADAM ENGLE, deceased, was born in Lancaster County, Penn, Decem- 
ber 19, 1776. At about the age of sixteen, he went with his parents to West 
Virginia, and was married about the year 1802 to Miss Eve Hoffman, a native 
of Virginia, born December 27, 1784. Soon after, they emigrated to Ross 
County, Ohio, thence to Pickaway County, same State, where they were early 
settlers, and in the town of Circleville, Mr. Engle built the first shingle roof 
house, and was engaged in farming and coopering until about 1821, when he 
moved to Hocking County, Ohio, continuing in the same employment. Hav- 
ing lost his property by indorsing for others, in April, 1832, Mr. Engle and 
wife, with a family of six children, accompanied by the families of Hostetter, 
Haines and others, started for Indiana, where they arrived on Perry's Prairie 
on the 6th of May, and proceeded to build a rude cabin, no nails nor sawed 
boards being used in its construction. In the fall of 1832, he built a cabin on 
Section 33, where he resided until his death. In this edifice, the first court 
was held. Mr. Engle was one of the very earliest pioneers of the county, and 
was ever a valued and esteemed citizen. The plow used by Adam Engle was 
one fashioned with his own hands. Oftentimes the little settlement were scarce 
of provisions, and fish' were procured from the Elkhart River, and game from 
the forests to supply food. The little band brought with them to this county 
gearing for a saw-mill that they soon succeeded in getting in running order, it 
being the first constructed in the township. Mr. and Mrs. Engle both died in 
this township; his death occurred July 26, 1847, and hers August 1, 1862 ; 
they were members of the Lutheran Church, and a short sketch of their chil- 
dren is subjoined : Sophia, the widow of Henry Kline, is now a resident of 
Perry Township ; they came from Fairfield County, Ohio, to this township 
about 1837, where Mr. Kline's death occurred. William Engle is residing in 
Michigan. Henrv Engle came to this township in 1833, and resided here un- 

63 



856 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

til his death in 1874. Joseph Engle is a resident of Ohio. Mary married 
Mr. Schlotterback, and died in this township in 1856. Elizabeth, who mar- 
ried a Mr. Coleman, died in 1875. Phoebe married Joseph Bradford and after 
his death became Mrs. John Squires. She died in June, 1862, in Perry Town- 
ship. John Engle came here with his parents, subsequently removing to Iowa, 
where he died in 1856. George Engle is a resident of Ohio, and Andrew En- 
gle of this township. Barbara Engle, the youngest, married Harrison Wood, 
and died in this township in April, 1851). 

Andrew Engle was born in Hocking County, Ohio, February 6, 1822. 
When ten years old, he accompanied his parents to this township, with which 
he has since been identified. November 26, 1817, he married Ann R. Conrad, 
and soon after commenced farming in Section 33. In 1854, he moved to Sec- 
tion 28, where he is now located. Mr. Engle has experienced all the phases of 
pioneer life, and has assisted materially in the advancement and progress of 
Perry Township. He owns 160 acres of well-improved land, and is a thorough 
farmer; has served as Township Assessor two years. Mrs. Engle is a native of 
Wood County, Va., born March 10, 1819. They have five children living, 
viz.: Sherman B., Isabell, J. C. Fremont, and Wirten and Clebren, twins. 

PHILIP HARPER has been a resident of Noble County since the very 
early days of its settlement, and where he was born, February 17, 1838, the 
year following its organization. Thus he was bred in the midst of pioneer life, 
and reared with the surroundings of frontier experiences. He became inured 
to its hardships and privations in his tender years, and was schooled by the 
meager opportunities of log schoolhouse days. From his advent to life in the 
woods he has lived to see the wilderness turned into a fruitful and prosperous 
country and has grown into possession, as the result of honest and heroic efforts, 
of a fine farm of 120 acres well improved and complete in its appointments. 
October 11, 1863, he was married to Miss C. Keehn. a native of Ohio. They 
have two children — Eddie E. and Marion J., to revere and comfort them in 
future years. 

SOLOMON HARPER (deceased) was born in Ohio November 7, 1810, 
and died in Noble County, Ind., January 20, 1873. During his life he was a 
prosperous farmer and owned 479 acres of land. He devoted considerable 
attention to stock-raising, which he made a specialty. He was married in Ross 
County. Ohio, to Mary Shobe, who was born in Ross County February 18, 
1807. They came to Noble County in 1831. After Mr. Harper's death, the 
property was divided among Mrs. Harper and the children. Their descend- 
ants were eleven children. Mrs. Harper is at present residing on her share 
of the property in Perry Township. 

Z. E. HARPER is one of the early natives of Noble County, and, there- 
fore, a pioneer in the strongest sense of the word. His mother gave him birth 
October 15, 1844, in the wilds of this then new country. His boyhood days 
were passed with the scenes before him of log cabin days, the excitement of the 
hunter's chase, the " log-rolling bees," and the days when the arrival of a new- 
comer was heralded as gladsome news. Thus he has " grown up with the 
country," and advanced with its advancement. Mr. Harper was married October 
26, 1865, to Sarah Carmean, at Goshen. She is a native of Ohio, where she 
was born May 18, 1844. Four children have been born to them — Lida A., 
Vada, Mary L. and John. Mr. Harper owns 108 acres of excellent land, 
constituting a farm most desirable in its adaptability for agricultural and stock- 
raising purposes, in the latter branch of which Mr. Harper gives attention, 
besides buying and selling to some extent. 



PERRY TOWNSHIP. 357 

WILLIAM D. HAYS, born in Pickaway County, Ohio, April 21, 1830, 
was a son of Samuel and Jemima (Rittenhouse) Hays, the former a native of 
Maryland, the latter of Ohio. They were married March 8, 1821, and went 
to Pickaway County, Ohio, which place they made their home. When our 
subject was but four years of age, his mother died, and October 4, 1836, his 
father married Mary Rittenhouse. In 1846, they moved to Indiana, this 
county, and lived the rest of their days. Mrs. Hays died June 4, 1851, and 
her husband died January 24, 1853. There were six children in Mr. Hays' 
family. W. D. Hays married Harriet E. Smith, a native of Ohio, February 
24, 1853. Their children number six — James, Rheuann, Luella, Hattie B., 
William S. and Samuel L. Mr. Hays lives on the old homestead, and owns 
500 acres of well-improved land. He is one of the most popular and opulent 
men of the county, and served at one time as Township Trustee. 

JOHN HITE was born in England January 2, 1819, and came to America 
when ten years of age. He remained in Chester County, Penn., until 1834, 
when he moved to Portage County, Ohio ; stayed there two years, then came 
to Jay County, Ind., where he resided about twenty-one years. Finally, in 
1858, he came to Noble County, and located in Perry Township, Section 5, 
where he now lives, ably conducting his farm of eighty acres. He was married 
in Jay County, Ind.. April 2, 1840, to Sarah A. Wilson, who was born April 
16, 1821. They have had eleven children; eight of them are now living — 
Thomas W., William, George W., Mary A., Sarah E., Melinda J., John N. 
and James A. Those deceased are Isabella A., Mattie and Emeline. 

T. W. HITE, one of the prosperous farmers of Perry Township, is a native 
of the Hoosier State, where he was born in Jay County, March 1, 1841. He 
made his home with his parents, John and Sarah A. Hite, until, at the age of 
twenty, he began work on his own responsibility. In 1864, he was drafted in 
the army, and, in company with his brother, w r ent out with Company B, Thirty- 
fifth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served through the remainder of the war. 
May 12, 1864, he married Harriet Teaford, who was born in Ohio, January 1, 
1845. They then settled on their present farm, which consists of eighty acres 
of excellent land. They have a brick dwelling house ; and a new barn, together 
with the other buildings, adds to the appearance of the place. They have seven 
children, all at home — Nelson, Alva, Clara, Cecil, Laura, Luella and Nona. 

BENJAMIN HOSTETTER was born in Ross County, Ohio, April 1, 
1812. When but five years of age, his parents moved to Fairfield County, Ohio, 
where their home was located a number of years. In 1832, they made their 
advent in Noble County, and here spent the remainder of their lives. Decem- 
ber 31, 1835, Benjamin Hostetter and Elizabeth Shobe were united in matri- 
mony, and shortly succeeding this event he purchased 160 acres of the timber 
land of this county, and built thereon a rude log cabin. This proved a perma- 
nent settlement, as it is still their home, but the surroundings are materially 
changed. The farm has been enlarged to 220 acres, cultivated and improved 
by the untiring energy of Mr. Hostetter. His wife died in September. 1847, 
and he married Sarah Danner in 1850. There are ten children in the family 
— Jacob, Zerilda, Ida H., Joel W., Mary, George, Effie, Nellie T., Willard ami 
Edgar. 

GEORGE KEEHN is a native of Stark County, Ohio, where he was born 
in 1818. He remained there until 1855, following the carpenter's trade ; he then 
came to Indiana and settled in Perry Township, where his associations 
have been continued ever since. He was elected Treasurer of the county in 



i 

358 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

1878, and served one term, upon the expiration of which he returned to his farm, 
which consists of 160 acres of valuable land, well improved and conveniently lo- 
cated. In Sparta Township he has forty acres, and valuable property in Albion. 
He served his township as Assessor for eight years, and ranks as one of Noble 
■County's most respected and honored citizens. In 1841, he was married to 
Lydia Gerber ; she died in 1851, leaving three children — Harriet Harper, 
•Christina Harper and David — all residents of Perry Township. In the fall of 
1851, he was united to a second wife, Margaret Simmonds, a native of Penn- 
sylvania ; by her he has three children — Francis K. (residing in York Town- 
ship), Nancy McDaniel (of Sparta Township), and Helen E. 

J. N. KEEHN, a prosperous farmer of Perry Township, is a native of 
Stark County, Ohio. He is a son of John and Elizabeth Keehn, and his birth 
•occurred June 11, 1835. At the age of nineteen, he left his native home, emi- 
grating to La Grange County, Ind., where he remained some length of time 
engaged in carpentering. He subsequently came to Noble County, and here 
was united in marriage with Harriet E. Shobe, December 15, 1861. During 
the rebellion, in 1864, he enlisted in the Thirteenth Indiana Regiment, Com- 
pany A. After one year's active service, he returned to this county, where he 
has since been a resident. Mr. and Mrs. Keehn have a family of four children 
— Charlie G., Lena A., Roy and Maud. Mr. Keehn owns 110 acres of good 
land, and has attained the third degree in Masonry. 

GEORGE W. McCONNELL is one of twelve children born to Alexander 
and Polly A. McConnell, nine of whom are now living. The father and mother 
■were natives of Pennsylvania, the former born March 15, 1791, and the latter 
May 10, 1802. They came to Ohio when young, and were married in that 
State in 1818. In the year 1838, the senior McConnell made a trip to Noble 
County, Ind., and purchased 400 acres of land; after a short stay, he returned 
to his home in Ohio. He was a man of more than ordinary ability, and be- 
came prominent not only in his county, but in State affairs. He served as a 
soldier the last year of the war of 1812 ; was a Representative to the Legis- 
lature and a State Senator in Ohio ; officiated as President of the State Board 
of Public Works of that State, and was Associate Judge of Morgan County, 
where he lived for some time. The elder Mr. and Mrs. McConnell both died 
<in Ohio ; he October 12, 1853, and she May 20, 1872. George W., the 
representative of this sketch, is a native of Morgan County, Ohio, born March 
10, 1822. In 1849, he went to California, during the gold excitement, and 
for three years worked in the mines. He then returned to his home in Ohio ; 
in 1853, after a short stay, he came to Noble County. January 28, 1855, was 
Married to Cornelia Egbert. About two years after this, in 1857, Mr. Mc- 
CJonnell moved to Ohio, but after a stay there of three years, he returned to 
(this locality and settled where he now lives. They have had four children — 
Washington A., Robert E. (deceased), Oliver A., and James B. Mrs. Mc- 
'Connell is a native of Pennsylvania, where she was born February 6, 1835. 
Mr. McConnell was at one time the proprietor of the Rochester Flouring Mills, 
an this township, which he operated for some time. He now lives upon a farm 
•of 160 acres with good surroundings ; has been Township Trustee two years, 
-and wields considerable influence in his community. 

CHARLES MUNROE is a native of New York, where he was born 
•June 8, 1807. His father died when he was quite young, leaving him to the 
•care of his mother, with whom, when he was about ten years old, he came to 
<Jhio ; there he passed his life until his maturity, when he married Harriet 



PERRY TOWNSHIP. 359 

Burroughs, in September, 1828. In the year 1853, Mr. Munroe moved with 
his family to Noble County, where he has since been engaged in agricultural 
pursuits. He possesses a farm of eighty acres in Perry Township, upon which 
he makes his home. Mr. and Mrs. Munroe have reared a family of nine 
children to maturity, all of whom are married and have established homes of 
their own, excepting the youngest, a girl, who still resides under the old 
parental roof. 

JOHN REESE is a native of Germany, where he was born June 15, 
1826, and one who braved the storms of the Atlantic for a home in America. 
He landed in New York and from there went to Buffalo, where he remained! 
about six months, and during that time was united in marriage with Elizabeth 
Peters. Soon after, he came to Wawaka, Ind., and resided there or in the- 
vicinity about nine years, when he came to Ligonier and established himself on 
the farm where he now lives, surrounded by the comforts of home life. Mr- 
and Mrs. Reese have had eight children — Manda, Lizzie, Henrietta, Daniel,. 
Frank, Albert, Sarah (deceased) and John. They are members of the German 
Methodist Church. Mr. Reese owns seventy-three acres of excellent farming; 
land, and is counted in every way a first-class farmer and worthy citizen. 

H. D. ROGERS was born in New York October 24, 1818, which was 
his home for some years, after which he passed his time in Pennsylvania, until 
he reached the age of twenty-two. He then went to Ohio, where he engaged 
in the lumber and hardware business. In the year 1854, Mr. Rogers pushed 
farther west to Goshen, Ind. After a short stay of two months in that place, 
he made another change, coming to Noble County. Here, for some time, he 
was engaged in bridge-building, subsequently settling in Rochester, this 
Township, and engaging in the manufacture of brick. After following this for 
a period, he purchased the saw-mill now owned and operated by him, in the 
manufacture of lumber; also owns twenty- three lots in Rochester. Mr. 
Rogers' first marriage was to Betsey Sturtevant, in Pennsylvania, in 1839, 
from whom he was divorced in 1854. His second marriage was with Sarah 
Marsh, in 1855, in Sturgis, Mich.; she was born in Pennsylvania April 11,. 
1814. He is the father of five children. 

WILLIAM SHOWALTER, one ef six children, was born in La Grange 
County, Ind., March 25, 1855, and lived at home until about twenty-four 
years old. His parents are David and Mary Showalter, both natives of Vir- 
ginia, where they were married in 1849. The former was born March 4, 
1825, the latter March 21, 1832. In 1852, they came to La Grange County, 
Ind., where they are now living. He has been an extensive land-owner, and 
now has 330 acres. William Showalter followed teaching six years, and in 
1879, May 21, he was married to Ella Hitler. Her parents were Ohioans, 
but she is a native of Noble County, where she was born May 8, 1854. A 
short time after his marriage, Mr. Showalter came to Noble County and settled 
in Perry Township, on Section 16. He possesses 80 acres of good farming 
land, upon which are fine buildings, including a brick residence. In addition 
to his agricultural pursuits, he is engaged extensively in stock-dealing. They 
have no children. Mr. Showalter is a prosperous farmer and a genial gentle- 
man. 

JAMES SILBURN is a son of James and Hannah Silburn, who were 
natives of England, where they were married, and about the year 1829 
emigrated to America, settling in Ohio. Here Mrs. Silburn died April 3, 
1864, and two years later her husband sold his property and came to Indiana, 



360 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

where he is now living with his children. Mr. Silburn was born January 1, 
1800, and his wife March 7, 1807. James Silburn, the subject, was one of 
eight children and was born January 10, 1833. He was married to Samantha 
A. Bower September 29, 1874. They have no children. Mr. Silburn 
possesses 140 acres of good farming land, and is a prosperous and valued citi- 
zen. 

ADAM SIMMONS, native of Pennsylvania, born February 13, 1831, 
is one of eight children born to Jacob and Frances Simmons. The father was 
a native of Pennsylvania, born December 8, 1798, the mother also of Pennsyl- 
vania, born November, 1799. They were married in Pennsylvania in 1836 ; 
moved to Stark County, Ohio; resided there until 1856, when they came to 
Noble County, Perry Township, and lived the rest of their days. He died 
April 20, 1868; she died February 4, 1874. Adam Simmons came here with 
his parents and lived with them on his father's farm, which consisted of 160 
acres of land. He was married in Pennsylvania, December, 1855, to Miss 
Margaret Barr, native of Pennsylvania, born in 1833. She died in Noble 
County March 5, 1861, and in 1871, April 16, he married Elizabeth Klick ; 
she was born in Ohio February 22, 1844. In 1875, Mr. Simmons located 
his home in Section 32. His farm consists of 120 acres of fine land. They 
have six children — Ramah D., born May 6, 1872 ; Alvin E., August 8, 1873; 
Franklin B., April 15, 1876; Harry W., August 28, 1877; Carl W., June 
10, 1879; and Gracie M., born February 8, 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Simmons 
are members of the Christian Church, and are good citizens. 

THOMAS SIMMONS was born in Stark County, Ohio, July 10, 1851, 
the son of Jonathan and Sarah Simmons, who moved to Noble County when 
Thomas was about seven years old. His school opportunities were the average 
of those of the locality where he lived. Believing in the advantages of a 
trade, he became a shoemaker. This business he followed for about five years, 
when he sold out and Avent to farming; this calling be has been engaged in for 
the past seven years. Mr. Simmons lives on that part of the old farm 
inherited from his parents. He owns 24 acres of fine land, comfortably 
improved. November 1, 1876, he married Miss Rosa Sisterhen, a native of 
Ohio, born April 5, 1854. Her parents were natives of Germany. Mr. and 
Mrs. Simmons have one child — Harry, born August 8, 1877. They have the 
good will of their community, and, being young, have the possibilities of a 
satisfactory future before them. 

CHRISTIAN SLABAUGH has been a resident of this county since 
1863, having been engaged in farming and a dealer in stock to a considerable 
extent. His farm consists of 201 acres of excellent land, well located, and 
affording an abundant revenue The family consists of himself and wife and 
three children, viz., Sidney, Willard and Olie. Mr. Slabaugh was born in 
Clay County, Ind., September 29, 1845, where he lived until about eight years 
old, when his parents moved to Elkhart County, and in 1863 to Noble County 
— Christian living at home during this time. In the year 1869, Mr. Slabaugh 
was united in marriage with Catherine Bowsher, January 22. She was born 
in Noble County, where her parents still reside, December 2, 1851. The result 
of this union is the birth of the above-named children, and they have a well 
ordered home. 

ELIAS E. SLABAUGH was born in Lancaster County, Penn., February 
14, 1818, where he remained until fourteen years of age ; then, in company with 
his parents, came to Ohio. When he had arrived at the age of twenty, he went 



PERRY TOWNSHIP. 361 

to Fairfield County, that State, where he was married to Mary Vertz, in Janu- 
ary, 1841. They soon went to Owen County, Ind., and from there to Elk- 
hart County, and then to this county, and made a home on the farm where he 
now lives, being among the early settlers. They have reared a family of five 
children, viz. : Eliza J., William H., Christian E., Nancie and Isaac M. Mr. 
Slabaugh has been an extensive land-owner ; but having more than the ordi- 
nary paternal care for his children, has divided his possessions among them, 
and thus starting them with comfortable homes. His farm now comprises 174 
acres, with good and productive soil. 

BENJAMIN F. SMITH is one of a family of six children, and was born 
in Ohio, on the 12th day of August, 1837. His parents were Jacob and 
Abigail Smith, who were also natives of the Buckeye State, where the father 
died, leaving the care of the family to the mother. She was a woman of ster- 
ling qualities ; and about four years after her husband's death, removed to 
Indiana, settling in Noble County, where she remained until her death, in 1879. 
Benjamin came to Indiana with his mother, and April 25, 1861, was married 
to Charity Lane, a native of this county, where she was born February 24, 1844. 
Seven children have been born to this couple, viz. : Emma, G. Ellis, Hattie 
E., Franklin F., Howard G., William H. and Sarah. Mr. Smith owns a large 
farm, consisting of 231 acres of land, and is a genial, pleasant neighbor. 

THERON TEAL was born in Ohio August 19, 1831. His parents, 
George and Nancy Teal, emigrated to Indiana and settled in Elkhart County, 
bringing their family with them, when Theron was about six years old. After 
two years' residence in Elkhart County, they removed to this county and town- 
ship, locating on Section 21. Thus it was that Theron Teal, in his youth and 
early manhood, was reared midst the surroundings of pioneer life, and receiv- 
ing the advantages of those times. December 25, 1857, he was married to 
Elizabeth Simmons, who was a native of Stark County, Ohio, where she was born 
December 8, 1838. After about eighteen months, they moved to Jefferson 
Township, this county, remaining there two years, when they returned to the 
old homestead, subsequently purchasing a farm in Section 24, this township. 
Upon this they lived until 1881, when it was sold, and another farm purchased 
in Section 25, where they now live. Mr. and Mrs. Teal belong to the Seventh 
Day Advent Church, and their influence for good is felt in their community. 
They have a family of eight childen, all living at home, viz. : Elmer S., Mor- 
ton R., Logan L., Ora B., George E., James M., Mina V. and Rosa S. 

GEORGE TEAL (deceased), a native of Franklin County, Va., was a 
pioneer of Perry Township. The Teal family are of Swiss and German an- 
cestry, who settled in Maryland in the latter half of the seventeenth century. 
George Teal was born the 28th of July, 1799, and with his parents removed 
to Ohio about the year 1806. His mother's maiden name was Neff, and her 
maternal ancestors were named Sayler. The subject was married, in 1826, to 
Miss Nancy Brower, daughter of Abraham and Elizabeth (Harter) Brower, and 
when he came to this county, in the spring of 1837, had seven children. A 
brother, Joseph Teal, came with them, and is yet living where he first settled 
on Section 21, the subject going into Elkhart County, near Benton, removing, 
in the spring of 1840, to a farm adjoining his brother's, in Perry Township. 
In 1865, he went to Ligonier, but soon after purchased and removed to a farm 
south of Wawaka. In about seven years, he again sold out and returned to 
Ligonier. After a few months' sojourn at Kendallville, he purchased a home 
on Gavin street, where he died in September, 1876, at the age of seventy- 



362 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

rcven years one month and seventeen days, and was buried in the Ligonier 
uetery. The widow of Mr. Teal is living with her son, Dr. J. M. Teal, at 
K dallville. Of eleven children born to them, nine are yet living, eight in 
this ounty. Their last born died in infancy in 1849, and Elizabeth, their 
sixth child, who married Lott G. Carr, died in November, 1856, leaving an 
infant daughter, who was reared by Grandmother Teal, and is now Mrs. Shobe, 
of Ligonier. Dewitt C, the eldest, and G. A. are blacksmiths in Ligonier. 
Dr. Norman Teal was in the medical department of the army, and is now 
practicing medicine and surgery in Kendallville. Theron is a farmer near 
Ligonier. Rebecca, the fifth child, but first daughter, is now Mrs. A. P. 
Frink, of Kendallville. George B. is a hardware merchant of Kendallville. 
Albert, who was the first born Hoosier, has been for the past twelve years 
postal clerk on the U. P. Railway. He was a soldier in Company B of the 
Eighty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was wounded in the right 
elbow at Resaca, Ga., in May, 1864. Harriet, now Mrs. Moffit, resides with 
her mother in Kendallville. Dr. J. M. Teal, dentist, the youngest of the sur- 
viving children, is living in Kendallville. In politics, the family were Whigs 
until the organization of the Republican party, with which they have since 
been identified. 

ISAAC VVE1MER was one of five children, and was born in Pennsyl- 
vania September 2, 1809. His parents — John and Elizabeth Weimer — were 
natives of the State of Pennsylvania, where they lived and where they died. 
Here Isaac Weimer lived until about twenty-two years of age. In 1837, he 
came to Indiana and settled in Goshen, where he remained and in the vicinity 
until 1856, when he came to this county, his present home. While in Goshen, 
he was married to Elizabeth Stawder July 26, 1849. She died January 9. 
1851. August 11, 1853, he married a second time, to Lydia Bronson. a native 
of New York. Mr. Weimer has a family of five children — Catharine E., Mary 
L., Loretha C, Loretta E. and Abraham W. He owns eighty acres of good, 
well-improved farming land, and is a worthy citizen. 

DR. CHARLES WOODRUFF is a native of New York State, where he 
was born March 17, 1817. His parents — Andrew and Rebecca Woodruff — 
were natives of Connecticut. When Charles was about seven years old, they 
moved from New York State to Ohio, where they died, he in 1849 and she in 
1876. They were the parents of eleven children. Charles Woodruff, in his 
younger days, followed tailoring. In the year 1838, November 4, in Ohio, he 
was married to Jane Landon. She was born September 5, 1816, in the State 
where they were married. They came to Albion, this county, in 1853, where 
he entered upon the practice of his profession as a physician. In the spring 
of 1869, he moved to Ligonier, where he was connected with the drug busi- 
ness, also doing office practice, until 1879, when he sold out to his son, Dr. G. 
S., and retired from active business. Dr. Woodruff and wife belong to the 
Wesleyan M. Church. He has for some time preached for the denomination. 
They have four children — Orson L., Allen, George S. and Rollin C. The 
Doctor is the owner of thirty-two acres of land where he lives, and the possessor 
of town property, to the extent of three acres, with two houses on it. He has 
filled the office of Justice of the Peace and is a gentleman of pleasant and 
genial bearing. His son, George S., studied medicine with his father, and 
attended lectures at Ann Arbor, Mich., in 1866 and 1867, subsequently at- 
tended the Eclectic Medical College at Cincinnati. He was associated with 
his father in the drug business in Ligonier, and whose interest he purchased in 



PERRY TOWNSHIP. 363 

1879. He also does an office practice. Was married, in 1870, to Miss Elinor 
Smith. They have two children — Ernest and Charles A. 

A. YORKEY was born in Germany December 14, 1841. His parents 
emigrated to this country in 1852, our subject coming over with them. After 
remaining in New York City a short time, they came west to Buffalo, and in 
about a year came to Noble County, where the mother died August 1, 1866. She 
was born in 1824. The elder Yorkey was born in 1814. For a second wife, 
he married a Miss Cree. He is the father of five children, two by his first 
wife and three by the second. A. Yorkey was the eldest of the children. He 
was married to Sarah Flannagan November 15, 1868. They have a family of 
three children — Ambrose H., John A., Bertha S. He served in the army 
against the rebellion, entering in 1863 and remaining until the close of the 
war. His wife was born October 15, 1851. They belong to the Catholic 
Church. He owns seventy-two acres of land ; is frugal and industrious. 



TOWN OF ALBION. 

ADAMS, PALMER & CO., general merchandise, is a firm of recent 
organization. They have rented for a term of years the Clapp Block, consist- 
ing of two fine and commodious storerooms, which they have stocked with an 
extensive and complete line of dry goods, groceries, notions, etc., and are pre- 
pared to do an extensive trade. Their stock is new, having been purchased 
expressly for their new store by J. H. Palmer, who, although a young man, is 
old in business experience. Mr. T. E. Adams is a native of Whitley County, 
Ind., and son to Andrew and Eliza (Elliott) Adams. His father is a farmer 
and extensive stock-dealer, to which he has given his especial attention. T. E. 
was associated with his father in stock dealing until the formation of the busi- 
ness partnership with J. H. Palmer in April. 1881. Mr. J. H. Palmer is also 
a native of Whitley County, Ind., and for several years connected with the 
business interests of Columbia City, subsequently becoming a commercial trav- 
eler for a Chicago house. He brings to the firm good executive and business 
attributes. 

E. M. ALSBAUGH, tinware, stoves, etc., is one of the young and en- 
terprising business men of Albion. He is a native of Michigan, and at the 
age of seventeen a student of his trade at Kendall ville, Ind., where he re- 
mained for over three years. He next was employed at Wolcottville for one 
and one-half years, going from thence to Albion, and entering the employ of 
Markey & Walter, with whom he remained for two and one-half years. In 
April, 1880, encouraged by the leading business men, he began his business 
career at Albion, and is at present establishing a fine, lucrative and honorable 
trade. He manufactures all kinds of tinware, making a specialty of tin 
roofing and spouting, and carries a large line of stoves. 

ALEX AUMOND, Deputy County Auditor, is a native of Canada. In 
1866 he came to the United States, where he has since been identified. He 
came to Noble County in 1875, and in 1878 became an assistant of the County 
offices, first entering the Recorder's office, subsequently the office of Ceunty 
Clerk, and since 1879 has been connected with the Auditor's office. He is a 
valuable officer, being thoroughly posted in the routine and execution of County 
affairs. 



364 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

SAMUEL E. ALVORD is a native of Bradford County, Penn, where 
he was born in 1824. His father, Nathan Alvord, was an eminent physician, 
having a large and varied practice, and resided in Pennsylvania until his death. 
Samuel E. received an academic education, and remained in his native county 
until the age of twenty-two years. In 1847, he began reading law at Troy, 
Penn., continuing until 1849, when he came to Noble County, and employed 
the first winter after his arrival in teaching school at Rome City. In the spring 
of 1850, he came to Albion and commenced the publication of a Democratic 
newspaper called the Albion Observer, continuing the same with varying suc- 
cess until 1853, at which time it was discontinued, and Mr. Alvord was admitted 
to the bar. He studied and practiced this profession until 1855, when he was 
elected Clerk of the Circuit Court, serving in that capacity four years, during 
which period he was connected for two years with the Noble County Democrat. 
At the expiration of his clerkship he resumed the practice of law, continuing 
thus until 1872, when he began publishing the New Era, conducting the same 
until January, 1876, when he again returned to the law. During the autumn 
of 1876, he was again elected Clerk of the Circuit Court, and is still the 
incumbent of that office. Mr. Alvord has acquired a broad scholarship in all 
the avenues of literature, and has trained himself to the severest logic and dis- 
cipline. His genius is decidedly literary, and is eminently recognized through- 
out Northern Indiana. Prior to the war, though a Democrat, he was a " Free- 
Soiler ;" and later, was an earnest War Democrat, warmly espousing the 
enlistment of men, and the vigorous prosecution of the war. His literary pro- 
ductions are characterized by great beauty of expression, broad and thoughtful 
analysis of human motives, and a sternly realistic view of life that penetrates 
all shams and pours the focal light of hard, common sense upon all problems 
involved in darkness. His marriage with Miss Julia Sweet was solemnized in 
November, 1851. Four children have blessed this union — Lillie Engle, Edsall, 
Nathan and Edith. 

ABEL BARNUM, a wealthy farmer of Albion, was born June 30, 
1821, in Fairfield County, Conn., and was the fourth of seven children of Piatt 
and Alethea (Barnum) Barnum, who were natives of the same State, and 
farmers by occupation. Abel was removed in infancy, with his parents, from 
Connecticut to New York, locating in Sullivan County. His educational ad- 
vantages were limited. His father died when Abel was but ten years of age. 
In 1844, he emigrated to and located in this county, where he purchased 
160 acres of timber land, which he worked at clearing in summer and taught 
school in winter. His school-teaching experience closed in 1848, after which 
he devoted his time to farming exclusively, subsequently adding to his land, 
increasing it to 240 acres. Mr. Barnum is a thorough and systematic farmer ; 
was an adherent of the Whig party till 1854, when he allied himself to the 
Republicans. In 1852, he was elected Justice of the Peace, and served satis- 
factorily for five years, and is respected by all. On April 30, 1848, he was 
married to Miss Jane Sweet, of Jefferson Township, Noble County, a daughter 
of Hon. Jerome Sweet, one of the early settlers, who came to Jefferson 
Township in 1842, where he resided until his death, in 1869. Mrs. Barnum 
is a lady of culture and many amiable traits of character. They have two 
children — one son, Orlo P., born January 22, 1851, and one daughter, 
Alethea, born December 5, 1852. 

JOHN H. BAUGHMAN, abstract office, is a son of Samuel and Chris- 
tina (Young) Baughman, who were residents of Ashland County, Ohio, over 



TOWN OF ALBION. 365 

thirty years prior to coming to Noble County. In 1852, they located in Allen 
Township, where the father followed blacksmithing and farming. Of a family 
of ten children, eight are living — Henry, Cornelia Garver, Francis, Hannah 
Cribbs, Newton, John EL, Mary J. Southworth and Amy I. Ihrie. The 
father and mother are now living in retirement at Lisbon. John IL, at the age 
of seventeen, left the farm home of his father, and entered his brother's store 
at Lisbon, as clerk, where he remained until the winter of 1864, when he en- 
listed in Company C, One Hundred and Fifty-second Indiana Volunteer In- 
fantry, remaining in the service nine months, when he was injured and was 
compelled to return home, resigning a Second Lieutenant's commission. Soon 
after his return, he was appointed Postmaster at Lisbon, and for one year ran 
a grocery store in connection. For a period of several years Mr. Baughman 
was engaged in various occupations, and for two years was unable to attend to 
business on account of ill-health. He finally went to Monticello, Ind., and 
learned telegraphy, and in September, 1871, entered upon the duties of opera- 
tor on the G. R. & I. R. R., at Kendallville. In 1872, he was elected Re- 
corder of the county by a majority of ninety votes, and re-elected for a second 
term by a majority of nearly 500, serving the two terms with popular favor. 
Mr. Baughman was married in March, 1871, to Miss Hannah Tyler. They 
have one child — Trever Day. The abstract office of Mr. Baughman is in 
Stone's new block. The experience gained in the Recorder's office eminently 
fits him for his present business. He is a member of the I. 0. 0. F. 

OWEN BLACK, retired, is a native of Lancaster County, Penn., where 
he was born in 1815. His parents were Peter and Martha (Amos) Black, 
natives of Maryland, and settlers in Ohio in 1833, where they resided for twenty 
years, removing to Indiana in 1853, locating in Noble County, where they re- 
mained the remainder of their lives, his father's death occurring October 23, 1862, 
his mother's June 28, 1872. Owen was the second of ten children ; his early 
duties were connected with farm life, until he attained his majority, when he 
learned the carpenter's trade ; following that in connection with farming, until 
he came to Indiana. For two years, he was engaged in farming, at the expira- 
tion of which period he came to Albion, and began a successful business career. 
He was connected with the dry goods trade for fifteen years ; built the first 
grist-mill in Albion ; also erected two saw-mills and numerous dwelling houses 
and business blocks. He has 380 acres of fine farming land in Noble County, 
and 800 acres in Kansas. After an active business life, he has retired to the 
enjoyment of well-earned prosperity. He devoted considerable of his time to 
traveling in 1878, taking a trip across the ocean and visiting several countries 
upon the continent. Mr. Black was married, in 1838, to Miss Elizabeth Goss, 
a native of Richland County, Ohio, where her people settled in 1815. Two 
sons are descendants of this marriage — Jackson D. and Owen J., both young 
and promising business men of Albion. 

JACKSON D. BLACK, merchant, is the senior partner of Black & 
Bros., an enterprising firm of Albion. Mr. Black is a native of Richland 
County, Ohio, and son of Owen Black, one of the old settlers and prominent 
merchants of Noble County. Jackson became associated with his father as an 
assistant about 1860, continuing until 1867, when he became a partner, under 
firm name of Owen Black & Son, which connection remained until 1870, when 
his father's interest was taken by D. S. Love, and the business continued until 
1872, when Mr. Love retired, and he continued in business alone until 1880, 
when his brother, Owen J. Black, became a partner. Mr. Black suffered the 



366 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

entire loss of his stock, valued at $11,000, by fire, in 1879, but nothing daunted, 
however, he resumed business immediately, and is at present doing an im- 
mense trade, which he richly deserves. He was married, in 1870, to Miss 
Minerva Young, a native of Pennsylvania, and resident of Noble County. They 
have three children — Albert, Bessie and an infant. 

CHARLES BOETCHER, miller. Among the industries of Noble 
County, there is none more complete in mechanical structure than the new and 
extensive flouring-mills of Hyter & Boetcher. Mr. Boetcher, the resident 
manager and miller, is a native of Wheeling, W. Va. His parents subsequently 
became residents of Cambridge, Guernsey County, Ohio, where our subject has 
resided the greater portion of his life, transacting business connected with mill- 
ing interests the most of his time. About 1872, he removed to Illinos, where 
he remained for eight years, being connected with a saw-mill while there. In 
August, 1880, he came to Albion, and purchased the milling interest of Mr. 
Ludlow, who, with Mr. Hyter, had started the "Paragon " Mills of Albion, in 
January, 1880. Since that time, Mr. Boetcher has had the exclusive manage- 
ment of the mills. The " Paragon " Mills are furnished with new and improved 
machinery from the Bass Foundry Machine Works of Fort Wayne, Ind., and 
presents a model appearance. They have four runs of stone driven by steam 
power, and operated and managed by an intelligent and enterprising gentleman; 
is an institution of which the people of Albion are justly proud. Mr. Boetcher 
was married, in 1879, to Miss Elmina Moore, of Ohio, she is a native of Wash- 
ington County, Penn. They have three children — Laura P., George M. and 
Charles W. Mr. Boetchler is a member of the I. O. O. F., of Albion. 

PHILIP BOWMAN, I'etired farmer, is one of the representative pioneers 
of Noble County. He is a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, and was a 
resident of the " Buckeye " State until twenty-eight years of age, when, in 
1844, he emigrated to Indiana, and settled in the woods of York Township, 
Noble County. Here he commenced the task of clearing and developing his 
land, remaining a resident of that township and identified with the growth, 
improvements and advancements until 1878, when he retired from active life, 
yielding the management of his farm to his son Jay, and became a resident of 
Albion. Mr. Bowman served York Township as Justice of the Peace for eight 
years, and was one of its most respected citizens. He formed a matrimonial 
alliance, in 1842, with Miss Lydia Harlan, also a native of Columbiana County, 
Ohio. She departed this life in 1857, leaving three children — Mary C. Mc- 
Ewen, of Brimfield, Noble County ; Jay, married to Miss Lucinda Mack, and 
residing on the homestead farm ; and Serenes, a business man of Albion. In 
1866, Mr. Bowman was united to a second wife, Widow Mary M. Bowman. 
They have one child — Elmer. 

SARAH A. BRADLEY, hotel, has been associated in the hotel and 
boarding-house business since 1860, when she bought the house now known as 
the Bradlev Hotel, which she conducted until 1879, when she leased it for a 
term of years, and engaged in keeping a first-class boarding-house. It is her 
intention to refit and improve the Bradley House, and conduct it as a first-class 
hotel. The traveling public generally who place themselves under the care of 
Mrs. Bradley, will find a plentiful table and a homelike house. 

JUDGE WILLIAM M. CLAPP, deceased, whose portrait appears in 
this work, was for many years a prominent citizen of Noble County. He was 
born December 18, 1817, in Tolland County, Conn., and was the eighth child 
of Stephen and Mary (Loomis) Clapp, who were farmers, and natives of the 



TOWN OF ALBION. 367 

same State. The Clapp family is of Danish descent, and their lineage is 
recorded back to 1025. Descendants of this family emigrated to America in 
1630. William M. Clapp is a descendant of Thomas, one of three brothers 
who settled in Massachusetts in 1633, and is of the seventh generation in the 
United States. In his youth, he assisted upon the farm for nine months of 
each year, and attended school irregularly the remaining three months. At 
the age of six, his parents removed to Ashtabula County, Ohio. Here he pursued 
his studies upon every occasion offered, committing to memory the coarse print 
of Murray's Grammar while employed in his father's sugar bush. At the age 
of seventeen, he thought himself fitted to teach, and accordingly secured a 
school. He soon found that he could not manage the large and disorderly 
scholars to his satisfaction and resigned. He then, in the following spring, went 
to Burton, Ohio, where for eighteen months he clerked in a dry goods store, 
subsequently in the same capacity at Mantua, Franklin and Chester, Ohio. 
He was next in association with a man named Johnson, in the commercial 
trade. Johnson, however, proved insolvent, and this enterprise terminated in 
disaster. After vainly seeking employment, he finally fell in with a gentleman 
and his wife who were on their way to Kentucky as school teachers, and who 
persuaded him to join them. He landed at Marysville, Ky., with a $1 bill on 
an Ohio bank, which proved to be of no value, as the bank failed. After a 
time he secured a school, and followed teaching successfully for over two years, 
saving about $400 ; he then returned to Ohio. His early ambition having been 
for the profession of law, he determined to direct his attention to that profession. 
He purchased a horse, and, with some provisions and clothing in a pair of sad- 
dle bags, started for Indiana. Upon reaching Peru, he entered the law office 
of E. P. Loveland, and remained for one and one-half years in diligent study. 
He was then granted a license to practice in the State, his parchment bearing 
date of March, 1843. The following April, he located at Augusta, then the 
county seat of Noble County. Here he entered upon his practice, following 
the migration of the county seat to Port Mitchell in 1844, and finally to Albion 
in 1847. To Mr. Clapp is due, probably more than any other one man, that 
Albion became the county seat. In 1848. he formed a co-partnership with H. 
H. Hitchcock in the mercantile trade. In 1849, Mr. Hitchcock retired, and 
Mr. Clapp conducted this businees alone until 1868, when he associated with 
him C. B. Phillips, and in 1873, W. W. White became a member of the firm. 
In 1875, Mr. Clapp disposed of his interest, but it again fell into his hands in 
1876. He was also interested in a woolen-mill at Rome City for several years. 
His banking business began as a company aifair, but in 1875 he secured the 
entire interest, which he conducted, in connection with his sons, until his death. 
His professional and business ventures were, upon the whole, successful, and 
secured for him a large fortune. He was reared a Whig, and upon the forma- 
tion of the Republican party, became and remained a strict adherent to its 
men and measures. In 1845, he was elected Auditor of the county, and served 
five years. In 1856, he was chosen to represent his district in the State 
Legislature for two years. He was elected Judge of the Nineteenth Common 
Pleas Court in 1860, and held the office by re-elections until it was abolished 
in 1873. From this period until his death January 5, 1881. he employed his 
time in looking to his various interests in and ai-ound Albion. Judge Clapp was a 
Royal Arch Mason, and a citizen whose virtues were so well known that they 
do not need to be eulogized. He was united in marriage in 1847 to Miss Mary 
A. Skinner. She died November, 1875, leaving three children — William Frank 



368 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : 

and Charles M., of Albion; and Adella Starr, of Ohio. Jud-e Clann wa« 
united to a second wife, Miss Angie Skinner, December 25, 1877. She was 
a cousin of his former wife, and is an estimable lady and valued member of 

SOC1 GtV • 

WILLIAM FRANK CLAPP, capitalist and merchant, a son of William 
M. and Mary A (Skinner) Clapp. He was born in Albion in 1853 and had 
good educational advantages, finishing at Ann Arbor, Mich. At the time of 

us father s death and for awhile previous, he was associated as cashier in his 
father s bank. He " now established in merchandising and is building up a 
large trade He also represents several first-class fire and life insurance com- 
panies and, in connection with his brother, Charles M., he is the owner of 
valuable real estate in Albion. To the material growth of the town he is 
doing h.s share by the erection of substantial business blocks. In all of this 
J! rank shows an enterprising business spirit. He is genial and liberal and 

akcs an active interest in the public advancement. Although youn- in years 
he makes his presence felt, and strikes out like one with an older head He s 
a member of the Masonic order-Chapter and Commanderv; was married in 
July, 1881, to Miss A. Smith, of Columbia City. married, m 

M r C w5 LES ^ni CLAPP ' b . anker and ca P italist > son of William M. and 
Mary A. Skinner) Clapp, was born in Albion, December, 1855, where he has 
since lived and been identified. He was engaged in the hardware trade one 
year, and then m association with his father until his death. He was appointed 
to administer his fathers estate and in the fall of 1881 resumed the banking 
business, starting the Bank of Albion upon his own responsibility. Mr Clam? 
although yet young m years, is a careful and able financier, and has embarked 
upon a successful business career. He is largely interested in real estate and 
is assisting in building up Albion. He was married, in November' 1878 to 
Miss Flora B. Woodruff. They have one child-Fred R. i>0Veml3er ' 1H/ ^ t0 

A A * J ' ^Q J ^ LA S. is ' a T atlVe of German J- He came with his parents to 
America m 18ol. His father, who was a sailor, was soon after drowned and 
his mother emigrated to Fairfield County, Ohio, where she had relatives. ' She 

n^pThll! J I™* "^ Ca T C t0 WhitIe ^ Count y' Ind - whei> o our subject 

passed h s earlier years-s.nce thirteen years of age upon his own resources. He 

earned the baker s trade at Columbia City, and followed that calling in various 

localities until 1873, when he came to Albion and became an assistant upon the 

constructmn of the B & 0. R. R., subsequently engaging at his trade" he . 

H.s next move was to Columbia City, where for eighteen months he en^ed 

ol Z T »uh% trade - K R r u ? nin S t0 Albi °n, he soon after, under firm naL 
of Denlar & Frazure embarked in the restaurant business, which was success- 
fully prosecuted until fire destroyed his property. He then engaged in busi- 
ness for himself, which he carried on successfully until the fall of 1881 when 
he sold out and embarked in his present enterprise. He has now a business 
room winch he erected himself, and is conducting a quiet and first-class busi- 
ness. Ho has served upon the Town Board and is a member of the Masonic 
order. He married, in 1873, Miss Alice F. Frazure, of Albion. They have 
three children— Melvin F., Catherine E. and Leona J 

p M JA n ME ^ M " D T ? NNY ' laW ^ er ' was born 0ct °ber 29, 1827, in Eaton 
Ireble Co., Ohio. H.s parents, John and Mary (McConnell) Dennv, were na- 
tives, respectively of Virginia and Pennsylvania. Walter Denny, grandfather 
llTf 8 ' 71 a "t ' e V n the ^ Revoluti onary war. James' father was elected 
Assoc.ate Judge of the Circuit Court m Preble County, serving for several years 



TOWN OF ALBION. 369 

When James M. was five years of age, the family removed from Ohio to Indiana, 
locating in Perry Township, Noble County ; when a boy, he assisted his father 
on the farm, and received a good academic education. He taught school four 
terms, pursuing his studies at leisure hours. His industry and manifest inter- 
est in the advancement of his pupils secured for him confidence and esteem. In 
1849, he entered, as a student at law, the office of William M. Clapp, of Albion, 
under whose instruction he read for about two years, when he entered the legal 
department of a school at Ballston Springs, N. Y., from which he graduated 
in March, 1853. He returned to Albion and began the practice of his profes- 
sion, but close application produced failing health, which eventually compelled 
him to abandon active labor, yet he still transacted the amount of business that 
well-directed prudence would justify. He has also spent much time in the 
preparation and delivery of lectures, orations and essays on many subjects of 
interest. His productions are clear, forcible and convincing. Mr. Denny is a 
man of extensive reading and thoughtful reflection. He is a Royal Arch Mason, 
and his pen is ready and fearless in the defense and support of the principles of 
the order so dear to him. His lecture entitled, " Charles Sumner as an Exam- 
ple to Young Men," and one on the " Sabbath School," delivered at Kendall- 
ville, are especially worthy of notice, and many other efforts are full of merit. 
He is an adherent of the Democratic party, and has held positions of honor and 
trust. In 1859, he was elected Treasurer of Noble County, and re-elected in 
1861. Mr. Denny is orthodox in his views, and an attendant of the Presby- 
terian Church, of which his wife is a member. He was married, January 1, 1856, 
to Miss Frances J. Plumstead, of Portage City, Wis., who died September 9, 
18G6, leaving two sons. The eldest, Watts P., is filling the position as Princi- 
pal of Rome City School, and James 0. also a teacher. Mr. Denny was married 
again September 10, 1868, to Miss Julia A. Kiblinger, of Albion. He is a 
courteous and genial gentleman, and commands the respect and esteem of all 
who know him. While not in the enjoyment of robust health, his correct and 
temperate habits seem to assure him a long life. 

T. M. EELLS, lawyer, is a native of Ohio, born in Columbiana County, in 
1843, where he passed his early life upon a farm. At the breaking-out of the 
rebellion, he enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Fifteenth Ohio Volun- 
teer Infantry, and remained in service nearly three years. Upon his return to 
Ohio, he decided upon the study of law, and soon after entered the Ohio Union 
Law College, of Cleveland, from which institution he graduated in 1866, when he 
came to Albion and commenced the practice of his profession, at which he is en- 
gaged. He has served the county as Superintendent of Schools and as Exam- 
iner. He was married, in 1871, to Miss Sarah A. Phenicie, also a native of 
Ohio. They have two children — Mabel and Charles. 

FRED GAPPINGER, tanner, has been for over twenty years a promi- 
nent and successful business man of Albion. He is a native of Germany, and 
an emigrant to America in 1849, and soon after located in Carroll County, Ohio, 
where he carried on a tannery for a number of years. He came to Albion in 
1861, since which time he has been at the head of the tanning and leather inter- 
ests there. His business has been successful, and conducted in strict honor and 
integrity. He was married in Carroll County, Ohio, in 1855, to Miss Margaret 
Miller. They have eight children — Elizabeth, John,* Frank, Amelia, Fred, 
Edward, Irving and Albert. 

D. K. HAMILTON, marble dealer, represents an artistic branch of the 
business interests of Albion. Although he has been a resident of Noble County 



370 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

but a few years, his business has increased until it is worthy of a place among the 
successful industries of the county. Mr. Hamilton began life in Pennsylvania, 
and until eighteen years of age was developing his muscle upon a farm. He 
then entered the army, and for two years was employed as a driver until he 
became of sufficient age to enlist, when he became a member of Company F, 
One Hundred and First Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and remained in 
service until discharged at the close of the war, in 1865. Returning to his 
native State, he learned his trade at Mechanicstown, Cumberland County, 
remaining there about four years, when he went to Kansas and remained for 
three years, subsequently returning to Pennsylvania, where he engaged in busi- 
ness for four years, going thence to Shelby, Ohio, where he was employed 
for six months,' after which he came to Albion, in 1877, where he located, and 
is extending the sale of his work each year. Mr. Hamilton is an efficient, 
skilled workman, and one of the progressive business men of Albion. He was 
married, in 187 3, to Miss Lucinda Palm, of Cumberland County, Penn. They 
have three children— Rollie P., Carrie E. and Merle. 

JAMES A. HAMLIN, of Hamlin & Skinner, drugs, etc., is a native of 
Crawford County, Ohio, born in October, 1846. His father being a farmer, 
James was engaged in tilling the soil during his minority. In 1864, he enlisted 
in the navy, upon U. S. Steamer Choctaw, of the Lower Mississippi 
Squadron, and was in service two years, taking part in several severe engage- 
ments, prominent among them the battle of Fort De Russy, La. He returned 
from the service, receiving his discharge at Cairo, 111., to Ohio, soon after en- 
gaging in the grocery trade, at Melmore, Seneca County, where he remained 
for several years. In December, 1875, he came to Albion, and embarked in 
the grocery business, continuing until 1878, when he changed his line of busi- 
ness to the drug trade, and to that branch has devoted his attention since ; now 
in partnership with M. C. Skinner. Messrs. Hamlin & Skinner are doing the 
leading business in their line. They are courteous and progressive business 
men, and worthy of the extensive trade they are accorded. Mr. Hamlin was 
elected Justice of the Peace in 1879, and is still a worthy incumbent of that 
position. He was connected with the same office in Ohio ; elected there when 
only a few days over twenty-one years of age, the youngest ever elected in that 
State, serving there six years. He is a member of the I. 0. 0. F., and A., F. 
& A. M., of Albion. Mr. Hamlin married, in 1867, Miss Hattie A. Murray, 
a resident of Oberlin, Ohio. They have two children — Nellie C. and Arvin M. 
J. R. HART, liveryman, was born September 7, 1828, in St. Lawrence 
County, N. Y. He is one of a family of eight children born to John and 
Lodema (Dorwin) Hart. The father was a shoemaker, and followed his trade 
until the latter part of his life, when he engaged in mercantile pursuits at Mon- 
mouth, Adams Co., Ind., where he was also Postmaster. Mr. Hart brought 
his family to Adams County in 1843, where he resided until his death, at the 
close of the war of rebellion. John R. Hart assisted his parents until the age 
of nineteen, when he left home and went to Muskingum County, Ohio, where 
for two years he was engaged in various pursuits. In 1849, he returned to 
Indiana, and November 25, 1851, married Hannah L. Gorsline. For a num- 
ber of years, he was engaged in the hotel and livery business in Monmouth, and 
for four years w r as a resident of Cincinnati. In 1878, he purchased 102 acres 
of land in Green Township, Noble County, and was engaged in farming until 
the spring of 1881, when he rented his farm, moved to Albion and formed a 
partnership with Samuel Stoops in the livery business. This enterprise has 



TOWN OF ALBION. 371 

been successful — constantly growing in favor with the public — which is chiefly 
due to their fair and honorable dealing with customers. Mr. Hart is a Uni- 
versalist, and his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. This 
couple have had three children — Mary J. (deceased), Helen A. and Ida M. 
Helen is the wife of Clark E. Slocum, of Fort Wayne, Ind. Mr. Hart is 
a first-class business man, and a highly esteemed resident of Albion. 

A. D. C. HARVEY, contractor and planing-mill, is a native of Scot- 
land, and came to America with his parents in 1836. They located in Ash- 
land County, Ohio, where they remained until 1852, when they removed to 
Noble County, locating in Jefferson Township, where they were engaged in 
farming for several years ; they are now living in retirement in Albion. The 
subject of this biography commenced to learn the carpenter's trade when eight- 
een years of age, and in that calling has devoted the attention of many years, 
doing extensive contracting, and also owning a complete planing-mill, which, 
in connection with lumber interests also, divides his attention. For fourteen 
years he also owned and operated a farm in Jefferson Township, in connection 
with his other interests. He has contracted for and built all of the county 
buildings — notably the infirmary and jail — most of the churches in the region 
around the county seat, and man}^ of the business blocks and private residences 
of Albion. He conducts a business room in town for the sale of sash, doors 
and blinds, and other builders' material. He was married, in 1860, to Miss 
Anna Buchan. They have three children — Mary E., William P. and Alex L. 

J. W. HAYS, physician and surgeon, is a native of Greene County, 
Ohio. When ten years of age, his parents removed to Miami County, Ohio, 
where he was associated, working upon his father's farm and teaching school 
until 1862, when he enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Tenth Ohio 
Volunteer Infantry, and in three years' active service, participated in about 
thirty heavy engagements, among which we mention Winchester, Manassas 
Gap. Mine Run, Wilderness, Cold Harbor, Spottsylvania Court House, Monocacy 
Junction, Md., Charlestown, Va., Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek, siege and capt- 
ure of Richmond, Sailor's Run, and at the surrender of Lee. His regiment 
was a member of the Sixth Army Corps, Army of the Potomac. He entered 
the service as a private, and, upon the assault and capture of Richmond, 
commanded a company, continuing in that position until he was mustered 
out, at which time he was recommended for promotion, and had the war con- 
tinued would have received a commission. His father, Jacob H. Hays, had in 
the meantime become a resident of Sparta Township, Noble County, and, 
in 1865, our subject came to this county, but soon after went to Piqua, Ohio, 
and commenced reading medicine with G. Volney Dorsey, remaining under his 
tutelage for four years, attending two courses of the Ohio Medical College of 
Cincinnati, where he graduated in 1872. He was also a teacher at intervals 
during this period. In April, 1872, he commenced his practice in Albion, 
where he has since remained, achieving a lucrative business. He has served 
the county as Infirmary Physician for four years, and is a member of the 
County and Northeastern Medical Associations. Dr. Hays was married in 
June, 1870, to Laura E. Munger, of Dayton, Ohio. They have three children 
living — Edna, Olive and Woodward. 

JAMES T. JOHNSTON, County Surveyor, is a native of Scotland. His 
parents emigrated to America in 1854, and settled in Richland County, Ohio, 
where his father died in May, 1881 ; his mother still survives. James is the 
eldest of four children, and was reared upan a farm. He received a good edu- 



TT 



372 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

cation, being a graduate of Washington and Jefferson Colleges, of Pennsylva- 
nia. He was a teacher for a number of years, for three years in Noble and 
De Kalb Counties. His connection with Noble County began in 1871 ; he first 
engaged at railroad contracting, subsequently engaging in the dry goods and 
hardware trades at Kendallville. Previous to coming to Indiana, he taught in 
the schools of Wooster, Ohio, and the Academy of Savannah, desisting on ac- 
count of the failure of his health. He was elected Surveyor of Noble County 
in 1876, and is noAV serving his third term. He married, in 1871, Miss Eliza 
P. Vermilya, a native of Ohio ; four children are born to them — Harry V., 
Elizabeth Winifred, John H. and James. 

A. J. KIMMELL, grocer, is a native of Canton, Ohio, and a son of Adam 
Kimmell, who was an early settler of Stark County, and a business man there 
for many years. His wife, Elizabeth Bowers, and mother of A. J., died in 
Stark County in 1849. Subsequently — in 1852 — Adam Kimmel came to No- 
ble County, where he remained until his death. He was an intelligent and 
valued citizen, serving for fifteen years as Justice of the Peace in Ohio. A. J. 
Kimmell is by trade a tailor, which he followed upon first coming to Indiana, 
subsequently engaging in the grocery, dry goods, hardware and merchant tailor- 
ing and ready made clothing trade. In 1870, he was appointed Postmaster 
of Albion and served nine years, during which period he was also engaged in 
the grocery business. This branch he still continues, in addition to which he 
operates a valuable farm of seventy acres in Jefferson Township. He has 
served as Township Trustee two years; is a member of the Masonic order, and 
an energetic business man ; Mr. Kimmell was married in June, 1853, to Miss 
Ann Edwards, a daughter of Alexis Edwards, who came from Morrow County, 
Ohio, in 1848. They have two children, Frank and Emma. The former is 
connected with his father in the store ; he is married to Miss Ella Ulmer, of 
Washington Township, her father, George Ulmer, being one of the first white 
settlers of Allen Township. Emma is now the wife of John W. Smith. 

WILLIAM S. KISER, County Auditor, is a son of Jacob and Jane 
(Smith) Kiser; the former being a native of Wayne County, Ohio, the latter 
of Chester County, Penn. They were married in Ohio, and came to Indiana, 
making their location in Sparta Township, where they at present reside. Of a 
family of twelve children, only three now survive : Moses, ex-Sheriff of No- 
ble County, now a farmer of Sparta Township ; Isabella Hursey, also a resi- 
dent of Sparta Township, and William S., who was born in Sparta Township 
in 1849. Until twenty years of age, he remained upon the home farm. He 
then came to Albion to attend school, during which period he entered the of- 
fice of the County Auditor, and for nine years was an assistant in the court 
house in the different offices. In 1878, he was elected Auditor of the County, 
and is at present serving his first term. Mr. Kiser is eminently fitted for the 
important duties of his position, and possesses the confidence of all parties. 
He is a member of Albion Blue Lodge, No. 97, of Kendallville, Chapter, Com- 
mandery and Council A., F. & A. M., of I. 0. 0. F., and K. of H., of Ken- 
dallville. Mr. Kiser was united in marriage in November, 1871, to Miss Ella 
J. Haney, a native of Pennsylvania, and daughter of Pierce Haney. They 
have one child living, Georgie ; one deceased, Raymond. 

S. K. KONKLE, painter, is a native of the Buckeye State, where, in 
Wayne County, he was born in 1836. Since 1848, he has been a resident of 
Albion. Mr. Konkle has followed the occupation of a painter all of his life — 
in former years a house-painter; since 1879, he has done the painting for the 



TOWN OF ALBION. 378 

carriage manufactory of H. R. Shirk, of Albion ; also does fine graining and 
sign painting. In 1860, he was married to Miss Cornelia G. Andrews, a na- 
tive of Ohio. They have two children — Burton A. and Edwin L. 

JAMES J. LASH, County Recorder, is a native of Wayne County, 
Ohio, and son to William and Mary G. (Carson) Lash, who were natives of 
Pennsylvania. They removed from Ohio in 1848, and settled near Kendall- 
ville. His father was a farmer, and continued a resident there until his death 
in 1855. His mother is still living there. Four children of a family of eight 
now survive — Mary E. Lester; Joanna C. Jewell, Chicago; Eliza P., Kendall- 
ville; and James J. The latter, at nineteen years of age, went to Michigan, 
where, in 1861, he enlisted in Company F, Thirteenth Michigan Infantry, and 
was in service during the war. He participated in the battles of Shiloh, Cor- 
inth, Perryville and Savannah, Averysboro and Bentonville, N. C. ; was 
wounded in his left arm, which had to be amputated. He received his dis- 
charge in New York in June, 1865. Returning to Kendallville, he was soon 
after appointed Postmaster there, serving for two and a half years. He next 
engaged in the insurance business for two years, during which period he was 
elected County Treasurer and removed to Albion. He served two terms, his 
office expiring in 1875. He then engaged in farming, at which he occupied 
himself until, having been elected County Recorder in 1880, he began the 
duties of that office, in August, 1881. He is a member of Kendallville I. 0. 
0. F. Mr. Lash was married, in 1860, to Miss Rosa A. Hyde, a native of 
Ashtabula County, Ohio. Her father, Cullen Hyde, moved to Allen Town- 
ship in 1852, where he resided until his death. Mr. and Mrs. Lash have four 
children — Emma Grace, Lizzie A., Maud L. and Ruby A. M. 

WELLINGTON Y. LEONARD, M. D.,was born in Miami County, Ohio, 
October 5, 1834. His parents, Joseph and Julia (Renshaw) Leonard, were 
natives respectively of Vermont and Pennsylvania. Gilbert Leonard, the 
father of Joseph, was a soldier in Washington's army, and served with fidelity 
until the close of the struggle. At one time during this service, his wife, with 
her infant child, was compelled to seek safety from the enemy by fleeing to the 
depths of the forest, where she was secreted for three days and nights, without 
food or drink, suffering intensely. The school days of Wellington were not 
marked by anything conspicuous. His opportunities were the subscription 
schools of the times, a greater portion of the year being spent in hardy toil on 
the home farm. In 1850, his father removed to Wolf Lake, where he bought 
a farm, on which he located. In 1852, Wellington went to Xenia, Ohio, to 
become an architect. This he studied and attended night school. Under the 
double strain his health failed, and he abandoned drafting. In the fall of 1855» 
we find him entering a select school at Wolf Lake, attending one year, and soon 
after commencing the study of medicine with Dr. D. W. C. Denney, with 
whom he remained two years, excepting an absence to teach one term of 
school. In 1859, he attended lectures at Jefferson Medical College, Philadel- 
phia. In 1860, he returned to Wolf Lake, and, in connection with Dr. Will- 
iam C. Williams, began the practice of medicine. The partnership continued 
until 1861, when the latter entered the army. In 1863, he again attended 
lectures, this time at Cincinnati Medical College, from which he graduated in 
1864, receiving his diploma March 4. Returning to Wolf Lake, he resumed 
his practice, continuing until the winter of 1865 and 1866, when he went to 
Chicago and attended lectures at the Rush Medical College for one term, re- 
ceiving the ad eundem degree January 26, 1866, after which he returned to 



374 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

his old field of labor, and remained until April, 1866, when he removed to 
Albion and, in company with Dr. Dunshee, resumed the practice of his pro- 
fession. After two years, the partnership was dissolved. His practice was 
steadily increased, until it is now large and lucrative. The following extract 
concerning Dr. Leonard is taken from Butler's " Medical Register and Direc- 
tory:" " Wellington Y. Leonard, M. D., Albion; graduated Cincinnati Col- 
* lege Medicine and Surgery March, 1864; ad eundem, Rush Medical College, 
Chicago, 1866; member of Medical Society, Noble County, Ind.; member of 
Northeastern Indiana Medical Society ; and member of American Medical 
Association. He was County Physician from 1867 to 1875 ; is surgeon of 
the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad at Albion." In politics, he is a Republican and 
firm in his convictions. He was a member of the Albion School Board for 
three years, and was instrumental in perfecting the Albion School Building, 
which is a pride to the town. The Doctor has also served as a member of the 
Town Board of Trustees, and is an honored member of the Masonic fraternity. 
He was married, November 19, 1857, to Miss Amanda Place, of Phoenixville, 
Penn. They have four children, three sons and one daughter. 

S. W. LEMMON, M. D., is the oldest medical practitioner in Albion, 
having been identified here for over twenty-five years. Dr. Lemmon is a native 
of the State of New York, and came when a youth with his parents to Seneca 
County, Ohio, locating near Attica, upon a farm. Having decided upon the 
profession of medicine, he entered the office of Dr. Freeman, of Attica, and 
commenced his studies, subsequently attending the Western Reserve College of 
Cleveland, and graduating in the Medical Department. He commenced his 
practice in Attica, Ohio, where he remained for five years, removing from there 
to Toledo, Ohio, and thence to Albion in 1856, where we still find him admin- 
istering to a well-established practice. Dr. Lemmon is a member of the Masonic 
fraternity, of the County Medical Society, and of the Northeastern Medical 
Association. In 1853, he married, in Attica, Ohio, Miss Harriet Chandler, 
who died in 1858. He was united to a second wife, Miss Harriet Wheeler, of 
Allen Township, in 1859. They have three children — Hattie, Antony and 
Lillie. 

ISAAC MENDENHALL, Postmaster, was born in Miami County, Ohio, 
in 1837. His father, John Mendenhall, was a native of Virginia ; his mother's 
maiden name was Fiania Shoaff, a native of Ohio. They were married in Ohio, 
where they resided until 1842, when they emigrated to Indiana and located in 
Swan Township, Noble County. His father was a farmer, and conducted a 
saw-mill, residing there until 1870, when he was drowned. His mother is still 
living. Isaac is the second of seven children, six of whom are now living. He 
passed his early days occupied with duties connected with the farm and saw- 
mill. In 1861, October 8, he enlisted in the Fifth Indiana Battery, one year 
from which time he was wounded at the battle of Perry ville, Ky., and was 
compelled to return home. In January, 1863, he engaged in the mercantile 
business in Swan Township. During the period of his residence there, he 
served as Township Clerk, and was Township Trustee three years. In 1866, 
he was elected County Treasurer, serving two terms. After his terms expired, 
he engaged in the drug trade in Albion, at which he continued until 1879, when 
he was appointed Postmaster of Albion, in which position we find him at pres- 
ent writing (1881). He was married October 8, 1863, to Miss Farlay Carver, 
of Allen Township. They have four children living — Fiania, Charlotte, 
Cecelia and Farlay ; a son, Wade, a bright youth of seven years, died October, 
1880. 



TOWN OF ALBION. 375 

JAMES PEPPLE is a native of Bedford County, Penn., born in 1812. 
His father was a farmer, and upon the farm he passed his early days until the 
age of nineteen, when he learned the carpenter's trade, and in 1832 moved to 
Richland County, Ohio, where he remained for fifteen years, following his trade, 
and also running a blacksmith-shop four years. In 1847, he came to Albion, 
embarking in blacksmithing and wagon making, which he carried on for some 
years. In 1857, he commenced farming in Albion Township, and has given 
his attention to that calling since. He owns seventy-five acres of improved 
land adjoining the limits of Albion. He has served as Justice of the Peace 
and as Township Trustee each one term. In 1831, he was united in marriage 
to Miss Mary M. Border, who died in 1872. Six children now survive her — 
John, Riley, Rebecca Coon, of York Township ; Mary E. Stoops, a resident of 
Marshall County, Ind.; Delilia Cockley and Clara A. Ramsey, of Warsaw, 
Ind. Mr. Pepple was married, September 12, 1878, to Maggie Holland, a na- 
tive of Pennsylvania, and at the time of her marriage a resident of Fort 
Wayne, Ind. 

C. B. PHILLIPS, grain and insurance, is a native of New York, and 
lived upon a farm until seven years of age. He then went to New York City, 
where for three years he was employed in a wholesale dry goods house. He 
came to Albion in September, 1856, and clerked for William M. Clapp for over 
six years, at the expiration of which time he embarked in business in connec- 
tion with Walters, which association lasted for two and one-half years, when he 
retired, and was connected with Judge Clapp in business until 1876, when he 
began a business venture alone, which proved extensive and successful, and 
lasted until October, 1880, when he was burned out, losing about $5,000. He 
is at present dealing in grain, and doing a general fire and life insurance busi- 
ness. Mr. Phillips has been associated with the business interests of Albion 
for many years, and has always ranked as a citizen of honest integrity and 
sterling worth. He is the present (1881) Treasurer of Albion, and is Secreta- 
ry of the Masonic Order, of which he is a member. He married, in November, 
1861, Miss Catherine Pepple, daughter of James Pepple, of Albion Township. 
She died in 1877, leaving three children — Thurlow, Grace and Ettie. In 
December, 1878, he married a second wife, Mary Kuhn, of York Township. 

DR. C. M. PICKETT is a native of Chautauqua County, N. Y. His 
parents were of Scotch descent, and natives and residents of that county for a 
number of years. Our subject, for a period of about thirteen years, was en- 
gaged in manufacturing enterprises in different localities and States. He com- 
menced the study of medicine in 1868, in Illinois, and for a number of years 
was a resident and practitioner of Clay County, Ind. He came to Albion in 
June, 1878, where he has been in constant and successful practice since. Dr. 
Pickett's practice is of the Homeopathic school. He is a graduate of the Pulte 
Medical College of Cincinnati, class of 1878, and is a member of the Institute 
of Homeopathy. He is a member of both the Masonic and Odd Fellows 
orders of Albion. Dr. Pickett was united in marriage, in 1860, to Miss Mar- 
garet M. Jordan, a native of New York. They have three children — Emma 
L. Strowbridge (residing in Jefferson Township), Fred L. and Grace L. 

NELSON PRENTISS was born in Genesee County, N. Y., August 16, 
1813, and resided there until 1835, when he removed to Noble County. His 
father, Nathaniel Prentiss, was born in Preston, Conn., March 11, 1764, and 
at the age of fifteen entered the Continental army, where he served his term 
of enlistment, when he shipped on a privateer. He was shortly after captured 



376 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

by a British man-of-war, and taken to New York, where he was confined during 
one winter on the old prison-ship "Jersey," and the following spring was taken 
to Jamaica, in the West Indies, where he was kept until the close of the war. 
At the time of his death, which occurred in Noble County, February, 1839, 
he was a Revolutionary pensioner. He left a widow, whose maiden name was 
Margaret Heddon, who lived until 1861. She was a descendant of the Van 
Rensselaers, of Albany, N. Y. Nelson was the sixth child, and his early life 
was passed in the western frontier of the State, where he had only such chances 
for education as were afforded in that new country. These, with three terms 
at Wyoming Seminary, completed his opportunities for learning. At the age 
of sixteen, he commenced teaching, which he followed eight years. One of his 
special gifts was his retentive memory, and what he read, that was worth recol- 
lecting, was never forgotten. In 1837, he began the study of law, and in 1812 
was admitted to practice in the courts of Indiana. In 1836, when Noble 
County was organized, he was appointed one of the School Examiners of that 
county, holding either that or the position of Superintendent until 1868, when 
he resigned. In 1879, he was again chosen Superintendent, in which office 
he is now actively engaged. In 1849, he was elected Clerk of the Noble 
County Circuit Court, and served one term. From the time of his admission 
to the bar, he followed the practice of his profession until 1868, when his office 
and law library were destroyed by fire. In 1846, he joined the Independent 
Order of Odd Fellows, and is now a member of North Star Lodge, No. 380. 
In 1852, he united with the Masonic order, and was the first Master of Albion 
Lodge, No. 97, holding that position for twenty consecutive years. As an 
extemporaneous speaker, he has few superiors. It is due to his efforts that the 
Old Settlers' Organization of Noble County has been made a success. For 
the first six years, he was President and Biographer of the society, and at the 
present time holds the latter position. He delivered the centennial address at 
Albion July 4, 1876, which is claimed to be the most complete on that subject 
of any delivered in the State. Following the teachings of his father, he iden- 
tified himself with the Democratic party until 1854, when he espoused the 
principles advocated by the Republicans. For man}' years, he has been a 
leading Elder in the Presbyterian Church. He is an active worker in the 
Sabbath schools as well as in the cause of temperance. He is simple in his 
habits, kind to his family, though strict in discipline. He is ever ready to 
espouse the cause of the weak as against wrong, and battles against vice in the 
palace of the rich as well as the hovel of the poor. 

WILLIAM W. RIDDLE, County Sheriff, is a nativeof Richland Countv, 
Ohio, born in 1842. His father, J. B. Riddle, a native of Ohio, came to Noble 
County at an early day. settling in Jefferson Township, where he still resides. 
William remained an assistant upon the home farm until nearly eighteen years 
of age. Enlisting in 1861, in the Twenty-first Indiana Volunteer Infantry, which 
was subsequently, in 1863, transferred to the First Heavy Artillery, he re- 
mained in service until 1866, participating in several heavy engagements, and 
was mustered out at Baton Rouge. Upon his return to his home, he engaged 
in farming. In 1869, he was united in marriage, to Miss Ellen E. Koontz, a 
native of Allen Township, Noble County, and soon after began farming opera- 
tions upon land of his own, in Jefferson Township, at which he continued until 
January, 1881, when he assumed the office of Sheriff, to which he had been 
elected in 1880. He owns a farm of eighty acres of improved and valuable 
land in Jefferson Township. Mr. and Mrs. Riddle have three children — Addie 
L., Wallace Guy and an infant. 



TOWN OF ALBION. 377 

HENRY R. SHIRK, carriage manufactory, represents one of the lead- 
ing industries of Albion. He was born in Pennsylvania, and early in life 
learned his trade of carriage-maker, commencing at the age of sixteen, in 
Lancaster County, Penn., where he served two years, and subsequently two 
years in Philadelphia. He then for four years was a traveling mechanic, and 
in 1865 came to Ohio and located in Osborn, Greene County, where he carried 
on a shop until 1872, when he removed to Clark County and was engaged in 
carriage-making until 1876, when he became a resident and business man of 
Albion, first running a saw-mill for one year, and subsequently upon a farm 
for a year. In 1878, he commenced his present business enterprise of carriage- 
making, establishing already a successful and honorable trade. He manufact- 
ures all kinds of wagons, carriages, buggies, and does general repairing. His 
goods, of the finer kind are well finished, and are meeting with an extensive 
sale. Mr. Shirk was married in 1867 to Anna C. Schaffer, of Ohio. She 
died in 1879. One child, now living — Annie E. Mr. Shirk married a second 
wife, January 1, 1881, Miss Fannie Zimmerman, of Fulton County, Ohio. 

M. C. SKINNER, of Hamlin & Skinner, drugs, is a native of Huron 
County, Ohio. His father, Alfred Skinner, was a native of New York ; his 
mother's maiden name was Mary Ross ; she was a native of Connecticut. They 
were married in Ohio, and removed from thence to Jefferson Township, Noble 
County, in 1838, where they resided for two years, when they returned to Ohio. 
His father was killed by the Indians in 1850, while on his way to California ; 
his mother died in Huron County in 1854. Three children of a family of ten 
now survive. Susan Elliott, resident of Michigan ; Angelina Clapp, widow of 
Judge William M. Clapp, residing in Albion, and our subject. Mr. Skinner 
was associated with agricultural life during his boyhood. In 1861, he enlisted 
in Noble County, whither he had come with a brother in 1854. At the break- 
ing-out of the war, he was attending college in Michigan. He became a mem- 
ber of Company A, Twenty-first Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was in service 
for four and a half years, entering as private and commissioned as First Lieu- 
tenant when mustered out. The principal engagements in which he participat- 
ed are Baton Rogue, all of the Red River campaign, Franklin, Sabine Cross 
Roads, Pleasant Hill, Cane River and the seige of Port Hudson, with numer- 
ous others, being slightly wounded in the hand at Baton Rouge. Upon his 
return to Noble County, he engaged in teaching in the public schools of Albion 
until 1869, when he engaged in the drug business, continuing until 1877, when 
he sold out. In 1879, he became a partner of James A. Hamlin, in the same 
business, to which he now devotes his attention. Mr. Skinner served as County 
Superintendant of Schools one term, and for a number of years was Town Clerk. 
Is a member of I. 0. 0. F. He was married, in 1866, to Miss Mary Palmer, 
of Michigan, who died in 1876, leaving three children — Edith, Zoe and Ross. 
In 1878, he was united to Susanna Parker, of Albion ; they have one child — 
Orr. . 

JOHN W. SMITH, Jr., Deputy County Treasurer, is a native of Marion, 
Grant County, Ind., and son of John W. and Cassandra (McKahan) Smith. 
His father is a member of the Methodist ministry. He came to Albion in 
1868, and for three years was pastor of the Methodist Church there, and in 
1880 returned where he now labors. John W. is the sixth child of a family 
of eight children. At the age of fourteen, the time of removal of his parents 
to Albion, he became an assistant in the post office under William W. Snyder, 
P. M., with whom he remained one year. He then entered the County Clerk's 



378 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

office, where he was engaged one year, subsequently entering the Auditor's 
office, under Stewart, where he was associated five years. In 1878, he was a 
prominent candidate for the auditorship. He next became Deputy Treasurer 
until 1879, when he entered the grocery store of his father-in-law, A. J. Kim- 
mell, Esq., and was associated in that business until August, 1881, when he 
became the Deputy of Treasurer Lang. Mr. Smith was married in March, 
1876, to Miss Emma E. Kimmell ; they have one child, William Frank. 

JUDGE HIRAM S. TOUSLEY, an eminent jurist of Northern Indiana, 
whose portrait appears in this work, was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., No- 
vember 20, 1821. His parents, David and Nancy (Noyes) Tousley, were 
natives, respectively, of Vermont and New York. They were united in mar- 
riage in Jefferson County, N. Y., where, for many years they remained resi- 
dents, his father following his trade of blacksmith, together with farming inter- 
ests. In 1836, they emigrated to Shelby County, Ohio, where they remained 
until 1843, when they became residents of Whitley County, Ind. Here the 
father was engaged in agricultural life until 1855, when he started upon an 
expedition to Missouri, and upon his journey became a victim of the dread 
scourge of cholera and died. The mother survived until 1873, when she died, 
being at that time a resident of Noble County. The subject of this sketch was, 
during his earlier years, an assistant of his father in farming, and is familiar 
with the sturdy duties of pioneer life. He received a common school education, 
and, in subsequent years, was an attendant of the State University at Bloom- 
ington, Ind. In 1845, he became a student of the law, entering the office of 
Jacoby and Conger, of Fort Wayne, Ind., with whom he remained three years, 
at the expiration of which period he was admitted to the bar, and immediately 
thereafter located in Albion, and commenced the practice of his chosen profes- 
sion, where he has been actively associated up to the present writing. In 1863, 
he was elected Clerk of the Circuit Court, and served until February, 1867, 
when he was appointed by Gov. Baker Judge of the Fourteenth Judicial Cir- 
cuit, and at the subsequent election was elected by the people, and administered 
the duties of that office for six years. In 1875, Judge Tousley was re-elected, 
the district having, in the meantime, been divided and become the Thirty-fifth 
Judicial Circuit, and is still the incumbent of that office. In 1862, he assisted 
in recruiting Company B, Eighty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was 
appointed by Gov. Morton Lieutenant Colonel of that regiment. Col. Tousley 
was in service only four months, when he was prostrated by severe sickness, and, 
consequently, resigned. Judge Tousley is a profound student of the law, is 
admirably read in every department of literature, has a remarkably retentive 
memory, and as a scholar of history has few equals. In 1880, Judge Tousley 
was attached by paralysis, which still renders his health feeble and prevents 
assiduous attention to his legal duties. He was united in marriage, January, 
1851, to Miss Harriet Lisle, a native of Sandusky, Ohio. They have two 
children — Ella (wife of Rev. B. A. Woods, of New London, Conn.), and 
Frances (wife of Thomas E. Matson, Chief Engineer and Superintendent of 
the E. T. & W. N. C. R. R.) 

WILLIAM TRUMP, Deputy Sheriff, is a native of Richland County, 
Ohio and was raised upon a farm, casting his first vote in that county in 1860. 
In 1861, he came to Noble County, locating at Albion. Here he remained 
until 1864, employed in different vocations during summer seasons, and in the 
winter engaged in teaching. He then became a member of Battery A, First 
Indiana Heavy Artillery, remaining in the service until August, 1865. Return- 



TOWN OF ALBION. 379 

ing to Albion, he embarked in the dry goods trade, at which he continued, asso- 
ciated with different partners, until May, 1877. In January, 1881, he became 
Deputy Sheriff under W. W. Riddle, and is at present associated with the 
duties of that office. He has served as Assessor for three terms, as Clerk of 
Board of Town Trustees and as Marshal. He was married, in March, 1866, 
to Miss Eliza A., daughter of John McMeans, one of the early settlers of 
Noble County. 

L. W. WELKER, lawyer, is a son of Joseph and Lucinda (Huffer) 
Welker. His father is a native of Ohio, his mother of New York. They 
were married in Stark County, Ohio, and emigrated to Indiana, settling about 
1838 in Noble County in that portion which has since been transferred to Etna 
Township, Whitley County, and where they have since resided. His father is a 
prominent farmer and citizen, having served the township for twelve years as 
Justice of the Peace, and also as Township Trustee. He owns a farm of 160 
acres, and considerable property in Columbia City. The subject of this sketch 
received a good education, attending schools at Columbia City, Racine, Wis., 
and also Cincinnati, Ohio. He commenced the study of law in 1873 with A. 
W. Hooper, of Columbia City, with whom he remained until he was admitted 
to the bar, in 1877, and immediately commenced the practice in Albion, where 
he is still engaged at his chosen profession, and at present serving as Attorney 
for that town. 

COL. WILLIAM C. WILLIAMS was born September 9, 1830, near the 
city of Philadelphia, Penn. He comes of Quaker stock on his mother's side, 
her ancestors having come over with William Penn. Thomas J.Williams, Col. 
Williams' grandfather, was born in London in 1754. While he was still a 
boy his father purchased for him a midshipman's commission in the Royal Navy, 
and in 1774 he was stationed in American waters. The young midshipman 
sympathized with the colonies, and resolved not to take any part against them. 
He tendered his resignation, which was refused, and the young officer put under 
arrest. He escaped, and reached Philadelphia soon after the battle of Bunker 
Hill. The father became enraged at his son's flight, and at his death disinher- 
ited him. Thomas J. Williams participated in the battles of Brandywine and 
Germantown, and spent the winter of 1777 and 1778 with Washington's army, 
at Valley Forge. After the close of the war, he settled near Philadelphia, and 
in order to marry a young Quakeress, he joined the Society of Friends. Here 
he lived until his death, which occurred in 1841. Enos Rogers Williams, son 
of Thomas J. and father of Col. Williams, was a talented clergyman of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, and died in Philadelphia in 1856. Col. Will- 
iams is the third son. He entered the Academical Institute of Dover, Del., 
and remained three years. He then taught school until 1849, when he began 
the study of medicine with Dr. James Munholland, of Waynesburgh, Penn. In 
1851, he placed himself under the instruction of an eminent physician and sur- 
geon in Philadelphia, and in 1853 graduated with honors. In 1854, Dr. 
Williams was elected School Director, and one of the City Physicians for the 
poor. These positions he held until November, 1856, when he sailed for Lon- 
don. Most of the winter he spent in the hospitals of that city. In the mean- 
time he visited Paris, and returned to Philadelphia in June, 1857 ; remained 
but a short time, then went to New York, accepting the position as Surgeon on 
an ocean steamer, plying between New York and Liverpool, visiting Ireland, 
Wales, Scotland, France and other countries. In 1859, he settled at Wolf 
Lake, where he practiced his profession with Dr. D. W. C. Denny until 



380 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

1861. At the breaking-out of the War of the rebellion, Dr. Williams, although 
a Democrat, closed up his business, and in the summer of 1861, recruited a 
company of which he was elected Captain, and joined the Forty-fourth Indiana 
Volunteer Infantry, then at Fort Wayne. In the fall they took the field, and 
subsequently participated in the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, siege of 
Corinth, and during the summer of 1862, they were on long and tedious marches 
through Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee and Kentucky. During the move- 
ment of the Army of the Cumberland in Murfreesboro, Col. Reed, of the Forty- 
fourth, resigned, and by request of the officers of the regiment, Capt. Williams 
was commissioned as its Colonel, dating November 27, 1862. In the battle of 
Murfreesboro, Col. Williams and his regiment took a conspicuous part ; two 
days before its termination, the brigade commander having been disabled, 
Col. Williams succeeded to its command, and while conducting his men to the 
rear, after a charge by the enemy on his lines, January 2, 1863, he was 
wounded in the leg and made prisoner, and taken to Atlanta, Ga. Here he 
was kept in close confinement until March, when he was transferred to Libby 
Prison, Richmond, where he was subjected to great indignities and cruelties. 
The Colonel was exchanged the following May, and was ordered to report for 
duty with his command. On his way to the front, he was placed in command 
of the Union forces, at Jeffersonville, Ind., to defend against Gen. John Mor- 
gan, who had just crossed the Ohio River on his famous raid. As soon as the 
danger was over, Col. Williams rejoined his regiment and brigade; but soon 
tendered his resignation and returned to his home, carrying with him a flatter- 
ing testimonial from the officers and men of his command. He then resumed 
the practice of medicine in Noble County. In 1867, he was elected to the 
Clerkship of the Circuit Court of this county, and re-elected for a second term, 
which position he held for eight years. In 1878, he was nominated for Member 
of Congress by the National Greenback party, and made a thorough canvass of 
the district. In 1864, he married Miss Nellie Bliss, daughter of John H. 
Bliss, Esq., of Albion. Col. Williams, since his retirement from office, has 
given most of his attention to literary pursuits. He possesses a carefully 
selected library, covering the ground of his favorite studies ; as a public speaker, 
he is polished, animated and eloquent ; his lectures are models of research 
and logical power, and his acquaintance with history is especially broad and 
accurate. He is one of the prominent citizens of Northern Indiana. One 
feature of his character stands out in bold relief, and is an invariable indication 
of the true American, namely, the early determination to push out into the 
world and fight the battle of life on his own resources, a determination that 
rurclv 1*11 Is 01 success 

RICHARD WILLIAMS was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1829. 
His father being a farmer, he passed his } r outh upon the farm, subsequently 
learning the blacksmith trade, which he followed in Ohio, and for a short period 
in New York State until 1852, when he came to Allen County, Ind., where he 
followed his trade, for nearly five years, and from there coming to Noble County 
for two years. Returning to Allen County, he remained two years, enlisting 
there in the Eighty-eighth Indiana Volunteers, Company E, in July, 1862, but, 
after six months' service, was compelled to resign on account of ill health. He 
held in the service a First Lieutenant's commission. He returned from the 
army and located in Green Township, where he resided upon a small piece of 
land until the decease of his wife, when, for two years, he worked around in 
different localities. Returning to Green Township, he resumed his trade and 



TOWN OF JEFFERSON. 381 

farming, finally embarking in the latter calling entirely and continuing there 
for twelve years. In 1878, he was elected Sheriff of the county and served one 
term. He is now residing in Albion, where he has erected a commodious brick 
hotel, and intends to supply a long-felt want of Albion in this enterprise. He 
is a member of Albion Lodge, F. & A. M. Mr. Williams' first wife died in 
October, 1863; her maiden name was Martha Dolan. She bore him four chil- 
dren — B. Franklin, John, James E. and Jennie. In 1865, he was married to 
Mary Ann Shambaugh, a widow. By this marriage there is one child — Olive. 



JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 

GEORGE BAKER, Jr., deceased, was a native of the Keystone State, 
born March 13, 1829. His parents were George and Mary (Stevenson) Baker, 
and, being in very ordinary circumstances, could give our subject but little or no 
advantages. He was one of the eldest of six children, and was kept at home to 
assist in farm duties. He married Mary Dreibelbis October 11, 1819, who, 
after bearing him the three following-named children, died: Hiram P., Luman 
L. and Marion (dead). His second wife and widow was Sarah Dreibelbis, a sister 
of his former wife. They had five children — Geo. B. Mc, Nelson B., Wm. H., 
Laura E., and Becca L., deceased. Of Mr. Baker's first wife's children, Luman 
married, Emma A. Stair. Of his second wife's, Laura E. is the wife of 
Samuel H. Dreibelbis. Mr. Baker came to Jefferson Township at an 
early day almost destitute, but became one of the wealthiest men in the 
township. He at one time had upward of 600 acres of land, owned two saw- 
mills and one grist-mill. He died an honored and esteemed citizen March 18, 
1872. He was a strong Democrat, and at one time a candidate for Sheriff, but 
was defeated by a small majority. The family still reside on the old place, in 
Section 34, which consists of 230 acres of as fine farming and grazing land as 
there is in Jefferson Township. They are well known and respected. 

CHRISTIAN BARHAN was born in Baltimore County, Md., August 5, 
1816. When but three months old, his father, John Barhan, died, and when 
nine months old his mother and the family moved to Richland County, Ohio, 
where they resided a number of years. Christian Barhan received but a lim- 
ited education. In the fall of 1837, he came to Noble County, locating in 
Jefferson Township, there only being three or four families in the township at . 
that time. The first two years succeeding his arrival, he worked for Jehu 
Foster, and with his accumulated earnings, he purchased 240 acres — his present 
farm, investing all his means as part payment. Mr. Barhan commenced clear- 
ing and improving his farm, and erected a cabin thereon for a home. He 
married Miss Mary Curry April 2, 1850, and soon after moved on the place 
which has since been their home. Mr. and Mrs. Barhan are hard-working and 
industrious, and now have one of the finest farms in Jefferson Township. They 
have had five children, as follows: Frances, wife of L. McFarland; Eleanor, 
wife of Frank Pepple; Jane, wife of John Koons; William and Alvin, the 
last two being single. Mrs. Barhan is a member of the Lutheran Church. 
Mr. Barhan is a Democrat, and a quiet, unassuming citizen. 

THOMAS BEYMER was born in Huron County, Ohio, August 9, 1823. 
He is a son of George and Belinda (Ford) Beymer, the former being a native 
of Wheeling, Va., and the latter of Holland Dutch descent. The subject of this 



382 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

memoir is the eldest in a family of sixteen children, ten at the present writing 
being alive. His early years were passed on his father's farm, and he received 
but an ordinary education, while the younger members of the family have 
received college and academical education. When twenty-two years of age, 
Thomas left home and began working on a farm at $10 per month. He was 
married, April 17, 1851, to Jane Harvey, daughter of George and Mary 
(Bremner) Harvey, and six months afterward moved to Noble County, where 
he had eighty acres of land in the southern part of Jefferson Township. They 
began in life with very little, but now own 100 acres of nicely improved land 
where they reside and forty acres in another farm. Mrs. Beymer was born in 
the Lowlands of Scotland March 10, 1831. Mr. and Mrs. Beymer had five 
children — Mary B., Margaret A. E., George (deceased), Janette V. and Lillian 
J. Margaret married Frank P. Hill and moved to Ashland County, Ohio, 
where she now resides. Mary is the wife of Samuel Bricker; Janette is the 
wife of John T. Graves; and both reside in Jefferson Township. Mr. and 
Mrs. Beymer are members of the Wesleyan Methodist Church. Mr. Beymer 
is a Republican and a progressive citizen. 

BLACK FAMILY. — Peter Black, deceased, was born December 11, 
1789, in Maryland. His early life was spent in his native State, where he 
learned the manufacture of brick and the trade of masonry. He was married 
in Baltimore, Md., August 16, 1812, to Martha Amos, who was born in Mary- 
land July 30, 1793. A few years succeeding his marriage, Mr. Black and 
family removed to Lancaster County, Penn., where in connection with his 
trade he carried on teaming quite extensively. In 1833, he discontinued his 
trade, and with his family removed to Richland County, Ohio, where he 
engaged in farming. In 1853, he moved to Jefferson Township, where his 
oldest son had preceded him, and began, with the help of his sons, to clear and 
improve a farm. He was an industrious and honest man, a Democrat and a 
soldier of the war of 1812. His death occurred in Noble County, October 
23, 1863. His wife was a member of the Old School Baptist Church, and her 
death occurred in Noble County January 28, 1872. Mr. and Mrs. Black 
were parents of the following family: F. A., born July 31, 1813: Owen, 
September 24, 1815 ; Elizabeth, September 7, 1817, died December 1, 1862 ; 
Oliver P., born October 17, 1819; Cyrus, May 28, 1822; Davis, August 7, 
1825; Benjamin, March 4, 1828; Naomi, January 28, 1831, wife of J. J. 
Knox, of Elkhart Township; Peter M., born June 1, 1836, died January 13, 
1863 ; and James M., January 16, 1840. 

Oliver P. Black, a native of Lancaster County, Penn., came with his 
parents to Richland County, Ohio, in 1833, and from there to Noble County 
in 1853, where he has since resided. He received a good common school 
education, and was married in Richland County, Ohio, in 1855, to Mary Ann 
Streby. They had three children — Martha, wife of Ed. P. Ray, of Albion ; 
George C, who married Mary O. Hines ; and Naomi E. Oliver P. Black is 
a Democrat, as was also his father and all of his brothers. He first came to 
the county in 1845, remained a few months with his brother, and then returned 
to Ohio. By trade he is a carpenter and joiner, but at present confines his 
attention to farming. He first owned but 80 acres of land, but has increased 
it to 100 acres, which has been improved principally by his own labor. 

Cyrus Black received the advantages of the common schools where he 
resided in his earlier years. He came to Noble County in 1853. Mr. Black 
has never married, but resides with his brother, James M. He owns 80 acres 
of land in Jefferson Township and 40 acres in Allen Township. 



JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 383 

Benjamin Black is a native of Pennsylvania. When four years old, he 
came to Ohio with his parents. He was married September 15, 1859, to Miss 
Ruth Foster, daughter of Christian Foster, and soon after moved to his present 
place in Jefferson Township. They had two daughters — Naomi J. and Eva E. 
Mr. Black owns 160 acres of fine land, which is well improved. 

James M. Black was reared a farmer. He came with his parents to 
Indiana, where he was married, February 21, 1872, to Mary J. Halferty, who 
was born February 7, 1847. They have two children — John 0. and Lula N. 
Mr. Black owns 120 acres of good land, and is a prosperous farmer. The 
Black family are widely known in Noble County. They are prosperous and 
leading citizens of their respective neighborhoods, and are honest and enter- 
prising citizens. 

WILLIAM BONHAM (deceased husband of Elizabeth J. Bonham), 
was born in Buckinghamshire, England, October 11, 1825. There were nine 
children in his father's family, only four now living. His parents, John and 
Elizabeth Bonham, are now dead. Having received an ordinary education, he 
left his native country when a young man and came to Richland County, Ohio, 
and began going to school and working by the month to defray expenses. 
September 2, 1852, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth J. Hadley, 
and shortly after removed to Sauk County, Wis., purchasing 120 acres, where 
they resided until their removal to Noble County the spring of 1863. Here 
they located on the farm now owned by the family. Mr. Bonham began im- 
proving the farm till it is now considered among the best in the township. Mr. 
Bonham died suddenly of lung trouble, June 22, 1878. He was reared in the 
independent religious faith, but became a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church after coming to America. In his political views, he was a firm adhe- 
rent to the Republican party, and an honest, conscientious God-fearing man. 
Mr. and Mrs. Bonham had six children — Sarah M., John M., Justina L., 
Homer H., Arabell and Mary M. The three oldest are married. Sarah is 
the wife of James Trumbo ; John married Alice Stanley ; Justina is the wife 
of Milton Stanley; and all are residents of Noble County. Mrs. Bonham was 
born in Richland County, Ohio, April 10, 1831. The home farm, upon which 
the widow and a portion of the family reside, consists of 120 acres of excellent 
farming and grazing land. This family is among the first in Jefferson Town- 
ship. 

J. M. BRACKNEY is a native of Butler County, Penn., his birth occurring 
June 3, 1817. His parents, John and Margaret (Edwards) Brackney, had twelve 
children, three only of whom are living. The father was a farmer, a native of 
Pennsylvania, and of Dutch ancestry. His mother is a descendant of the Ed- 
wards family of Wales. The parents of J. M. Brackney were old-fashioned 
steady-going people, and devout members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
He received a common-school education, and our subject, at the age of seven- 
teen, commenced serving an apprenticeship at the carpenter and joiner's trade, 
which he thoroughly completed. He was married, in July, 1844, to Miss 
Martha McCormic, and to them were born Margaret A., Elizabeth, Mahala, 
Adda, Jane, Lytle, Mosheim, Lillian, Curtis and one that died in infancy. 
Margaret A., Lillian, Elizabeth and Curtis are dead. In 1856, Mr. Brackney 
came to Noble County, and purchased his present farm, where he has since 
resided, farming and working at his trade. He is now the happy possessor of 
a fine farm and a comfortable home. He is a Democrat ; he and wife are 
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and intelligent, deserving citizens. 



384 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

JOHN A. BRUCE, son of Elijah and Melinda W. (Browning) Bruce, 
was born in Culpeper County, Va., April 12, 1823. He is one of nine chil- 
dren, the ancestors of whom were subjects of Great Britain. Elijah Bruce 
was a soldier of the war of 1812, and his general occupation farming. The 
fall of 1827, he and family moved from Virginia to Licking County, Ohio, and 
from there to Miller Township, Knox County, Ohio, where he remained farm- 
ing until his death by lightning, June 1, 1828. Soon after the death of Mr. 
Bruce, the widow and family moved to Franklin Township, Morrow County, 
and from there to Chester Township, same county, where Mrs. Bruce purchased 
a farm, and where she resided until her death in February, 1854. John A. 
Bruce was reared on a farm, and is a man of good education. When sixteen 
years old, he commenced serving an apprenticeship at the blacksmith trade, 
which he made his business until about 1862. He was married in what is now 
Morrow County, Ohio, April 24, 1845, to Miss Abaline Smith, daughter of 
Jeremiah and Polly (Marcy) Smith, and the fall of 1853 moved to Hardin 
County, Ohio, residing there three years ; then removed to Noble County, 
purchasing eighty acres in Jefferson Township, giving all they had, $500, in 
part payment for the same. By hard labor and economy, they have increased 
it to 137 acres of excellent land. They had eleven children — Silas S., George 
E., Louisa M., Lorinda L. and Lucinda L. (twins), Charles S., William B., 
Lucy M., John S., James J. and Lovina A. Of these, Silas, George and Lu- 
cinda, are dead. George left a widow, Emma E. (Lash) Bruce, and one child, 
Bessie D. The widow has, since the death of her husband, remarried. Lucy 
M. is the wife of Ira Dillon, and resides in Jefferson Township. Mrs. Bruce 
was born in Luzerne County, Penn., July 24, 1824, and is of English descent. 
The Bruce family are intelligent and enterprising people. Mr. Bruce is a 
Democrat. 

ABRAM CARY was born in Dutchess County, N. Y., November 30, 1805. 
He is a son of Jesse and grandson of Joseph Cary, who was a Rhode Island 
nurseryman, and who came to that country previous to the French war. Our 
subject's mother was Philaner (Van Tasel) Cary, who was of Holland Dutch 
descent, and the mother of thirteen children, six only of whom are now living. 
Mr. Cary, Abram's father, was by trade a carpenter, and that occupation he 
followed while a resident of York State. Abram Cary was raised on a farm, 
and assisted his father at his trade. His educational advantages were very 
meager. On the 10th of September, 1831, he wa,s united in marriage with 
Patience Forker, and the spring of 1834 emigrated to Huron County, Ohio, 
where he resided seven years. In May, 1841, he came to Noble County, 
locating in Jefferson Township, where he has since resided. To the efforts of 
such energetic pioneers as Mr. Cary is mainly due the blessings enjoyed by the 
present generation. Mrs. Cary died October 10, 1855. They had eight chil- 
dren — Sorada, Sophronia, Samantha, John W., Elmira C, Emily O., William 
W. and Alvin D. Of these, John W., Elmira, Emily and Alvin are dead. 
Mr. Cary's second and present wife was Ann (Corbin) Potts, widow of Alfred 
D. Potts, who died from disease while serving in the late war. There were born 
to Mr. Potts and the present Mrs. Cary five children — Leonard J., Lillie V., 
Ida L., John N. and Owen S. Leonard and Lillie are dead. Mrs. Cary was 
born February 9, 1836, and was one of eight born to Stanfield and Margaret 
(Lee) Corbin. She was married to Mr. Potts November 15, 1855, who died in 
Louisville, Ky., June 23, 1865. To her marriage with Mr. Cary which 
occurred August 8, 1872, there was born one son — Wreath D. Mr. and Mrs. 



JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 385 

Cary are members of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, and are well-known and 
highly esteemed citizens. 

AARON CHAMBLIN was born May 7, 1824, in Maryland County, Va. 
He is one of three children now living of a family of seven born to Nelson and 
Sarah (Koonce) Chamblin, who were of English- German descent. Nelson 
Chamblin was a farmer of Virginia, where he plied his vocation until about 
1833, when he and family moved to Knox County, Ohio, and from there to 
Richland County, same State, where they lived a number of years. Mr. and 
Mrs. Chamblin died in Wood County, Ohio, the former in October, 1878, and 
the latter in 1880. Mr. Chamblin was a soldier of the war 1812, and his 
father served in the Revolutionary war. Aaron Chamblin was married January 
1, 1850, to Mary Imes, sister of William Imes, and his home, from his birth to 
two years after his marriage, was with his parents. In 1855, he came to Noble 
County, and purchased a portion of his present place in Jefferson Township, 
paying for the same $4.75 per acre. It at that time was all woods and such 
improvements as now exist on the place were made by Mr. Chamblin. He 
now owns 170 acres in Jefferson Township, and eighty-two acres in Orange 
Township. Mr. Chamblin is a Democrat, and he and wife are members of the 
U. B. Church. To them were born nine children — William, Richard, Thomas, 
Theodore and Elmore (twins), Elbiney, George, Mary and Charley. Elbiney, 
George and the twins are dead. William, or J. W. H., as he writes his name, 
married Frances I. Keller, and is engaged in mercantile business in Brimfield. 
He has been twice burned out, but is a young man of pluck and enterprise, and 
is destined to make his mark in the world. 

JOHN EARL was born in the County Tyrone, Ireland, April 22, 1815. 
John and Ann (Gray) Earl, his parents, were both natives of "Erin's Isle," 
but of Scottish descent, and farmers in Ireland. John Earl was reared to 
manhood in his native country, obtaining but a limited education. He was 
married, March 29, 1837, to Miss Ann Trott. In 1840, they took passage, 
from Londonderry, on a sailing vessel bound for Philadelphia, and after an 
eight weeks and three days' journey arrived at their destination. For seven 
years succeeding his arrival, Mr. Earl was employed on a farm near the city. 
In 1847, he emigrated to Huron County, Ohio, where he farmed for three 
years, and in 1850 moved to Noble County, which has since been his home. 
He first purchased eighty acres of his present farm, which he has since in- 
creased to 160 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Earl have had five children — William, 
Annie, John, Mary and Robert. The two youngest are dead. John married 
Sarah Schauwker; William married Josephine Bliss; and both are living in 
Noble County. Mr. Earl was formerly a Whig, but is now identified with the 
Republicans. Although a member of no church, he is liberal in their support. 
His parents were of the Presbyterian faith, and such is our subject in belief. 
He is considered one of the best-informed men in Jefferson Township. Through 
his long life of labor, he has been ably assisted by his 'brave wife, who has been 
kind and affectionate to her family. 

JACOB EASLEY was born in Canton Berne, Switzerland, July 23, 
1820, a son of Jacob and Catharine (Burke) Easley, the mother being a native 
of England. Jacob Easley was the father of sixteen children, six by his first 
wife, Catharine Burke, and ten by his last wife. Our subject was a resident 
of his native country until 1834, when he came with his parents to the United 
States, locating near Buffalo, N. Y., where they remained fanning two years. 
In 1836, the family removed to Crawford County, Ohio, where they partici- 



386 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

pated in the early history of that county. The father died here in 1847 and 
his last wife in 1868 ; his first wife in 1830. Mr. Easley was a hard-working 
man and well respected. Jacob assisted his parents until twenty-one, when he 
began life without a penny, but has acquired a position of wealth and honor 
by his industry and self-denial. Up to 1834, he remained in Ohio, farming 
and saw-milling. In that year, he passed through Noble County and purchased 
his present farm in Jefferson Township. He did not locate here, however, 
until 1850, in the meantime making his home in La Grange and neighboring 
counties, working at saw-milling. May 26, 1850, he married Mary Ann Oster, 
and soon after began clearing and improving his farm, upon which they are 
now living at their ease. To their union wei'e born eight children, viz. : Mary 
M., George E., Maggie S., Mattie L., Benjamin F., Laura A., Ellen E. and 
Katie E. Mary is the wife of Thomas Hudson. Mr. Easley is one of the 
well-established farmers of the township ; is enterprising, a Democrat and he 
and wife members of the Lutheran Church. His farm consists of eighty acres 
of finely improved land. 

WASHINGTON EASTER was born in Huron County, Ohio, November 
7, 1836. He is a son of James and Catharine (Wilson) Easter, who were 
parents of seven children, six of whom are yet living. The father and mother 
were natives of " the land of Erin," but the former was of Scottish descent. 
They were married in their native country and came to Ohio when it was yet 
a young State. Mr. Easter was a tiller of the soil, received a limited educa- 
tion, and when thirteen years old his father died; two years later, his mother 
passed away. For four years, Washington Easter worked in saw-mills and at 
the lumber trade. He went West on a prospecting tour, and came to Noble 
County, Ind., in 1856, where he purchased 80 acres of woodland, which he 
traded for 120 acres in Green Township. Being a carpenter, he rented his 
land and followed his trade. In 1858, he sold his property in Green Town- 
ship, and in 1861 purchased 160 acres of his present farm, which he has since 
increased to 200 acres. His occupation since that time has been farm- 
ing and stock-raising. He was married, March 17, 1861, to Miss Rebecca 
Foster, daughter of Christian Foster. They had two sons — Franklin D., who 
died in infancy, and Justin H. Mr. Easter is a Republican, and an enterpris- 
ing resident of Jefferson Township. Although a member of no church he was 
raised a Presbyterian, to which church his parents belonged. 

MARION EDWARDS, son of Alexis and Elizabeth (Foster) Edwards, 
and brother of Samuel M. Edwards, was born in Morrow County, Ohio, Sep- 
tember 18, 1842. He came with his parents to Noble County, in 1848, and 
has since made his home here. His education consists of the common school 
order. When the call for troops was made by President Lincoln in 1862, he 
enlisted, August 12, in the Twelfth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Company B, 
and was discharged at Indianapolis in June, 1865. He was mustered into serv- 
ice at the capital of Indiana, and from this point was sent South to Lexing- 
ton, Ky., with his company, where, after a short stay, they were sent to 
Richmond, Ky., and during the engagement at that place was taken prisoner. 
He was paroled, came home and went to Indianapolis, where he remained dur- 
ing the summer of 1863, when he was exchanged. In the fall of 1863, Mr. 
Edwards was at the siege of Vicksburg with his company and afterward driv- 
ing the rebel Gen. Johnston through Mississippi. He participated in the 
engagements at Memphis, Chattanooga and at Mission Ridge, where his com- 
pany went into action, and only sixty-two men came out alive. During the win- 



JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 387 

ter of 1863, he remained at Scottsboro, Ala., and the next year was in the battles 
at Kingston and Resaca. At the latter place, he was twice wounded — once in 
the leg, severely, and his right thumb shot off. After lying in several different 
hospitals, he was sent home on a furlough, and while there voted for Abraham 
Lincoln for President. After sixty days, he reported for duty at Chattanooga, 
but his regiment being gone, he remained there on detailed duty until January, 
1865, when he rejoined his command at Goldsboro, and from that time 
nntil the close of the war, was constantly on the move July 2, 1867, he was 
united in marriage with Miss Mary Lane, of York Township. They have one 
son — Lew L. Mr. Edwards is a Democrat and an enterprising and indus- 
trious citizen. 

SAMUEL M. EDWARDS was born in Morrow County, Ohio, June 4, 
1827. He is the eldest in a family of ten born to Alexis and Elizabeth (Fos- 
ter) Edwards, who came from Maryland to Ohio at an early day and went to 
farming. It was there that Samuel M. was principally raised. He came with 
his parents to Noble County the fall of 1848— his father had 160 acres of 
timbered land in Jefferson Township — but stopped with Mr. Jehu Foster until 
the removal of his father to Jefferson Township. Mr. Edwards is a hard- 
working man and a good citizen. He is yet living and resides in Albion, but 
his wife departed this life on the 23d of September, 1877. Samuel Edwards 
assisted his parents in clearing the old home farm, and when he married his 
father made him a present of eighty acres of the old place, upon which he has 
since resided. His marriage with Miss Lovina Thompson, daughter of one 
of the first settlers of Jefferson Township, was solemnized September 24, 1857. 
They have reared an adopted child named Jennie Edwards. Mr. and Mrs. 
Edwards have been hard-working and industrious people. They own eighty 
acres of good land and are among the leading citizens of their township. 

JOHN H. ELEY was born in Richland County, Ohio, June 28, 1833. 
He is one of nine children, seven of whom are yet living, the parents being 
Michael and Catharine (Haldeman) Eley, who were of German descent. The 
father was a farmer, and with his family emigrated from Ohio to Noble County 
in 1853, where he purchased his present farm in Jefferson Township, where he 
is yet living. His wife died in April, 1880. John H. Eley was reared a 
farmer and received a good education. After arriving to manhood, he taught 
school winters and worked on the farm summers. April 1, 1859, he married 
Miss Sarah M. Foster, daughter of the old pioneer, Jehu Foster. Mr. Eley 
continued farming until August 12, 1862, when he promptly responded to the 
call for troops, and was assigned to Company E, One Hundredth Regiment 
Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He was an active participant in the seige of 
Vicksburg and the battles of Black River, Jackson, Mission Ridge, from the 
latter place going to Gen. Burnside's relief at Knoxville. He commenced the 
spring campaign'of 1864 with Gen. Grant, and was in the battles of Resaca 
and Dallas, at the latter place being severely wounded in the thigh. From the 
hospital he was sent to Rock Island to guard prisoners, where he was finally 
discharged, July 27, 1865. Mr. Eley arose to the rank of Sergeant. After 
the war was over, he returned home and engaged in farming. He is considered 
among the best farmers of the township. He owns 220 acres of well improved 
land, is a Democrat and a member of the Knights of Honor. 

THE ENGLE FAMILY— Although not the first settlers of Noble County, 
were among the early one3, and becoming prominent men by their long life of 
usefulness, they deserve appropriate mention in the history of Noble County. 



388 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Peter Engle (deceased) was born September 26, 1790, in York County, Penn., 
and when three years of age moved with his father, Justus Engle, to Frederick 
County, Md., where he was reared and educated. His early manhood was 
passed in farming and teaming. During the war of 1812, he was drafted, and 
served a few months in the year 1814, as Orderly Sergeant. He married 
Barbara Mentzer February 26, 1824, and in 1833 came to that part of Rich- 
land (now included in Morrow) County, Ohio, and engaged in farming. In 
1852, Mr. Engle emigrated to Noble County, where two of his sons, Samuel 
and Washington, had preceded him. He located in Jefferson Township, Sec- 
tion 36, where he took up 120 acres of land, but in 1858 sold forty acres. He 
was an energetic man, honest, conscientious, and one who commanded the re- 
spect and esteem of all. He died September 29, 1868. Mrs. Engle, his wife, 
was born July 1, 1798, in Frederick County, Md., and she died in Noble 
County, October 3, 1876. Mr. and Mrs. Engle had eight children — Wash- 
ington, born November 27, 1824 ; Samuel, Julv 9, 1826 ; Drucilla E., Au- 
gust 18, 1828 ; Ezra, October 6, 1830 ; Jesse, July 21, 1833 ; Adam, Decem- 
ber 27, 1836 ; Catharine, August 15, 1838, and John, March 3, 1840. The 
latter's death occurred near Vicksburg, in August, 1863, while in the service 
of his country. He enlisted in the fall of 1862, in the One Hundredth Regi- 
iment, Company E, and served faithfully until his death. 

" Soldier rest ! thy warfare o'er, 

Sleep the sleep that knows no breaking ; 
• Dream of battle-fields no more, 

Days of danger, nights of waking." 

Drucilla Engle married John C. Morgan, and they now reside in Morrow 
County, Ohio. Ezra married Hannah Favinger, moved to Michigan, and there 
lives in Eaton County. The subjoined sketches are of those that yet reside in 
Noble County. 

Washington Engle's birth occurred in Frederick County, Md., where 
he resided until nine years of age, when he came with his parents to Ohio. 
October 1, 1854, he married Miss Sarah Sigler, and came to Noble County, 
where he had previously purchased a farm. He now owns 108 acres of fine 
farming and grazing land on Section 36, in Jefferson Township, where he 
resides. They have one son — Amos, who married Mary A. Keller, and lives 
with his parents. Mr. and Mrs. Washington Engle are members of the Lutheran 
Church. 

Samuel Engle was married, September 6, 1852, in Morrow County, 
Ohio, to Susann Sigler, sister of his brother Washington's wife. They have had 
two sons— John W. and George W. Samuel and Washington Engle emigrated 
to Noble County together, in 1847, and for a year worked for Christian Foster, 
clearing land. They then went back to Morrow County, Ohio, and married. 
Samuel Engle and wife moved again to Noble County in 1852, where they 
have since resided. They own 108 acres adjoining Washington Engle on the 
north. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

Jesse Engle married Sarah Prouty, in 1860, and their children number 
seven — Franklin, Adell, Jason, Wilbert and Albert (twins), Arthur and Ed- 
ward. Albert and Arthur are dead. The mother died August 5, 1879, and 
July 19, 1880, Mr. Engle married his present wife, Lucina McClurg. Jesse 
Engle turned his attention to saw-milling in his earlier years, and was a iirst- 
class sawyer. He now owns 146 acres of good land in the northeastern part of 
Green Township, and has held the Township office of Trustee. 



JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 389 

Adam Engle learned the carpenter and joiner's trade, and worked at that 
with success a number of years. He has since turned his attention to farming. 
He owns eighty acres of land near Jesse Engle's farm, and 160 acres in Kansas. 
He was married, November 2, 1862, to Miss Mahala Prouty, and they have 
two children — Ina and Marshall. The sons of Peter Engle all began life at the 
age of twenty-one, with little or no means at their command. Imbibing con- 
siderable of the energy and determination of their father, they went to work, 
and to-day are wealthy and influential citizens, and stanch Democrats. They 
have displayed considerable enterprise in the support of all laudable public 
enterprises, and are progressive citizens. 

JEHU FOSTER is one. among the few who are left of the early pioneers 
who came to Noble County when its surface was covered with a dense forest and 
but few settlers had made a clearing in its wilds. When yet but nineteen 
years old, he was brought face to face with the stern realities of frontier life in 
Ohio, where he was called upon to endure the privations and perform the labo- 
rious duties that devolve upon those in a new country in clearing land and 
establishing a home. This was re-enacted in coming to Indiana, and continued 
through his most active and vigorous years. Mr. Foster was born in Baltimore 
County, Md., August 23, 1798. His father was a soldier in the war of 1812, a 
farmer by occupation. He was married to Miss Annie Singrey, and emigrated 
with his family to what is now Troy Township, Morrow County, Ohio, in 1817, 
being one of the pioneers of that locality. In March, 1824, Jehu was united 
in marriage with Miss Margaret Levering, and continued to live in Ohio until 
1837, when he emigrated to this county and located in Jefferson Township, set- 
tling upon land as the hand of nature had made it, out of which to construct a 
home. Though the task before them was one almost appalling to the strongest 
hearts, yet, with the heroic fortitude, known only to the early settlers, and 
nobly aided by his wife the labor was undertaken, and the results have had 
their beneficial influence not only with themselves, but the generations now and 
to come will reap the benefits. They had born to them children as follows : 
Mary A. (the wife of John B. Steel, now living in Nebraska), John L. (whose 
biography appears in this work), Samuel M. (who married Rebecca Edwards, 
now a resident of Albion), Margaret L. (who lives in Kendallville, and is the 
wife of Jacob H. Shauck), Elizabeth C. (deceased), Sarah M. (the wife of John 
Eley, whose biography also appears), Jennie A. (wife of John K. Riddle, 
whose biography appears), and Alvin D. (who married Emily J. Pepple, and 
resides in Michigan). Mr. Foster has been a leading man of Jefferson Town- 
ship for the past forty years, taking an active part in public interests. He 
feels a just pride in looking back and noting the change in this locality from an 
almost unbroken forest filled with Indians and wild animals to one of the finest 
agricultural spots in the world, and can truly say for himself " Well done, 
thou good and faithful servant." Mrs. Foster, his companion, departed this life 
February 25, 1880, ripe in experiences of material life and full of hope for the 
unknown hereafter. Mr. Foster is living upon the old farm, now that of his 
son-in-law, John H. Eley, and is vigorous for one of his years. 

J. L. FOSTER was born in what is now North Bloomfield Township, 
Morrow Co., Ohio, October 6, 1826 ; the son of Jehu and Margaret (Levering) 
Foster, who were pioneers to this township in 1837, where the father is still 
living, the mother having died in February, 1880. J. L. Foster lived at home 
with his parents until he was twenty-one years old, doing his part of the labor 
on the farm. He then began working at the carpenter's and joiner's trade. 



390 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

This, however, not agreeing with him, he engaged in farming, making that his 
occupation since. In February, 1863, he purchased his present place, which 
consists of 100 acres, and soon thereafter moved on to it, where he yet resides. 
Mr. Foster was married January 17, 1856, to Rose A. Eley, and to this union 
were born three sons — Eugene W. (who married Emma Miller, and is carrying 
on the home farm), Delmer (who is a clei'k in Huntertown) and Perry L. (who 
is yet at home). Mr. Foster is a Democrat in party affiliations, and takes an 
interest in the advancement of public affairs. He lives independently in his 
•comfortable home, and is in the enjoyment of the fruits of his honest accumu- 
lations. 

SMITH HADLEY is a native of Richland County, Ohio, his birth 
occurring January 8, 1828. He was one of twelve children of whom Savan- 
nah and Martha (Riddle) Hadley were the parents. The Hadley family origi- 
nally came from the British Isle to America, and were farmers by occupation. 
The father of the subject of this sketch was also a farmer and an honest, de- 
serving man. Smith Hadley was reared to manhood in the Buckeye State, 
receiving only such an education as the common schools afforded. He was 
married March 15, 1851, to Miss Elizabeth Woodruffs, and the fall of the suc- 
ceeding year came to Noble County, investing all he had, $300, in part pay- 
ment for sixty acres of land in Jefferson Township. After clearing it, he sold 
it, and, in 1861, moved to his present place, and superintended the Poor Farm. 
After being in the employ of the county in this capacity six years, he resigned, 
moved to Albion and purchased a saw and flouring mill, which he operated six 
years. He then discontinued the business, purchased the old county farm, on 
which he resided one year. He then went back to Albion, erected a saw-mill, 
which he operated about a year, then again removed to the farm where he has 
since resided, confining his attention strictly to farming. He now owns 128 
acres of good land, which he has acquired by industry and economy. He is a 
Republican, and is a member of the I. O. O. F., and the Masonic fraternity. 
They had seven children — Mary A. (wife of Andrew Parks), Shannon C, 
Helen M., Horace H., Ida A., Morton and Frank V. Mr. Hadley 's parents 
came to Noble County in about 1863, where his father is yet living. His 
mother died in the spring of 1880. 

JAMES N. HARVEY was born in Ashland County, Ohio, December 8, 
1841. He is a son of George and Mary (Bremner) Harvey, who were parents 
of eight children, five of whom are yet living. George and Mary Harvey 
were natives of Scotland, and were poor people on coming to this country. 
They settled in Ohio, but in the fall of 1852 Mr. Harvey came to Indiana, 
and purchased a farm of 160 acres in Jefferson Township. In the spring of 
the succeeding year, the family settled upon the place known now as the 
Spencer farm. In 1872, after enduring the hardships incident to pioneer life, 
he removed to Albion, where he has since lived. By trade, he was a stone- 
mason, and has executed some fine work on many of the county buildings. 
He was always an enterprising citizen, ever lending a helping hand to the 
needy. James N. Harvey was raised on a farm, and has always followed that 
occupation. He received an excellent practical and business education, and 
-was married, February 2, 1870, to Miss Isabel Johnston, and they have one 
■son — John Wesley. Mr. Harvey purchased his present farm in 1867, and he 
now owns 120 acres of good land. He is a Republican, a member of the 
Patrons of Husbandry, and a member of the M. E. Church, while Mrs. Har- 
vey is an adherent of the' principles of Presbyterianism. Their son, John W., 



JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 391 

was born March 4, 1871, and in the spring of 1881 wrote Gen. Garfield that 
he would be ten years old on his inauguration, and that he was a Republican. 
In reply, President Garfield sent a cabinet-sized photograph of himself, w hich 
the bov now cherishes as a valuable keepsake. 

HENRY HILL, born in Niagara County, N. Y., April 22, 1819, is a 
son of Henry and Mary (Avery) Hill, who were natives of Connecticut and 
Vermont respectively. Mr. Hill was a farmer in New York, and in 1851 
emigrated westward, locating in Jefferson Township, on the farm now owned 
by his son Henry. He here purchased 160 acres of land, where he lived until 
November 11, 1869, when he died. His widow is yet living, and resides with 
her son, at the advanced age of ninety-one. Our subject passed his youth on 
his father's farm, obtaining a common-school education. May 25, 1845, he 
was united in marriage with Eunice Eaton, of Niagara County, N. Y., and to 
this union were born Delos (deceased), Sarah and Lewis. Sarah is the wife 
of William H. Whitford, and Lewis married Katie Yeiser, who died, leaving 
him two children. His second and present wife was Martha Hupp. Since Mr. 
Hill's residence in Noble County, he has been known widely as an honest and 
upright man and a desirable neighbor. He is a Democrat and owns 120 acres 
of well-improved land. 

JOHN HOFFMAN is a native of Pennsylvania, and when eight years 
of age moved with his parents to Morrow County, Ohio, where they died. 
The subject was raised on his father's farm, and also learned blacksmithing 
and wagon making. He came, in 1853, to Jefferson Township, where he has 
since been a resident, engaged in cultivating and otherwise improving his farm, 
that now consists of 240 acres of splendid land, furnished with large and com- 
modious buildings. He was married, in 1850, to Miss Elvira Walker, of 
Morrow County, Ohio. They have eight children living — Emeline, James 
(in Green Township), John. George, Allen, Jennie, William and Lucy. Mr. 
Hoffman, in addition to his farming, is engaged in stock-raising to a consider- 
able extent, and has some of the best blooded stock in the country. He is a 
practical and able farmer and one of the county's most valued citizens. 

JOHN F. HUNT was born in Wayne County, Ind., in 1829, January 
13. His grandfather, Charles Hunt, was a native of Chestershire, England* 
Previous to the Revolutionary war he was commissioned an officer in the En- 
glish army, and sent to do duty in the Colonies of America. When Great 
Britain declared war against the Colonies, he resigned, entered the United 
States Army as a private and served through the war with distinction. John 
Hunt, the father of John F. Hunt, was born near Guilford Court House in 
North Carolina. From the history of Wayne County, Ind., we find that this 
gentleman and a brother, in 1803, emigrated to what is now Wayne County, 
then a part of what was known as the Northwest Territory- They erected a grist- 
mill on the Elkhorn, said to have been the first in the State. In 1804, John 
married Mary Whitehead — this being the first marriage solemnized in the 
State. He was a blacksmith and gunsmith by trade, and his shop was often 
made a camping-place for the Indians during the Indian war. He was never 
molested by them, however, as his services were too valuable for them to lose. 
During the war of 1812, he served under the command of his brother-in-law, 
Col. William Whitehead. After the war, he returned to where he first settled, 
and there lived, working at his trade and farming, until he was eighty-six 
years old. He died in 1849. Their family numbered twelve children, only 
three of whom are now living. The oldest daughter, Caroline, was the first 



392 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

white female child born in Indiana. John F. Hunt, the youngest of this 
family, is the only one living, bearing his father's name. When yet a boy, he 
enlisted for the Mexican war, but after going as far as Covington, Ky., peace 
was declared, and he returned home. July 30, 1862, he enlisted in Company 
F, Seventy-eighth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and about the time 
his enlistment expired, he took sick at Vicksburg, and from there was taken 
home. After three months' sickness, he was reported dead, and not until July 
30, 1880, was he regularly discharged from this regiment. However, after 
his recovery in 1863, he re-enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirtieth Regi- 
ment, Company F, and served the remainder of the war. He was at the 
siege of Vicksburg, bombardment of Prentice, Uniontown, Yazoo Pass and 
others. Mr. Hunt was married, in 1859, to Isabel C. Owen, of La Porte Coun- 
ty, Ind. They have had six children — Wilson W., Cyrus F., Mary C, Maria 
L., and two that died in childhood. Mr. Hunt learned blacksmithing under 
his father, but carpentering has been his principal occupation. He came to 
Noble County in 1868, and now owns 80 acres of land, on which he resides. 
He is a stanch Republican, and a member of the I. 0. O. F. Mrs. Hunt is 
a member of the M. E. Church. 

WILLIAM HUSTON is the third child of Joseph and Rachel (Will- 
iams) Huston, of Knox County, Ohio. He was born September 22, 1827 ; 
at two years of age his father died. When he was five years old, his mother 
married John Blair, after which he lived with his guardian, Judge J. McGib- 
ney. with whom he remained until 1842 ; when imagining himself abused, ran 
away, but soon came back and apprenticed to the carpenter's trade, the first 
two years receiving $3 per month and the last year $1 per month. Complet- 
ing his trade, he engaged at $1.25 per day to a company erecting ware and 
boarding-houses along the Newark & Columbus Railroad. In 1849, with a 
party of seven, he went to California, first to St. Louis, from there overland 
with ox teams. The trip consumed one hundred days. They first stopped on 
Bear River, then moved to the North Fork of the American River. His suc- 
cess was varied. Having accumulated about $3,000, he, in connection with 
others, at great expense, diverted the course of a river. They were successful 
in draining, but found no gold in the river bed, and therefore lost all. He 
then borrowed $900, and went to mining. After four years' stay, Mr. Hus- 
ton returned, several thousand dollars ahead. In the spring of 1853, he came 
to Indiana to visit friends, and purchased a farm in Jefferson Township. He 
is the owner of 480 acres of land, and devotes considerable attention to rais- 
ing fine stock. November 8, 1853, he married Miss Nancy Knox. Ten 
children have been born to them — Elbert E., William W., George F., Mary I , 
Eva M., Frank C, Ella M. and Unity E. are living; John K. and Elmer E., 

" WILLIAM INSCHO, deceased, was born December 28, 1802, in Sussex 
County, N. J. His father was a carpet weaver, but farmed in connection with 
his trade. The grandfather of William Inscho was a native of Denmark, and 
the progenitor of that name in America. Our subject, at about the age of nine- 
teen, learned the blacksmith trade and continued that business until about 
twenty years before his death. When three years of age, his parents moved to 
near Wheeling, Va., and from there to Huron County, Ohio, in 1815. Here 
he married Eliza Campbell, who died in Noble County in September, 1839. 
They had three children — George W., Hugh A. C. and Elizabeth, deceased. 
Mr. Inscho, in the fall of 1837, emigrated to Noble County, purchasing eighty 



JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 393 

acres on Section IT, where he resided until his death, February 22, 1881. He 
was twice married ; his last wife was Rebecca Skeels. They had one child — 
Ann (present wife of John Guthrie). George Inscho was raised a farmer. He 
was married, February 18, 1858, to Ruth Edwards, and they have two children 
— Frank and Ida. Since his marriage, he has made Jefferson Township his 
home. From 1864 to 1867, he was in Montana Territory searching for gold. 
He now owns ninety acres of land near the geographical center of Jefferson 
Township. Hugh Inscho was born April 30, 1836. October 18, 1863, he 
was united in marriage with Miss Elsie Edwards, daughter of Alexis and Eliza- 
beth (Foster) Edwards, and soon after moved on the old Inscho homestead, 
where he has since resided. They have had three children — Lavinia, born 
October 24, 1864 ; Anna E., August 22, 1869, died July 23, 1877 ; and Olive 
R., born August 27, 1874, died July 27, 1877. The two latter died of diph- 
theria. The mother was born November 13, 1839. He owns eighty acres of 
land. The Inscho family, from William, the old settler, have been noted for 
their honesty and sobriety, and have figured quite prominently from the early 
history of Jefferson Township. 

KIMMELL FAMILY.— In the year 1627, when the State of Delaware 
was .first settled, two brothers of this name, natives of Sweden and very 
wealthy, emigrated to the new country and settled on the Delaware River, near 
Wilmington, where, in after years, a town sprang up and received the name of 
Swedesboro. The great-grandfather of the present generation, who was a 
wealthy resident of Philadelphia, was, during the Revolutionary Avar, Commis- 
sary of Subsistence under Gen. Washington. While at Valley Forge, during the 
memorable winter of 1777 and 1778, when the British were in possession of 
Philadelphia he succeeded in entering the city and secured $25,000 in gold and 
silver, which was secreted in the cellar of his house, barely escaping capture in 
returning. This money he turned over to Congress, subsequently receiving in 
return continental paper money, which so depreciated in value as to leave him 
comparatively a poor man. A grandson, Adam Kimmell, was the father of six 
children, five of whom are living, Joseph C and Manias II. being among the 
number ; Adam was born March 22, 1791, and served as a soldier of the war of 
1812. He was one of the early pioneers of Stark County, Ohio, and followed 
his trade, that of a gunsmith, until 1850, when he retired from active life. He 
married Miss Elizabeth Bowers in Canton. She was a native of Maryland, 
born June 26, 1800, and died April 29, 1849. Mr. Kimmell came to Albion 
in 1852, and died October 16, 1872. He was a man of sterling integrity. In 
politics, a Whig and then a Republican. While living in Stark County, which 
was strongly Democratic, he was elected and re-elected many times to the 
office of Justice of the Peace over his Democratic opponents. 

Joseph C. Kimmell, the eldest of the children, was born in Canton, 
Ohio, November 5, 1824, and received an education common to those of a new 
country ; being a man of good mind, and observing he has acquired extended 
information. He came to Albion, and was the first manufacturer of tinware in 
Noble County. This industry he prosecuted for ten years, and then moved to 
his present farm in Jefferson Township, which was at that time without 
improvement. It consists of 110 acres, and is now a well-improved and pro- 
ductive farm. He was married, September 9, 1847, to Miss Jane Spangler, of 
Stark County, Ohio. They have had six children — Eliza E., Elizabeth E. 
(deceased), Charles S. (deceased), Norman E., Warren (deceased) and Albert A. 



394 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : 

Manias H. Kimmell is a native of Canton, Ohio, where he was born 
March 26, 1835. He came with his parents to Albion in 1852, and, in 1853, 
went to Auburn, where he learned the tinner's trade. In 1856, he opened a 
hardware store in Ligonier, which he conducted until 1858. In the spring of 
that year he went to Oregon, where, for one year, he was superintendent of 
farming in the Indian Department. In the winter of 1859, he returned to 
Albion, and in the spring of 1860, opened a hardware store. In 1862, he 
moved to his present farm, comprising 206 acres well adapted to general farm- 
ing and stock-raising. In the latter branch, Mr. Kimmell deals to considerable 
extent. He was married, April 1, 1860, to Emeline Bucher. Their children 
are Cora, Irene and Grant. Mr. Kimmell and his brother Joseph are Repub- 
licans, and during the years 1856, 1857 and 1858, the period of horse-thieving 
and general lawlessness in this section of country, they were active members of 
the " Regulators," whose decisive measures carried terror to the hearts of the 
desperadoes and rid the country of their presence. 

M. KISER was born in Northampton County, Penn., November 16, 1826 ; is 
a son of John and Mary (Myers) Kiser, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and 
the parents of seven children, five of whom are yet living. Mr. Kiser, their 
father, worked at the carpenter's trade shortly after his marriage, but soon 
turned his attention to farming, which vocation he followed through life. He 
was a Democrat, and a zealous member of the Methodist Church. He died in 
1876, but his widow yet survives him and resides in Huron County, where she 
came with Mr. Kiser in 1832. Their son, M. Kiser, received a good common- 
school education in youth, and was married in 1848, to Miss Elizabeth Stotts, 
of Huron County, Ohio. They have four children — George, Mary, Martha 
and Emma. George married Mary Phillips, and resides at home ; Mary is the 
wife of Benjamin Smith, and resides in Jefferson Township. After his mar- 
riage, Mr. Kiser farmed twelve years on shares for his father, and one year op- 
erated a grist-mill in Ohio. In the latter business he was unsuccessful, and lost 
considerable. He then followed Horace Greeley's advice to young men and 
came to Jefferson Township, purchasing his present farm, which consists of 103 
acres. It was at that time a dense forest, but is now a finely-improved place. 
Mr. Kiser is a Democrat, and he and wife are members of the Lutheran 
Church. From a poor man he has risen to prosperity, achieved by hard labor and 
self-denial. 

B. V. MELVIN was born in Madison County, Ohio, February 21, 1821, 
son of John and Sarah (Insor) Melvin, who were parents of seven children ; 
five are yet living. John Melvin was a farmer and a native of Tennessee. 
From that State he came to Madison County, Ohio, in 1812. During the war 
commencing that year, he took an active part. His father, Joseph Melvin, was 
an old Revolutionary soldier, and our subject, serving in the late rebellion, 
makes the Melvin family one of patriotism. Joseph Melvin was a native of 
Scotland, and his wife, Phoebe, of Ireland. John Melvin was an old Jackson 
Democrat ; was a man of good practical education and an exemplary citizen. 
He died the fall of 1858. Benjamin V. Melvin, next to the youngest child, 
began for himself at the age of nineteen, and from that time until his marriage 
worked at farming in his native county and Indiana. He emigrated to Noble 
County in February, 1843, and purchased his present farm in Jefferson Town- 
ship ; October 21, 1847, he married Jennie H. Palmer, of Whitley County, 
Ind., and in 1848 commenced life on his farm. In 1853, he returned to his 
old home in Ohio, remaining until the fall of 1858, when he returned to Noble 



JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 395 ' 

County, where he has since resided. By industry and economy, he has ac- 
quired 320 acres of land, half of which has been distributed among his chil- 
dren. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Melvin are as follows : Mary M., Sarah, 
Jane, John, Azora, Theodore and Theodocia (twins) and Vanvactor B. Mary 
M., Theodore, Theodocia and Azora are dead. The others are married, and 
living in Noble County, except Vanvactor, who is at home, single. 

JOHN MOORHOUSE,born September 8, 1805, was a son of Samuel and 
Martha (Morrell) Moorhouse, who had nine children, John being the youngest. 
In his seventeenth year, he was left an orphan, his mother having died in 1807 
and his father in 1821. He received a common education, and was reared a 
farmer, as was his father before him, in his native country, Yorkshire, England. 
In the spring of 1832, he set sail for the United States ; arrived in New York 
City, he took passage for Delaware County, N. Y., where he engaged in farm- 
ing. From here he removed to Lockport, engaging in various pursuits for 
seven years. In 1840, he traded town property for fifty acres of land in 
Noble County, and upon which, in the spring of 1841, he made a clearing and 
erected a cabin, returning to New York the same year. In 1842, with his 
family, he returned and located here. Upon his arrival, he had only about $70, 
but by dint of hard labor, has acquired a fine farm of 160 acres. He was mar- 
ried, in 1829, to Miss Eliza Boddy, and they had seven children — Samuel, 
Eliza A., Henry, James, Joseph, Mary and John. Of these, Mary, Eliza and John, 
are dead. The mother died in 1860. Mr. Moorhouse is a member of the 
Roman Catholic Church, and is an enterprising citizen. 

WILLIAM MYERS was born in Berkeley County, Va., September 26, 
1826. He is a son of Isaac and Catharine (Hudson) Myers, and is of Dutch 
descent on his father's and English-Irish descent on his mother's side. They 
were parents of eight children, five of whom are yet living. The fall of 1827, 
they moved to Greene County, Ohio, and after four years moved to Seneca 
County. They were good, honest people, and members of the Methodist 
Church. Mrs. Myers died in about 1845, and Mr. Myers in 1846. William 
Myers was reared in Ohio, from the age of eleven years to that of twenty-four. 
He received but a meager education, sacrificing his schooling to assist on the 
farm. He was married, September 5, 1850, to Ann Rumbaugh, daughter of 
William and Mary Rumbaugh ; five days after their marriage, they started for 
Iowa, to build a home on the Western prairies. Not liking the appearance of 
that country, he returned to Indiana and purchased eighty acres of his present 
farm. The story of the hardships of early pioneer life is needless of a repeti- 
tion here. Mr. and Mrs. Myers were industrious and economical, and have 
arisen to plenty through the medium of hard labor. Mr. and Mrs. Myers have 
an only child — Lucina, who is the wife of John Newton, and resides in Jef- 
ferson Township. They have reared a son by adoption, whom they have treated 
as their own. His name is Orlando Myers, and he is a steady and honest 
young man. Mr. Myers has been reasonably successful in life, and shows his 
gratitude by assisting all laudable enterprises. Mrs. Myers was born in Vir- 
ginia May 29, 1824, and she and Mr. Myers are among the leading citizens of 
the township. 

JOSEPH OGLE was born in Morris Township, Adams County, Ohio, 
August 4, 1806, to which locality his parents, Enoch and Catharine (McCart- 
ney) Ogle, came, previous to Ohio's admission into the Union. Here they were 
married, and had ten children. The parents have long since passed away, fol- 
lowed by seven of their children. The paternal great-grandfather of the subject 



396 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

of this sketch came from Ireland. The McCartneys originally came from Scot- 
land. Joseph Ogle received his education from the schools of his native county, 
and worked at the tanner's trade until his majority, but from that time until he was 
twenty-six, he followed teaming. June 13, 1833, he was married to Miss Ruth- 
annah Wright, and remained in Ohio farming until October, 1845, when he 
came to Jefferson Township, where he made a clearing sufficiently large to erect 
his cabin. Mr. Ogle's wealth at this time amounted to $1 ; this he paid 
for flour that he might have bread to give the raisers of his cabin. Mr. Ogle 
has figured conspicuously in the history of Jefferson Township. He and wife 
are the happy possessors of a comfortable home and 120 acres of good land. 
They have had eight children — Mary, Charles H., George, Sarah L., William 
E., Lucina J., Albert H. and Lewellyn. The two oldest sons are dead. 
Charles was a volunteer in the war of the rebellion, and contracted a disease that 
rendered him unfit for service. He came home, and in 1864 died. Mary is 
the wife of Andrew Gunnett, and resides in Kendall ville. Sarah is the wife of 
George I. Walters, and lives with her parents. William married Virginia 
Sallady, and lives in Kendallville, and Albert married Ella Ackerman and 
resides in Iowa. 

ORANGE PROUTY (deceased) was a native of Morrow County, Ohio, 
where he was born April 22, 1830. His parents were Roderick and Mary 
Prouty, the former a native of New York State, and his mother, who was a 
farmer's daughter, of Ohio. His grandparents, Stephen and Elizabeth Prouty, 
were natives of Vermont and of English descent. These ancestors were all 
" tillers of the soil," and Orange Prouty followed in their footsteps. October 
10, 1847, he married Miss Susan Haney, of the same nativity as himself, born 
September 10, 1830, and daughter of Jacob and Phebe Haney, who were 
farmers, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. They commenced 
housekeeping in Ohio, but only continued there a few months. They came to 
Indiana in April, 1849, and settled in Jefferson Township, on what is now des- 
ignated as the "old Prouty" farm. Here he worked at clearing land for his 
father for three years, receiving as a recompense eighty acres of land in its 
natural condition, situated in Jefferson Township. Upon this, he built a log 
house in 1852, occupying it, and at the same time began clearing and improv- 
ing his farm. He subsequently made some additions to his land, increasing it 
by a purchase of forty acres ; in 1863, located in Green Township, and two 
years later forty acres that adjoined his farm on the east. Orange Prouty died 
October 14, 1867. The descendants of Mr. and Mrs. Prouty were eight — 
Alma, Willard and John, now living. Those deceased were Phebe Kinsey, 
Edward, Homer and two infants. 

JOHN K. RIDDLE, son of Joseph B. Riddle, was born in Morrow 
County, Ohio, April 20, 1845. He came with his parents to Noble County 
when about three years old, and 'has since made his home here. He was 
reared on the old homestead, where he assisted his father in the development 
of the farm. He received but a common education, and when twenty-one 
years of age began for himself, although still living with his parents. January 
29, 1871, he was united in marriage with Miss Jane A. Foster, daughter of 
the old pioneer, Jehu Foster. This lady was born in 1844, in Jefferson Town- 
ship. They had two children — Ava U., who died when seven months old, and 
Ottho F. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Riddle moved on his present farm. 
When he first came into possession of the original farm — eighty acres — it was 
all woodland. This he has cleared and increased until he now owns 120 acres 
of good land. He is a Republican and a hard-working citizen. 



JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 397 

JOSEPH B. RIDDLE was born in Richland County, Ohio, January 5, 
1816, one of fifteen children, whose parents were William and Sarah (Forsythe) 
Riddle, the father a native of Pennsylvania and the mother of Ireland. They 
were both early in Ohio, and on the Clear Fork, in Richland County, during 
the war of 1812, they were married and established a home in the wilds of 
Richland County. At one time, the mother had to be carried, with a three 
days' old infant, to a neighboring fort for safety from the Indians. He, though 
a farmer, was quite widely known as a surveyor. He was a prominent Whig, 
and held the positions of Associate Judge, County Land Appraiser and Justice 
of the Peace. Joseph B. was. an assistant on his father's farm, and only re- 
ceived a limited education. In 1840, he married Miss Traney M. Knox. 
They had nine children — Elizabeth J., William, John K., Sarah L. (deceased), 
Homer F., Mary M. (deceased), Comfort E., Isoline D. (deceased) and Edith 
M. In 1848, Mr. Riddle moved to this county, and purchased a quarter sec- 
tion of land in this township, and began clearing. Through sickness and 
trouble, he has, by patience and perseverance, prospered, and now is sur- 
rounded with many comforts and a pleasant home. He is a Republican in 
politics, though not an active politician. 

GEORGE RUMBAUGH was born in Berkeley County, Va., August 14, 
1829. He is a son of William and Mary (Mussetter) Rumbaugh, who were 
natives of Virginia, but of Irish-German descent. From Virginia the parents 
came to Seneca County, Ohio, and there died, the mother in 1848 and the 
father in 1871. The latter was a farmer. His family numbered nine children, 
two of them now dead. George Rumbaugh remained with his parents in Ohio, 
assisting them until he reached his majority. He received but a common 
school education, and came to Indiana in 1850 and purchased a piece of land. 
He Avas married, in September, 1854, to Martha Pike of Jefferson Township, 
and shortly after moved on his place, which he sold after clearing twelve acres, 
and returned to Ohio, where he remained one winter, when he came back to 
Noble County and purchased sixty acres of the farm now owned by John Eley. 
In the spring of 1864, he purchased his present farm, and has since made it 
his home. He owns sixty-four and a half acres of good land, is a stanch 
Republican and a genial, intelligent gentleman. The fall of 1864, he entered 
the United States Army, in Company D, Thirteenth Regiment, and was dis- 
charged from Newbern Hospital, N. C, in June, 1865. He was in one severe 
engagement — Fort Fisher. He contracted disease while in the service, from 
which he is yet a sufferer. Mr. and Mrs. Rumbaugh have four children — 
Daniel, Willard, Laura A. and Nettie J. 

LEWIS SEELY was born in Elkhart County, Ind., June 8, 1830, son of 
Ephraim and Abigail (Runnels) Seely, and one of nine children, six of whom 
are yet living. Mr. and Mrs. Seely were natives of the State of New York, 
and at an early day came to Ohio, where they resided until about 1829, when 
they emigrated to Elkhart County, Ind., entered a piece of land and engaged 
in agricultural pursuits. This family were among the very first settlers of the 
whole country. From Elkhart County they moved to Milford Township, La 
Grange County, and after a number of years to Orange Township, Noble 
County, where Mr. Seely died in August, 1865, and Mrs. Seely in September, 
1877. They were honest, industrious people, and an honor to the community. 
Lewis Seely resided with his parents, assisting them, until his marriage with 
Fidelia Collins, daughter of Barten Collins, which occurred in 1856. Mr. 
Seely received a common-school education, and after his marriage, resided in 



398 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Milford Township, La Grange County, until 1865, when he came to his present 
place. He owns 160 acres of well-improved land. They have had three 
children — Thirza, Charles and Meta. Mr. Seely is a Republican, and a wide- 
awake, enterprising citizen. 

JACOB SINGREY was born September 5,1826, in Troy Township, 
Richland County, Ohio, the native place of all his brothers and sisters. He is 
a son of Thomas and Catherine (Ackerman) Singrey, who were early settlers in 
Morrow County, Ohio, and who came from Pennsylvania in about 1816. They 
are now residents of this county. Jacob Singrey began life a poor boy, with a 
limited education. When sixteen years of age, he apprenticed himself for the 
term of two years to the carpenter's trade, after which he began work on his 
own responsibility. March 18, 1844, he was married to Sarah Ann Cockley, 
of Ohio, and to them were born five children — Elvirda J., William H., John P., 
Sarah P. and Thomas A. Elvirda is the wife of William Axtell, of Jefferson 
Township. After completing his apprenticeship, Mr. Singrey built a large barn 
for his father, for which he received eighty acres of his present farm, upon 
which he moved his family in April, 1854, and entered upon the task of clearing 
and improving. To the original eighty he has added, until he now possesses 
160 acres. As the result of enterprise, Mr. Singrey has been prosperous. He 
is a Democrat, and a member of the Patrons of Husbandry. 

JOHN A. SINGREY, one of the influential citizens of Jefferson Town- 
ship, was born in Richland County, Ohio, February 29, 1828. His father, 
Thomas Singrey, was a native of Baltimore County, Md., born March 12, 1801, 
and grandson of a Mr. — Singrey, who came from Switzerland to America, 
and who was the founder of that name in the United States. Thomas Singrey 
came with his father, in 1816, to Richland County, Ohio, and assisted in clear- 
ing a home there. In Knox County, Ohio, he married Catharine Ackerman, 
and to them were born four sons and two daughters. The parents are now 
residents of Jefferson Township, where they are well and favorably known. 
John A. Singrey was reared to manhood in Ohio, receiving a common-school 
education. At the age of twenty-four, he located in Noble County, where he 
and his father had purchased land in 1849. Soon after, he sold it and pur- 
chased a portion of his present farm. August 14, 1853, he was united in mar- 
riage with Ruth Ann Walters, daughter of Jacob Walters, of Morrow County, 
Ohio, and to them were born — Jacob (deceased), Rebecca, Thomas and Anna. 
When Mr. and Mrs. Singrey located on their present place, they began to 
improve and enlarge it, until they now have 150 acres of nicely improved 
property. Mr. Singrey is an active citizen, and a member of both the Odd 
Fellows and Masonic orders. He is a strong Democrat, and at present is serv- 
ing a term as County Commissioner. 

WILLIAM SMITH was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, September 
7, 1816. His parents, George and Elizabeth (Brady) Smith, were of German 
descent, and early settlers in Ohio ; they came to Columbiana County when it 
was a wilderness, and engaged in agricultural pursuits. Mr. Smith, is now 
dead, but Mrs. Smith is yet living and resides in Ohio. William Smith is one 
of eleven children, and the only one residing in Indiana. He received a good 
education, and was married in 1838 to Amelia Ferrell, and soon after removed 
to Williams County, Ohio, where he resided until his wife's death, which oc- 
curred September 20, 1840. They had one child — Virginia, now deceased. 
Mr. Smith returned to his native county, where he married Mary A. Sanders 
in 1850. Their children were John G. (deceased), Matilda and Ella. Matilda 



JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 399 

and Ella are married, the former being the wife of Dr. Scott, of Avilla, and 
the latter of T. P. Kessler, who resides in Orange Township. Mr. Smith 
farmed in Ohio until 1861, when he came to Noble County, and purchased his 
present farm — 160 acres — and has resided here ever since. Mr. Smith started 
out in the world dependent on his own resources, and is to-day a wealthy and 
esteemed citizen. He is a Democrat, and one of the well-to-do farmers of Jef- 
ferson Township, ever ready and willing to assist in the welfare of the county. 
WILLIAM STOREY is a son of George and Elizabeth (Sedgwic) Storey. 
and a native of Yorkshire, England, his birth occurring April 8, 1824. He 
was one of eight children, and during his boyhood attended the common 
schools. When old enough, he hired out by the year on a farm, and in this 
capacity labored for some time. Having two brothers in America, he deter- 
mined to cross the Atlantic, and shipped at Sunderland, on board the sailing 
brig, "England's Queen," bound for Quebec. After a stormy voyage of five 
five weeks, they neared their destination ; one foggy night, when but a short 
distance from mainland, the vessel struck the rocks of St. Paul's Island, and 
the crew had to be conveyed in boats to the island. From here they hired a 
fishing smack to convey them to Nova Scotia, where they reshipped and were 
landed in Boston. From here, Mr. Storey went to Lockport, N. Y., where he 
farmed for two years. In 1849, with his hard-earned savings, he emigrated to 
Noble County, where his brothers were, and purchased 160 acres of land in 
Sparta Township. After eight months, he disposed of this property, and pur- 
chased eighty acres in Jefferson Township. After clearing twenty-eight acres 
of this he sold it, and purchased 160 acres further south in the same township. 
He cleared twenty acres of this and then sold it. In about 1858, he purchased 
100 acres — his present farm. In 1857, he was united in marriage with Sarah 
Ann (Skeels) Storey, daughter of William Skeels and widow of his brother, 
Matthew Storey, who had by her first husband three children — George, Mary 
and Elizabeth (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Storey had two children — Thomas and 
William, the latter being dead. Mr. Storey is a Democrat, and has twice been 
elected to the office of Township Assessor. Mr. and Mrs. Storey are adher- 
ents of the Roman Catholic Church, and highly esteemed people. 



ORANGE TOWNSHIP. 

JOSEPH BAILEY was born in Ashland County, Ohio, April 1, 1834. 
He is one of eight living children born to Susan and John Bailey. Joseph's 
parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio in an early day, and 
thence to Jefferson Township, Noble County, in 1836 ; then came with the 
Skinner family to this township and purchased 160 acres of land on Section 4, 
and returned to Ohio. In the fall of 1838, they moved out and permanently 
settled on the place. Mr. Bailey was a hard-working man, a member of the 
Protestant Methodist Church, and a Whig in politics, afterward a Republican. 
His wife died in 1865, and he in 1872. Joseph Bailey was raised on the farm 
clearing land and chopping cordwood. April 30, 1865, he married Mrs. Re- 
becca (Gibson) Collett, widow of Abraham Collett, and daughter of John Gibson, 
an early settler of Noble County. Mrs. Bailey bore her first husband one 
daughter, Sarah ; and her present husband two children — William and Eulilia, 
both of whom died in 1869. Mr. Bailey's chief employment has been farming 



400 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

but some years back followed threshing to a considerable extent. He came to- 
Orange Township in 1865, where he has since farmed. The home farm consists 
of 350 acres of good farming and grazing land. Mrs. Bailey was born in Poca- 
hontas County, Va., April 15, 1826. Mr. Bailey is a Democrat, and he and 
wife are members of the M. E. Church. 

CHARLES BEIDELMAN was born in York County, Penn., February 
1, 1821. He is a son of Samuel and Eve (Miller) Beidelman, who were natives 
of Pennsylvania, and the parents of three children, two of whom are now alive. 
Mr. Beidelman was a distiller by occupation. He died when the subject was 
but a boy, and the mother with her family emigrated to what is now Morrow 
County, Ohio, in about 1835, where they resided until their removal to Indiana. 
Subject received but a limited education. His parents being poor, he had to work 
very hard in youth. At the age of twenty, he served an apprenticeship at the 
blacksmith trade, which was his principal employment previous to coming West. 
He was married, February 1, 1846, to Julia Ann Russell, and, in 1851, emi- 
grated to Noble County, and settled on his present farm in Orange Township- 
He and wife moved to Brimfield the spring of 1875, but still he works his farm. 
He owns ninety acres of land on Section 28. Has taken an active part in many 
public enterprises. Mr. Beidelman is a Republican, and he and wife are mem- 
bers of the M. E. Church. Mr. Beidelman's mother is yet living ; resides with 
her daughter, Susanna Lucas, at the advanced age of ninety-two years. 

WILLIAM BLISS. This gentleman was born in Brimfield, Mass., Octo- 
ber 27, 1816. Timothy and Margaret (McDonald) Bliss, his parents, were of 
English and Scotch descent, and natives of Massachusetts and New York. 
Timothy Bliss was a farmer and quite an extensive stock-dealer. William Bliss- 
was reared on his father's farm, receiving a good common school and academical 
education. At the age of twenty-one, he left home, went to Chagrin Falls, Ohio, 
and there commenced business for himself. He was employed by a woolen fac- 
tory as wool-buyer, and in this capacity served ten or twelve years. He was 
married at this place to Miss Fanny M. Vincent, daughter of Dr. J. H. Vin- 
cent, September 8, 1841. In 1857, he located in Wolcottville, but carried on 
the manufacture of woolen goods at Rome City, under the firm name of William 
Bliss & Co. After serving as Superintendent about two years, he removed to 
his present home, where he had purchased 210 acres of land. He has given 
his children good school advantages. He now owns about one hundred and 
sixty acres of land adjoining the village of Brimfield. A short time after the 
location of the railroad, Mr. Bliss laid out the village of Brimfield and named 
it after his native town in Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Bliss are parents of 
four children, viz., Frank T., Charles W., Emily M. and Mary L. The eldest 
son is single, and a resident of Chicago, and a member of the Board of Trade of 
that city. Charles married Nellie Clock, and resides in Orange Township. 
Both sons are graduates of a commercial college. The two daughters are single, 
the youngest being a graduate of music and a fine musician. Mr. Bliss is a Re- 
publican, and he and wife are Congregationalists in faith. They are old and 
esteemed residents of the place. 

E. M. COLDREN, merchant, was born in Eden Township, La Grange 
County, February 28, 1846. Jacob Coldren, his grandfather, was a native of 
Germany, and came to the United States about the year 1795, shortly after- 
ward locating in Delaware County, Ohio, where they were among the first 
settlers. Harvey Coldren, son of Jacob and the father of our subject, was 
raised and married there. In 1837, he settled in Eden Township, La Grange 



ORANGE TOWNSHIP. 401 

County. The whole country then was an almost unbroken forest, with only 
Indian trails for roads. Mr. Coldren entered land, erected a rude log house, 
into which he moved his family. On his arrival he was a poor man, and was 
unable to hire work done. He was an unassuming man, and honorable in his 
dealings. He was the father of twenty children by two wives, ten by each. 
He died in March, 1879 ; was a member of the Baptist Church. E. M. Cold- 
ren lived on a farm from the age of eight to manhood. He received a good 
collegiate education, and was married February 24, 1869, to Miss Adda Pierson, 
of White Pigeon, Mich. This lady died November 26, 1871, leaving one child 
that followed her four months later. Mr. Coldren's second wife is Mary A. 
Andrews, to whom he was married September 24, 1872. This lady has borne 
him two children — Minnie and Ned. Mr. Coldren started farming in Kansas. 
Owing to ill health, he returned to Indiana, and started a grocery at Brimfield. 
In 1878, he formed a partnership with George Gaby, in a general store at the 
same place, which he has since continued. They are doing an average annual 
business of $25,000. Mr. and Mrs. Coldren are members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. Mr. Coldren is a Greenbacker. While in Kansas, he re- 
ceived the nomination for the State Legislature by this party, but was defeated 
by two votes. 

STANFILL CORBIN. The spring of 1840, Stanfill Corbin, now a resi- 
dent of Section 7, Orange Township, Noble County, Ind., was living in Rich- 
land County, Ohio. His family consisted of a wife and three children, and he 
was living some sixty miles from his parents. John and Mary (Crane) Corbin, 
who then lived in Licking County, were natives of Virginia, and from there > 
came to Licking County in 1824. The country there at that time was very 
new, and Mr. Corbin, being a great hunter, used to supply the family with 
meat while his sons would do the farm work. The spring of 1841, our subject 
and a son-in-law came to Noble County, Ind., and after clearing a place large 
enough on which to erect a cabin, went back for their families. Here the father, 
John Corbin, found a splendid place to satisfy his desire for hunting. In 1853, 
Mr. Corbin moved to York Township, where he died in May, 1864. His wife 
died on the old homestead, in Orange Township, in about 1850. Stanfill 
Corbin was born in Culpeper County, Va., April 17, 1814. The fall of 1834, 
while in Ohio, he married Margaret Lee, who bore him this family — Keziah 
A., Nathan H., Mary E., Philena E., Jane, Margaret, Franklin M., and three 
that died without names. Only the first six are now living. The mother died 
in September, 1858. Mr.- Corbin is now living with his second wife, Mrs. 
Harriet Wyrick, to whom he was married in February, 1859. They have one 
daughter — Hattie V. Mrs. Corbin had by her first husband one son, Henry 
H., who served faithfully in the late war, and is now living in Orange Town- 
ship. Mr. Corbin owns over ninety acres of land ; is a Greenbacker in politics, 
and a first-class citizen. 

CAPT. EDEN H. FISHER, son of Henry C. and Mary Ann (Eckert) 
Fisher, was born April 20, 1840, in Portage County, Ohio. His parents were 
residents of the village of Navarre, in Stark County, but at the time of the birth 
of our subject, the mother was with her parents in Portage County. The father 
was merchant of Nevarre. Came to Ligonier, Ind., in October, 1848, where 
he again embarked in mercantile pursuits. This he continued until about 
1860, when he retired from business, and has since been engaged in farming. 
In 1869, he removed to Douglas County, Kan., where he is yet living. He 
is a prominent citizen there, and has been elected a Representative to the Legis- 



402 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : 

lature of that State by the Republican party. Eden H. Fisher, subject of this 
sketch, is the eldest of a family of fourteen children. When eight years old, 
he came with his parents to Indiana, and from that time until about the break- 
ing-out of the war, attended the schools of Ligonier and Hillsdale College at 
Hillsdale, Mich. June 6, 1861, he enlisted as private in Company A, Twenty- 
first Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered into service 
at Indianapolis, July 24, 1861. This was one of the first regiments out under 
President Lincoln's three years' call, and they were assigned to the army of the 
Potomac. In November, 1861, they started with Gen. Lockwood on the East- 
ern shore campaign, which penetrated into Virginia for the purpose of dis- 
persing some rebel camps of instruction. After thoroughly scouring the 
peninsula, the returned to the old camp at Baltimore. In February, 1862, they 
were ordered to the front, and they then engaged in the celebrated Butler expe- 
dition around the coast. For a time they rendezvoused on Ship Island, then 
removed in time to be present but not participants in the bombardment of Forts 
St. Phillip and Jackson. From here Mr. Fisher, with his regiment, went to 
New Orleans, and after that they participated in the battle of Baton Rouge. 
Previous to this time, Mr. Fisher had been appointed Orderly Sergeant, but 
owing to the resignation of the Second Lieutenant, and the First Lieutenant 
acting Captain, who was then ill, Mr. Fisher was acting First Lieutenant, but 
only holding a Second Lieutenant's commission. At the first fire of the enemy, 
acting Capt. Seely was killed, and the command of the company then de- 
volved upon Lieut. Fisher, who continued commander until he was wounded 
on Atchafalaya River. After the battle, Capt. Fisher was ordered out under 
a hospital flag, by his Colonel, to take charge of the field, and look after the 
dead and wounded. In October, 1862, they moved for Berwick's Bay. They 
remained here for several months, and in February, 1863, embarked on gun- 
boats and began clearing the channel of the Atchafalaya River. On their way 
up the bayou, they were met by a rebel gunboat, and in preparing for the attack, 
a shell, from the cannon on the hurricane deck of the boat on which Mr. Fisher 
was stationed, prematurely exploded, killing Lieut. Wolfe; Capt. Fisher 
lost both legs. Speaking of this event, Indiana's Roll of Honor says : " The 
loss of two such gallant officers by accident was a terrible calamity." After 
lying in the hospital several months, he was sent home for recruiting service 
under orders of Gen. Banks. When on his way home from the hospital, he 
stopped in New York City, and while there attended the theater at which Miss 
Caroline Richings was to sing. As he was carried into the densely-filled hall 
by officers, Miss R. was standing under the old stars and stripes singing, " We 
are coming, Father Abraham," and the sight of a crippled officer just from the 
front, enthused the audience to such a pitch, that they arose in a body cheering 
loudly and waving their hats and handkerchiefs. In November, 1863, he was 
elected Auditor of Noble County and re-elected, serving in all eight years. 
He received the nomination for County Treasurer, but was defeated. Capt. 
Fisher, at one time, was a prominent candidate for State Auditor, but he was 
defeated in the nomination by a small majority. In January, 1873, he removed 
to Rome City, where he had charge of the woolen-mills until 1878, when they 
were burned. Since that time, he has been living a retired life in Rome City. 
He was married to Jennie M. Skillen, daughter of Judge Skillen, September 11, 
1864. They have had five children — Milan W., Mortimer H., Clarence B., 
Mabel and Beulah. Mortimer and Clarence died of diphtheria in October, 1874. 



ORANGE TOWNSHIP. 403 

TIMOTHY GABY. The birthplace of Timothy Gaby was in Brown 
County, N. Y. His parents, George and Roxy (Caswell) Gaby, poor but 
honest farmers of Brown County, were natives of Vermont and New York, 
respectively. George Gaby, grandfather of Timothy Gaby, was a native of 
England, coming to America at the age of seven years. When grown to man- 
hood, he served in the Revolutionary war, as one of the defenders of Liberty, 
and during the latter part of his service was a commissioned officer. His son, 
George Gaby, father of our subject, was a farmer by occupation, but a hatter 
by trade. From Vermont, he moved to Herkimer County, N. Y., and there 
married a Miss Caswell. He worked at his trade for a time, afterward at 
farming. In Brown County, he and his father-in-law worked at saw-milling. 
Owing to his wife's ill health, Mr. Gaby moved back to Vermont, but her 
health not improving, he again returned to New York, where Mrs. Gaby died. 
Mr. Gaby served in the war of 1812, and died in Indiana a few years after 
the close of the rebellion. Timothy Gaby was born April 3, 1820. He came 
to Ohio with his father and started out for himself in Lorain County, with 
only an ax. Previous to coming to Indiana, his occupation was chopping 
cord-wood and clearing land. His marriage with Miss Mary Edmonds was 
solemnized April 12, 1841, and in 1844 he purchased 80 acres of land in 
Orange Township, Noble County, Ind., paying for the same a team, wagon 
and $40, that he had earned by chopping wood at thirty-one cents per cord, 
and $5 per acre for clearing land. Mr. Gaby was a man of energy. From 
poverty he has arisen to a position of wealth. He is a self-made man and owns 
over 400 acres of excellent land, which has been acquired by long years of 
labor and self-denial. He is a Democrat, and has held township offices. His 
wife is a member of the Baptist Church. There have been born seven 
children to them, viz.: Joanna, now Mrs. Schull ; James, married Alice Bar- 
ber ; Etha L., wife of L. Emahiser ; Emily, wife of W. Knox ; George, mar- 
ried Geneva Pancake ; Charles and Esther A. 

JEREMIAH GAULT, the subject of this sketch, is a son of William 
and Lydia (Fleck) Gault, who were both natives of Pennsylvania, and the 
parents of seven children, only five of whom are now living. The father was 
a farmer, and from Pennsylvania came to Seneca County, Ohio, the birth- 
place of our subject, where he resided until May, 1849, and then, to better his 
circumstances, came to Indiana, locating in Noble County, where he purchased 
80 acres of land. There being a small log-cabin on the place, he moved his 
family into it and began to clear and improve the place. In 1869, he sold this 
property, and removed to Kosciusko County, where he afterward died. He 
was a member of the Christian Church, and a Republican. Jeremiah Gault 
was born October 15, 1832. He was reared on a farm and received a common- 
school education. At the age of nineteen, he commenced life for himself, and 
from that time to his marriage was employed by the Lake Shore & Michigan 
Southern Railroad Company, as foreman in the construction of a portion of 
that road. He was married January 1, 1856, to Mary Myers, daughter of 
John Myers, deceased; and they have had one son, John E., who is at present 
attending college at Fort Wayne, Ind. After his marriage, for one and a half 
years, he was employed as clerk at Rome City, after which he purchased his 
present farm, where he has since resided and farmed. He owns 167 acres of 
good land. 

WILLIAM HALL is a native of Vermont, and was reared on a farm 

in the States of New York and Ohio. His father died in Sandusky, Ohio, and 

vv 



404 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

his mother came to La Grange County, Ind., about 1846, where she died. 
William Hall came to La Grange County with his mother, and subsequently 
went West, where he remained but a short time, when he returned and 
located in Orange Township, this county, where he has been engaged in farm- 
ing most of his time since, and where he now resides. Mr. Hall is the owner 
of 100 acres of improved land, and owns a grocery in Milburn, Ohio. He is 
also at this time associated with J. M. Kinney, of Kendallville, in the livery 
business. 

C. B. HART, station agent, was born in Richland County, Ohio, Janu- 
ary 15, 1853. He is a son of J. B. and Rebecca (Smith) Hart, who were na- 
tives respectively of Connecticut and Pennsylvania. Rev. J. B. Hart, father 
of our subject, was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in that 
capacity has traveled over a good part of Ohio. He was a man who com- 
manded the esteem of his fellow-people in whatever section he was located. He 
died in the fall of 1868, but his widow is yet living, and resides in Brimfield. 
C. B. Hart is one in a family of eleven children, six of whom are yet living. 
He received a good education, and at the age of fifteen began railroading, which 
has been his principal employment since. He was employed at Stryker, Edger- 
ton, and other places, and July 1, 1877, he was sent to Brimfield by the Lake 
Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad Company to take charge of the station 
at that place, and has made that his home ever since. The fall of 1879, he 
formed a partnership with J. W. Albright in the grocery business at Brimfield, 
and subsequently purchased the entire stock. February 1, 1881, he and broth 
er, C. T. Hart, formed a partnership under the firm name of Hart Bros., deal- 
ers in dry goods, provisions, groceries, etc., etc. They do an excellent busi- 
ness, and have an average annual trade of $11,000. C. T. Hart has charge of 
the store, while C. B. Hart still continues his services with the Lake Shore & 
Michigan Southern Railroad Company as station agent, and express agent for 
the United States Express Company. Mr. Hart was married, September 9, 
1874, to Miss Eliza Buckler, of Wauseon, Ohio, and to this union have been 
born four children — Bertha C, Ray E., Katie May, and one as yet unnamed. 
Mr. Hart is a thorough business man, a stanch Republican, and a member of 
the I. O. O. F. of Brimfield. 

HENRY HITCHCOCK was born May 4, 1849, in Orange Township, 
and is one of the following family born to William H. and Roxanna (Hodges) Hitch- 
cock : Francis, Jeanette, two that died in infancy, Mary and Henry. The 
father of these, William Hitchcock, is a native of the " Bay State," and his 
father's name was Pliny Hitchcock. William moved from Massachusetts to 
New York, where his parents died, and where he married. In 1841, he and 
family moved to Orange Township, Noble County, and located on Section 8. 
Mr. Hitchcock is a hard-working, sober and industrious man, very decided in 
his views on politics, and religion, but reticent on such subjects. He is yet 
living, and owns 120 acres of land where he first settled. Henry Hitchcock 
received but a common-school education, and at the age of 20 began life on his 
own resources. September 12, 1871, he married Miss Minerva Dixon, and to 
them have been born five children — William H., May, Harry M., Pliny and 
Fred. Mrs. Hitchcock is the adopted daughter of William Dixon, her name 
originally being Miller, her mother dying when she was two years old. Henry 
Hitchcock is a successful farmer and enterprising citizen ; he owns eighty 
acres of well-improved land on Section 17. 



ORANGE TOWNSHIP. 405 

SAMUEL R. HOSLER was bom November 10, 1820, in York County, 
Penn., and is one of six children born to George and Catharine (Rourbaugh) Hos- 
ier, who were both natives of Pennsylvania. George Hosier, father of our subject, 
was a carpenter, but during the latter part of his life engaged in farming. In 
1831, he and family moved to Morrow County, Ohio, where Mr. Hosier died. 
The subject of this sketch, to his twentieth year, worked at farming. He then 
served three years at the carpenter's trade, after which he worked by the 
month two years ; he then formed a partnership with a brother-in-law, which 
continued six years. In 1850, he emigrated to Albion, Noble Co., where for 
one year he worked at his trade. He then moved to Northport, Orange Town- 
ship, where he again took up his trade. He erected, in Noble and La Grange 
Counties, the Bliss Woolen Mill and grist-mill, store buildings, etc., at Rome 
City, and a saw-mill, etc., at Wolcottville. After residing in Northport a num- 
ber of years, he moved to his present farm. The first real estate he possessed 
in the county was the place now owned by Henry Hitchcock. He never lived 
there, however, but soon traded it for a part of his present farm. Mr. Hosier 
at one time owned 465 acres of land, but at present only owns 205 acres, hav- 
ing given the rest to his children. He was married to Barbara Keifer in 1843, 
and they are the parents of five children, as follows: John H., William W., 
Mary C, Minerva (deceased) and Ella B. The first named, John H., was 
born in Morrow County, Ohio, December 21, 1844. His early life was passed in 
Rome City and near Brimfield. He attended Hillsdale College the winter of 
1865-66, and Eastman's Commercial College at Chicago the winter of 1866- 
67. and there graduated. He taught school in Noble County the two following 
winters, and after that was employed as clerk and book-keeper at Brimfield, 
Spring Green, Wis., Kendallville and Chicago. In January, 1875, he com- 
menced keeping books for Kellogg & Harris, of Reedsburg, Wis., in which ca- 
pacity he continued five years. In February, 1880, Mr. Kellogg retiring from 
the firm, Mr. Hosier succeeded him, and the firm name now is Harris & Hos- 
ier, dealers in general merchandise, grain, farm produce, hops, etc. The firm 
is one of the most prosperous in a thriving town of 1,500 inhabitants, situat- 
ed in the heart of the hop-growing district of the Northwest. They are agents 
for the American Express Company, and Mr. Harris is Postmaster of the 
town, Mr. Hosier being Deputy. John H. Hosier and Anna B. Gibson were 
united in wedlock November 28, 1872. This lady died at her parents' resi- 
dence near Wawaka, June 12, 1877, leaving one daughter, Grace, born Feb- 
ruary 16, 1876. Mr. Hosier's second marriage, with Miss Grace M. Bell, of 
Tomah, Wis., was solemnized September 14, 1880. Mr. Hosier is at present 
a member of the Masonic Order and Chapter in Wisconsin. William W. 
Hosier, the second son, was born in Morrow County, Ohio, April 22, 1846. 
At the age of four years, he came with his parents to Indiana, and 
here received the benefits of the common schools. He attended Eastman's 
Business College with his brother, and ever since then, with the exception of 
clerking six months in Brimfield, has been farming. He was married, Decem- 
ber 10, 1874, to Miss Mary E. Imes, daughter of William Imes, Esq., whose 
biography is found elsewhere. To them has been born one daughter — Maud 
M. Mrs. Hosier was born in Noble County, Ind., March 14, 1856. Soon 
after his marriage, he moved to his present place, where he has since resided. 
He owns 160 acres of excellent land and is one of the prosperous farmers of 
Orange Township. The two living daughters of Samuel R. Hosier are Mary 
C, wife of T. L. Imes, and Ella B., who is yet single and resides with her 



406 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

parents. The Hosier family are among the oldest and most respected in the 
township. They are enterprising citizens, liberal in their views on all subjects. 
The father is a life long Democrat in politics, while his sons are both Repub- 
licans. 

WILLIAM IMES. This gentleman is a native of Ohio ; was born in 
Belmont County July 19, 1829. His parents, Richard and Frances (Meeks) 
Imes, were parents of nine children, three of whom are now living. The father 
was a native of Virginia, and came to Belmont County, Ohio, in an early day, 
and from there to Richland County, Ohio, in 1829. Mr. Imes died here in 
1844. He was a farmer and miller. He was a member of the M. E. Church, 
and a Democrat. William Imes was reared in Ohio, obtaining an education 
from the district schools. At the age of sixteen, he commenced learning the 
blacksmith's trade ; but, since moving from his native State, has been farming. 
In 1850, he came to this township, where land was cheap, and purchased 
eighty acres on Section 34. He located on this, and began clearing and 
improving it. He was in ordinary circumstances on his arrival ; but, by 
judicious management, has added to his first purchase, until at present, now 
owning 333 acres of finely improved land. March 1, 1849, he was united in 
marriage with Jane Halferty, and to them have been born seven children — 
Thomas L., John H., James P. (deceased), William A., Mary E., Milton E. 
and Isabell I. He is a Democrat ; has held the office of County Commissioner 
two terms, and the office of Township Assessor a number of years. Thomas 
L. Imes, his eldest son, was born in Ohio December 3, 1849. He came with 
his parents to Noble County, and lived with them until twenty-one, when he 
began for himself. He assisted his parents on the farm, and went to school. 
He taught school a number of terms, but has made farming his occupation. 
He was married to Miss Mary C. Hosier March 13, 1873, and they are the 
parents of one daughter — Mabel. Mrs. Imes was born January 21, 1848. 
T. L. Imes is a Democrat, and a member of the I. 0. 0. F. of Brimfield. 

C. W. McMEANS, hardware. Among the old settlers of Noble County 
is the father of the subject of this sketch, John McMeans, who was born in 
Montgomery County, Ohio, November 23, 1807. He was married January 1, 
1829, to Eliza Becher, who was born September 30, 1809, in Bedford County, 
Penn. Mr. McMeans learned the potter's trade, and, during the spring of 
1838, came to Port Mitchell, then county seat of Noble County, and established 
a pottery. In September of the same year, his family joined him ; he after- 
ward removed to Green Township. Mr. McMeans was elected County Treas- 
urer in 1843 by the Whig party, and returned to Port Mitchell. While 
serving his second term, beginning in 1847, the county seat was changed to 
Albion, and with it removed to that place, where he has since resided. Mr. 
McMeans is yet living in Albion, but his wife died at that place April 12, 1877. 
They had ten children, five of whom are living. C. W. McMeans was born 
in Port Mitchell March 21, 1842. In youth, he learned the tinner's trade, 
and since the age of seventeen, has been doing for himself. July 10, 1861. he 
enlisted in Company G, Nineteenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and joined 
the Army of the Potomac. While in Washington, he, in some way thi-ough his 
food, was poisoned, supposed by Southern sympathizers. He was sent home, 
and for months was unable to do anything. At times, he is yet a sufferer from 
its effects. The fall of 1867, he came to Brimfield, and, October 15, married 
Ann E. Seely, daughter of one of the old pioneers of La Grange County, and 
in 1868 purchased a hardware stock, in partnership, at that place. Mr. 



ORANGE TOWNSHIP. 407 

McMeans, since 1871, has carried on the business alone. He and wife are 
parents of one son — John E. Mr. McMeans is a member of the Masonic Order 
and a stanch Republican. 

JAMES A. McQUEEN, one of the oldest living settlers of Orange Town- 
ship, was -born July 25, 1804, in Mayfield, Montgomery Co., N. Y. His 
father, James McQueen, was a native of Scotland, and came to the United 
States, when he was five years old, with his parents. He married Grissel 
Waterman, in Montgomery County, and they were the parents of nine children, 
four only of whom are yet living. The parents died in New York. Our sub- 
ject was raised a farmer. In 1831, he married Statira Phelps, in Lewis County, 
and shortly after this he purchased a small farm in Oswego County, where he 
farmed five years. In 1836, he came to Indiana, and entered three eighty- 
acre lots, and then returned to New York. The spring of 1837, he came over- 
land with ox teams to his place in Orange Township, Noble County, and from 
Michigan he had to cut a road through the woods for the wagon to pass over. 
On his arrival, he cleared a place in which he erected a rude log cabin, which 
for fifteen years served as a shelter to the family. Mr. McQueen and family 
arrived in their new home the 1st of June, and by the middle of the following 
August the whole family were down with the ague, a disease very prevalent in 
an early day. For two years, they were unable to earn the bare necessities of 
life, and during this time death robbed the household of two of the brightest 
children. Mr. McQueen and wife were sufferers also. Indians were their 
nearest neighbors, and to make everything the more gloomy, the wolves and 
other wild animals would howl around their door, until the parents were almost 
crazy. They could not return to their old home, because they had no means. 
In speaking of this trying time, Mr. McQueen said, " God only knows how we 
suffered and got along in those days." Since then, civilization has changed 
the then unbroken forest to a prosperous and peaceful country. Mr. McQueen 
now owns 100 acres of good land, and a fine home. He and wife were parents 
of seven children — John D. (deceased), George, Bushrod (deceased). Clarrissa, 
C. E., Miranda and John L. Mr. McQueen was a Democrat in politics pre- 
vious to 1840, after which he became an Abolitionist, and then a Republican. 
For upward of fifty years he and wife have lived together, and there is a no 
more highly respected family in the township. 

EDWARD P. MOORE is a son of Benjamin Moore, who was a native of 
Albany, N. Y., and a posthumous child, his father dying before Benjamin's 
birth. The latter was bound out to a farmer with whom he lived until thirteen 
years of age, when, owing to ill treatment, he ran away. When a young man, 
he went to Delaware County, N. Y., where he engaged in farming. He here 
met, and, in October, 1833, married Charlotte Goodenough, and succeeding 
that event resided in his native State, farming until the spring of 1837, when 
he came to Elkhart Township, Noble County, Ind., entered eighty acres of 
land and commenced the erection of a log cabin, but taking sick had to forego 
its completion until the next year. He worked at several trades after coming 
to Indiana, one of them being shoe-making. The family continued to reside in 
Elkhart Township, and near Lima, La Grange County, until 1864, when they 
removed to Rome City, where Mr. Moore died the following year. He was a 
member of the M. E. Church, and a leading Republican. His widow was born 
in Delaware County, N. Y., in 1814, and is yet living in Rome City. This 
couple were parents of two daughters and two sons, only the two latter being 
alive. Their names are Edward P. and William H. The latter married Jean- 



408 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

nette Hitchcock, and resides in Orange Township. Edward P. was reared in 
Noble County, and it has since been his home. He was married, November 7, 
1861, to Amanda Gibson, daughter of William Gibson, of Kosciusko County. 
They have had seven children — William, Jesse, Samantha, Chai'ley, Nellie, 
Kitty, and one that died in infancy. Only Jesse, Samantha and Kitty are liv- 
ing. Mrs. Moore was born August 25, 1843. Mr. Moore is a Republican. 
Owns sixty acres of good land. 

A. J. NISWANDER, one of the early settlers of Orange Township, was 
born in Columbiana County, Ohio, September 14, 1814. She who became his 
wife was Mrs. Eve (Moutz) Engle, a widow lady with four children. Mr. Niswan- 
der removed to Indiana, and, in 1849, purchased eighty acres of woodland on 
Section 81 of Orange Township. He was a poor man, and, after paying for his 
land, Mr. Niswander only had $1.50 with which to start housekeeping. The 
spring of 1850, he erected a hewn log-house on his property, which at 
the time was considered the best house in the neighborhood. After liv- 
ing here long years, clearing and improving the place, undergoing the hardships 
incident to a pioneer's life, Mr. and Mrs. Niswander sold the old place, and 
moved to the village of Brimfield, where they are yet living a retired life, mem- 
bers of the German Baptist Church. Isaac, their son, came with them to In- 
diana in 1849. He had but little advantages for an education. He began for 
himself at the age of twenty-two, and March 26, 1865, married Mary Mc- 
Ewen, daughter of William and Hannah (Dixon) McEwen. Their union has 
been blessed by the birth of two sons — Frank J. and James E. From the 
time of his marriage until he came to Brimfield, Mr. Niswander engaged 
steadily in farming with the exception of a few months in Kendallville, where 
he was in the dry goods trade. The spring of 1874, he formed a partnership 
with Dr. Endly in the drug business in Brimfield, but since 1876 he has car- 
ried on the trade alone. He is a successful business man ; is a Greenbacker, 
and a member of the I. 0. 0. F., and a first-class citizen. 

M. F. OWEN, station agent, was born in Norfolk County, Upper Canada, 
in 1851. He is a son of J. W. and Mary Owen, who were natives of New 
York. In 1857, our subject moved with his parents to the United States, and 
here was educated in the common schools. At the age of twenty-one, he com- 
menced railroading, and for a time was in the employ of the M. C. & L. M. R. 
R., but in December, 1874, his services were secured as station agent at Rome 
City by the G. R. & I. R. R., where he has remained to the present. While 
yet in the employ of the railroad company, he formed a partnership with 
Charles Swinehart in the boating business on Sylvan Lake. A further notice 
of this will be found elsewhere in this volume. Mr. Owen is also President 
and local manager of the steamer interests on the lake. He was married in 
June, 1876, to Miss Mary Hautton, who has borne him two daughters — Lura 
De and Jessie. Mr. Owen is a Democrat, and a member of the Chosen 
Friends of Rome City. He is the agent at Rome City for the United States 
Express Company. 

MRS. JANE PORTNER, widow of Daniel Portner (deceased), is the 
daughter of Daniel and Jane Dye, and is next to the youngest of eleven 
children. She is a native of Pennsylvania, where she was born April 24, 1820, 
and two years later accompanied her parents to Richland County, Ohio, where 
her father died in March, 1854, and her mother in August, 1857. The former 
was born in Virginia, 1776, and the latter in Maryland in 1779 ; they were 
married in 1797. They were members of the Baptist Church, and were 



ORANGE TOWNSHIP. 409 

respected by all. Mr. Dye held several offices of trust, and was a large land 
owner. Jane Dye and Daniel Portner were united in marriage February 5, 
1843. They remained in Ohio until in 1854, when they came to this county, 
and settled on the farm where Mrs. Portner is now living, and where Mr. 
Portner died July 13, 1858. He was born in Germany September 10, 1813, 
and was the second of eight children; came to America with his parents, Daniel 
and Christina Portner, in 1824. He remained in New York until 1840, when 
he came to Richland County, Ohio, where his parents died about one year 
later. Mr. and Mrs. Portner were parents of eight children, viz., Louisa J., 
born March 28, 1844, married Dr. M. C. Bonar, and is residing in Knox, 
Ind. ; Mary A., born June 30, 1845, now Mrs. William Gouser, farming 
in La Grange County ; Henry D., born March 22, 1847, married Alma Snyder, 
and is farming in La Grange County ; Susan L., born June 30, 1848, now 
Mrs. Anthony Deffenbaugh, resident of Nebraska; William A., born June 30, 

1850, married Ruth Schooner, and is a marble dealer of Sturgis, Mich. ; Samuel 
M., born January 10, 1852, married Isabelle Stewart, farming in this county ; 
Daniel D., born December 21, 1854, single, and farming old homestead ; and 
Albert F., born January 18, 1858. 

J. S. RINEHART, merchant, was born in Knox County, Ohio, May 9, 

1851. He is a son of Joel and Ebeline (Starmer) Rinehart, natives of Penn- 
sylvania, and who moved to Ohio when they were but children. Being a 
farmer, Joel Rinehart went to Michigan with a view of settling there, but re- 
turned to Ohio, and in 1855 came to Jefferson Township, Noble Co., Ind. 
Joshua S. Rinehart, in the spring of 1874, graduated at the Commercial Col- 
lege in Kalamazoo, Mich. He then engaged in clerking at Kendallville, after 
which he carried on a clothing establishment in Garrett for his former employers. 
In April, 1876, he opened a general store in Rome City, which he has since 
continued with increased success. His marriage with Miss Lucy Brothwell 
was solemnized April 4, 1876. This lady was born in Elkhart Township, 
Noble Co., Ind., October 29, 1847, and is the daughter of John F. (deceased), 
and Merilda (White) Brothwell. Mr. and Mrs. Rinehart have one daughter — 
Beda B. John F. Brothwell was one of the earliest settlers of Noble County, 
and among the old pioneers none were more honored than he. He died 
December 18, 1874, aged sixty-seven years. We quote the following from an 
obituary of him, published in one of the county papers : " Mr. Brothwell was a 
native of Bridgeport, Conn., and came to this county in 1836. Being gifted 
by nature with a well-balanced mind, which had been developed by education, 
he became the leader in all that had a tendency to elevate his race, and in all 
matters appertaining to educational advancement. For many years, he was one 
of the County Commissioners, and in the discharge of his public duties he ever 
acted upon the same principles of honesty and fidelity that were leading traits 
in his character. He was twice elected to represent the county in the State 
Legislature, in which capacity he gave abundant satisfaction to his constituents. 
In his home, he was noted for domestic virtues, and his hospitality and his 
memory is embalmed in the hearts of those who knew him best." In conclusion, 
we can say that, in every sense of the word, Mr. Brothwell was one of nature's 
true noblemen. He suffered much in sickness, but welcomed death in the belief 
of the salvation of the whole human family. 

ROBERT D. RHEA. The father of the subject of this sketch, David D. 
Rhea, was among the earliest settlers of La Grange County. He was a native 
of Virginia, and the son of Robert Rhea, who came to America from Scotland, 



410 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

• with a brother, previous to the Revolutionary war, and located in Pocahontas 
County, Va. David D. Rhea was a farmer, and married Ruth Kennison ; be- 
tween 1830 and 1835, he emigrated to Indiana, and in about 1839 located in 
Clearspring Township. Mr. Rhea was a hunter, and has killed many deer. 
From Clearspring Township he moved to Clinton County, Iowa, in 1852, and 
he and wife lived there until their deaths. She died in 1856, and Mr. Rhea 
about ten years later. Robert D. Rhea was born in Benton Township, Elk- 
hart County, Ind., July 15, 1835. He received but a very limited education, 
and, with his parents, moved to Iowa in 1852, where he remained five years. 
He then came back to his native county, and one year afterward moved to La 
Grange County. The spring of 1861, he moved to his present place; he has 
since made it his home. September 1, 1861, he enlisted in Company D, For- 
ty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was wounded in the arm at the battle of 
Shiloh April 6, 1862. The wound was a severe one, and resulted in his being 
discharged July 31, 1862. He was united in marriage with Miss Nancy New- 
house in September, 18'JO, and this lady bore him the following six children — 
Ruth A., Walter, John, Jesse, and two that died in infancy. Mr. Rhea is a 
Republican, and the owner of 160 acres of well-improved land. 

JOHN M. SCHERMERHORN. This gentleman's parents, Ernestus 
and Ann (Johnson) Schertnerhorn, were old settlers of La Grange County, 
Ind., and natives respectively of New York and Massachusetts. The family 
genealogy is traced back to three brothers who left Germany and came to 
the United States previous to the Revolution. Becoming naturalized, they 
made America their home, and fought in the Revolutionary war. Ernestus 
Schermerhorn was a farmer ; he emigrated to La Grange County in the spring 
of 1836, locating on the prairie near Lima. Living there two years, he re- 
moved to Clearspring Township, purchased a farm and resided there until his 
death, which occurred in February, 1876. Subject, July 25, 1862, enlisted in 
Company G, Eighty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was finally dis- 
charged June 20, 1865. He was an active participant in the battle of Perry- 
ville, was in the Atlanta campaign and with Sherman on his march to the sea. 
At the close of the war, Mr. Schermerhorn returned home, and for one year 
attended the academy at Wolcottville On the 20th of March, 1868, he was 
married to Miss Jennie Atwood, and the same year removed to Orange Town- 
ship, where he has since been farming. He owns 210 acres of land, and is a 
Republican. Mrs. S. is a member of the M. E. Church. Mr. and Mrs. 
Schermerhorn have had two children — Blanche, deceased, and Ernest. His 
mother died in July, 1863. His father took a decided stand in opposition to 
slavery a short time previous to the war. 

JOHN TANNAR was born in Rochester, N. Y. — as were also his parents, 
William and Olive (Clow) Tannar — June 24, 1830. The family emigrated to 
Huron County, Ohio, in 1832, and from there to Allen Township, Noble 
County, Ind., in the fall of 1846. William Tannar, our subject's father, was 
a mechanic, but worked at farming principally in Noble County. John Tannar 
is one of fourteen children, one of whom, a daughter, is dead. He assisted his 
parents on the farm in youth, and received a common school education. In 
1858, he married Betsey Richardson, and to them were born two children — 
Rosetta Ann and Sarah Jane. The former is the wife of Albert Arehart ; the 
latter is deceased. With the exception of ten years in Steuben County, Mr. 
Tannar has resided in Noble County, engaged in farming. He at present owns 
60 acres of very good land. He started for himself at the age of twenty-one, 



ORANGE TOWNSHIP. 411 

a poor man. Since that time, he has acquired his present property. He is a 
Republican, and a man of progressive ideas. His father was one of the early 
settlers of Rochester, and in that city erected many of the public buildings. 
The first jail of that city was built by him. After his arrival in Ohio, he 
worked at his trade until coming to Indiana. He purchased 160 acres of land 
in Allen Township. He was one of the pioneers of Noble County. John 
Tannar's grandfather, John Clow, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. 
From a severe wound received at Bunker Hill, he received a pension of $96 
per month. Mr. and Mrs. Tannar had each three brothers, who were in the 
late civil war. 

HON V. R. TAYLOR. (See biography of Philo Taylor, deceased, 
Johnson Township.) 

JOHN W. TEAL was born in Shelby County, Ind., December 23, 1831. 
He is a son of Nathaniel and Ann (Walker) Teal, who were parents of seven 
children, five of whom are now living. The father was a native of Ohio. 
After graduating at one of the principal medical colleges with honor, he 
came to Shelby County, Ind., where he began practicing his profession. On his 
arrival, his possessions consisted of a horse, pill bags and 75 cents in money. 
After practicing a number of years, he quit, and engaged in mercantile pursuits 
in Shelbyville. In 1847, he sold out and moved to Indianapolis, where he 
began office practice. He died there in about 1876. The subject of this biog- 
raphy obtained a common-school education at Shelbyville. At the age of six- 
teen, he moved with his parents to Indianapolis, where for four years he went 
to school and clerked in stores of that city. In 1855, he married Christina 
Geisendorff, and after that event engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods 
at Indianapolis. In 1863, he came to Rome City, where he has since resided, 
and has been engaged in different kinds of business, among them being 'woolen 
manufacturing, mercantile and farming. He now owns 110 acres of good land 
near Rome City, a livery stable in that town, besides other town property. 
Mr. Teal is a Republican; his wife is a member of the M. E. Church, and they 
are parents of Emma (deceased), William, Frederick, Edmund (deceased), Na- 
thaniel (deceased) and John. 

JAMES L. TRADER, physician and surgeon, was born in Union- 
town, Penn., June 9, 1846. He is a son of Tegle and Mahala (Hatfield) 
Trader, and grandson of Staten Trader, a native of England, who came with 
his parents to America and settled in Maryland, near Snow Hill. Staten 
Trader here married a Miss Long, who bore him a large family of children, 
one of them being Tegle, the father of t>r. Trader. Tegle Trader and family 
went to Western Pennsylvania, and there engaged in agricultural pursuits. 
He resided on the farm until recently, when he removed to Uniontown, where 
he and wife are yet living, retired from active life. The subject of this biog- 
raphy is one of eight children. His early years were passed in going to the 
common and graded schools of his native town, and later in years attending 
college, for the purpose of fitting himself to enter the medical college. For 
two years, he read under Dr. Fuller, an eminent physician of Western Penn- 
sylvania. He attended the Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia the 
season of 1869-70, and graduated from that institution the season of 1870-71. 
Soon after his graduation, Dr. Trader located in Uniontown, and for six years 
successfully carried on the practice of his profession. From there he removed 
to Perryopolis, practicing at that place one year. While here, and on the 12th 
of July, 1877, he married Carrie May Porter, and soon after this event he 



412 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

removed to Brimfield, Ind., where he has since remained. Dr. Trader has 
been very successful in his practice at this place, and by his pleasing address 
and energy he devotes to his business has won many warm and true friends. 
To his marriage with Miss Porter there has been born one son — John Porter, 
born January 7, 1879. 

WILLIAM H. TROWBRIDGE was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., 
March 4, 1828. He is a son of Samuel and Bethiah (Winslow) Trowbridge, 
who were both natives of New York and the parents of eight children, six 
sons of whom are yet living. Mr. Trowbridge, the father, was a carpenter 
and joiner by trade, also worked at cabinet making while in York State. In 
about 1834, he, with his family, moved to Ohio; but after a residence in Cuya- 
hoga County for a short time, he became dissatified with the country and moved 
back to his native State, but again returned to Ohio, locating in Geauga 
County, thence to Indiana. They came overland through the Black Swamp 
in Ohio to Noble County, locating on Section 35, in Orange Township. After 
living there about five years, he moved near Kendallville, and from there to 
Section 36, in Orange Township, in 1853. In 1867, he sold out, moved to 
Iona County, Mich., where he died a month or so after his arrival. He was 
one of Orange Township's earliest settlers, and deserves due mention in the 
history of that township. His wife died the spring of 1872. W. H. Trow- 
bridge was reared a farmer. At the age of twenty-four, he started overland 
for California, but instead of going to the expected destination he went to 
Oregon, where he engaged in lumbering. The spring of 1855 he returned 
to Indiana, and purchased his present place. He was married, November 22, 
1862, to Ann Eliza Wilson, who bore him one son — Herbert H., who has since 
died. The mother died April 10, 1865, and August 10, 1867, Mr. Trowbridge 
married his present wife, Berthana Woodruffe. This lady has borne him seven 
children — George F., Joseph P., Walter, Harry, Emma and two that died in 
infancy. Mr. Trowbridge is a Republican and owns eighty acres of good land. 

JACOB A. WALDRON. Lewis Waldron, father of our subject, was born 
November 30, 1814, in Rockland County, N. Y., and is one of seven children, 
three yet living, born to Jacob and Furtama (Phillips) Waldron, who were of 
English descent. Lewis Waldron has made farming and clearing his chief em- 
ployment through life. In 1817, he came with his parents to Delaware County, 
Ohio, and from there to Indiana in June, 1836, locating in Elkhart Township, 
Noble County, where his parents died. In 1846, Lewis Waldron and family 
moved to the place now owned by John Schermerhorn in Orange Township ; 
then to Brimfield during the war. His wife, Sabina Holden, was born in On- 
tario County, N. Y., January 30, 1807, and they were married April 4, 1832. 
To them has been born seven children, all of whom are yet living. Jacob A. 
Waldron, the oldest, was born in Delaware County, Ohio, in 1833, and has 
always farmed. In 1855, he married Mary L. Lake, who died in 1864, leaving 
four children — Viola C, Lillie L., Sherman T. and Sheridan. February 15, 
1866, Mr. Waldron married his present wife, Miss Achsah Reed. He is a 
Democrat, and is a Trustee of Orange Township at the present. He owns six- 
ty-four and one-half acres of good land, and is a member of the Masonic Order 
of Rome City. Mrs. Waldron is a member of the Free- Will Baptist Church. 

H. H. WARNER was born in Cortland County, N. Y., April 25, 1822, 
and is one of eleven children born to Ira and Acenith (Hitchcock) Warner. 
The parents were natives of Massachusetts and farmers. The subject came 
West to Indiana in 1849. Having relatives in Orange Township, Noble County, 



ORANGE TOWNSHIP. 413 

he located on his present place, where he has ever since resided. Mr. Warner 
came in time to see much new country, and to clear his farm principally of all 
its timber. In 1847, he married Ursula J. Hitchcock, and they have had one 
child — Maggie W., the wife of Gr. T. Brothwell. Mr. Warner owns 500 acres 
of land, which he and Mr. Brothwell farm, and also carry on stock-raising. 
Mr. Warner is a Republican. His wife was born in Orleans County, N. Y., 
September 15, 1822, and is a member of the M. E. Church. G. T. Brothwell 
was born January 25, 1841, in Bridgeport, Conn. Emery Brothwell and 
Polina Treadwell, his parents, are both dead. Gr. T. Brothwell came to 
Noble County in May, 1858, and lived with his uncle, John F., until the 
breaking-out of the war. August 12, 1862, he enlisted in Company B, Twelfth 
Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Fifteenth Army Corps, and was discharged June 

20, 1865. Richmond, Ky., was the first battle he engaged in, and was there 
taken prisoner. He was paroled, came home on a furlough, after which he was 
exchanged, and then rejoined his regiment. He was an active participant in 
the battles of Chattanooga, Mission Ridge, Kenesaw and Lookout Mountain, 
Vicksburg, all through the Atlanta Campaign, with Sherman on his memorable 
march to the sea, and with Sherman went to Washington. After the war, Mr. 
Brothwell returned to his native town, and took a thorough course in Bryant & 
Stratton's Business College. Afterward, he came to South Bend, Ind., where 
for two years he was engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods. January 

21, 1849, he married, and since that event has been chiefly engaged in farming 
in Orange Township. He and wife are members of the M. E. Church, and 
Mr. Brothwell is a Republican in politics. 

C. C. WATKINS. The father of the subject, Orlin Watkins, was born 
in Ontario County, N. Y., December 24, 1798. He was a son of Nathan and 
Sarah (Clark) Watkins, and grandson of Capt. William Watkins (Captain in 
the Revolution). His great-grandfather Watkins was a native of Wales, and 
during the religious disturbances there, in 1688, he and a brother fled to 
America. Orlin Watkins was raised a farmer. He was married March 13, 
1822, to Electa S. Ketchum. After his marriage, he engaged in the manufact- 
ure of woolen goods in Naples, N. Y. The spring of 1836 he sold out, came 
to Noble County, and entered 400 acres on Sections 21 and 27 in Orange 
Township; returned to New York. The fall of 1836, he brought his family, but 
did not locate until the next year. The winter of 1836-37, he was in Michigan, 
and the fall of 1837 came to Noble County, leaving his family in Wayne Town- 
ship, until he could erect a cabin. He resided in Orange Township until his 
death. June 13, 1860. His wife died on the 17th of August, 1854. They 
were the parents of five children, four living. Mr. Watkins was a Whig, but, 
beginning with John C. Fremont's candidacy, became a permanent Republican. 
He was a worker in the Congregational faith. Calvin C. Watkins was born 
October 26, 1826. He came with his parents to Indiana. He was married 
September 24, 1858, to Nancy J. Piatt, a native of Knox County, Ohio. 
Their union has been blessed with six children — Warren C, Fanny F., Timothy 
C, Lizzie A., Nathan A. and Willie H. Lizzie is dead. Mr. Watkins has 
made Orange Township his home since coming to Noble County. He owns 
200 acres of good land, is a Republican, and he and wife are members of the 
Protestant Methodist Church. Mr. Watkins is a member of the Masons, the 
Knights of Honor and the Odd Fellows. 

CHRISTIAN WEAVER, farmer, came to Indiana September 30, 1849. 
He was born in Ohio, and lived there with his parents until twenty-three years 



414 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

of age. He spent some time at clearing land, and bought 108 acres of wooded 
land in Orange Township, then went back to Ohio. He made the journey on 
foot, a distance of 300 miles, with the exception of sixteen miles that he traveled 
by rail, from Fort Finley to Cary, on the first cars he had ever seen. He 
returned in 1850, and September 20, 1851, was married to Susanna Towns, 
native of Ohio, and daughter of John and Mary Towns, who located on a farm, 
in 1850, in Steuben County, Ind., where they died. Mr. Weaver's farm now 
numbers 267 acres of land of the best soil to be found in the county, and in 
place of the old log cabin stands a commodious frame residence, and the farm 
is well superintended by the owner, who is a thorough farmer. Mr. and Mrs. 
Weaver are members of the German Baptist Church, and have had five children 
— John (deceased), William, who is one of the most active and prosperous 
farmers of Elkhart Township ; Sylvanus and Wesley, living at home, and Cor- 
nelius (deceased.) 

JACOB WEAVER. January 30, 1827, there was born to Christian and 
Christina (Hetrick) Weaver, the subject of this sketch, in Columbiana County, 
Ohio. The mother died after bearing Mr. Weaver a family of twelve children, 
and this gentlemen married Mrs. Sally Hoffman for his second wife, who bore 
him two children. Mr. Weaver is now dead, but his last wife is yet living. 
Father of subject was a farmer. He was an honest, straightforward man, a 
Deacon in the German Baptist Church, and a well-respected citizen. Jacob 
Weaver was reared on his father's farm, assisting his parents in the duties of 
farm life that devolved on them. His educational advantages were very limited, 
and he received but a meager schooling. He emigrated to Indiana the fall of 
1849, and for a few months resided in Jefferson Township. Early the next 
year, he removed to Orange Township, which he has since made his home. The 
country at that time was quite wild, and small clearings were all that attested 
that people had been there. Mr. Weaver worked around at different jobs until 
his marriage to Lydia Towns the fall of 1852, since when he has been living 
on his present place. He commenced with small means at his command, but 
by hard labor and economy has made a competence. He owns 102 acres of 
well-improved land, and is in good financial circumstances. He is a Democrat, 
and he and wife are members of the German Baptist Church. The children 
born to them are as follows : Rachel, David, Lee, Lou, Jacob and Lona, living, 
and Ellen, Eli, John and Rosetta, dead. 

CHARLES A. WILSON, M. D., proprietor of the Mineral Springs 
Therapy, Rome City, was born April 20, 1842, in Worcester County, Mass. 
He is one of five children, of whom Wheaton and Jerusha (Chase) Wilson were 
the parents. Up to the age of nineteen, he lived at home, and received a good 
practical education. At the age of twelve, he began working at ornamental 
painting, but discontinued it for the study of medicine when sixteen. He left 
his studies and enlisted, September, 1861, in Company I, Twenty-fifth Mass- 
achusetts Volunteer Infantry. He served in the infantry until after the capture 
of Newbern as Assistant Hospital Steward, and was then transferred on the 
United States steamer Delaware, and, after six months, to the ship Onward. 
This vessel left port with sealed instructions, not to be opened until they had 
sailed easterly 100 miles. On opening these instructions, it was found that 
they were out for a two years' cruise in search of the Alabama and Florida, and 
to protect the rights of American citizens in foreign ports. For a year and nine 
months they cruised around with ordinary success. Dr. Wilson, on this trip, 
obtained a good knowledge of surgery, besides a memorable experience in for- 



ORANGE TOWNSHIP. 415 

eign countries. He was discharged in the fall of 1864, and, that winter, took 
another course of lectures at Harvard. He graduated with honors from that 
institution in the winter of 1868, and up to 1870 practiced medicine in Mon- 
tague. He then came to Kendallville, Ind., and from thereto Wolcottville two 
years later. At the latter place he had a good practice. He came to Rome 
City and established his Mineral Springs Therapy and Water Cure. He has 
now good facilities for treatment of chronic diseases. The Doctor is the in- 
ventor of an abdominal supporter. He was married in November, 1868, to 
Harriet S. Brick, and to them has been born one son — Charles F. He is a 
Republican, and he and wife are members of the Baptist Church at Wolcott- 
ville. 



ALLEN TOWNSHIP. 

JAMES M. AMOS was born in Baltimore County, Md., January 3, 
1816, and is a son of Frederick and Naomi (Alderson) Amos, both of whom 
were born, reared, married and had a family of eleven children born to them 
in Maryland, the subject of this sketch being the youngest. When about ten 
years of age, his parents moved to Cumberland County, Penn., and from there 
to Richland County, Ohio, in 1836, where they resided. The father was a 
man of good education and of more than an average degree of intelligence. 
He taught school, was a farmer and surveyor. James M. Amos was reared on 
a farm, received only a fair education, and remained at home until twenty-eight 
years old. He was married December 28, 1843, to Miss Margaret Weaver, 
who was born in Richland County, Ohio, December 18, 1825. To this union 
were born six children — John D., Martha and Susan, living ; and Waldo, 
Naomi and William, deceased. Mr. Amos farmed in Ohio until 1853, when he 
came to his present place in Noble County, where he has since remained. He 
started a poor boy, but, by industry and economy, has placed himself in 
comfortable circumstances. He is a Democrat in politics, and a prominent 
citizen. 

HENRY BAUM is a native of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, born Feb- 
ruary 28, 1817. His parents died when he was quite young, and he was sent 
to this country to be reared by an uncle who resided in Ohio. After a few 
years the uncle died, and young Baum went to Pennsylvania, where for a num- 
ber of years he was employed upon a canal. He was united in marriage with 
Miss Sarah Fryer, in 1838. She was born in Snyder County, Penn., June 
28, 1816. To them were born two children, viz. : Emanuel F. and Permelia. 
In 1854, Mr. Baum came to Avilla, and engaged in the mercantile business, in 
which he continued until 1878. He was Postmaster at Avilla some eight years. 
His son, Emanuel, was born September 23, 1844, and, to a great extent, has 
always assisted Mr. Baum with his business. He was married to Miss Frances 
A. Young, September 15, 1874. This lady was born in De Kalb County, Ind., 
May 26, 1853. They have one child — Charlton H. Mrs. Baum has for some 
time been connected with the Avilla School as teacher, a position she fills with 
much credit. 

MONROE BENDER was born in the Swiss Republic March 24, 1814. 
His parents, Otmer and Osa Bender, emigrated to this country in 1838, and 
settled at Shelby, Richland Co., Ohio. Six weeks after their arrival, the 
mother died. In the family were eight sons and four daughters. The father 



416 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

made Richland County his home, where he was well and favorably known. 
Monroe Bender received but a limited education, and, when fourteen years of 
age, went to Norwalk, Ohio, where, for five years, he worked at whatever he 
could get to do. He then worked in a mill at Bellevue, Ohio, after which he 
entered the employ of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad, working 
in the shops and as fireman on the road. He also worked in the shops of the 
Pennsylvania Railway Company at Fort Wayne, and then went to Ohio, and 
until 1860 was engaged in the mercantile business. He then came to this 
county, and has since been engaged in farming and stock-raising. He was 
married to Miss Fanny Stigmire in 1861. She was born in Switzerland Octo- 
ber 16, 1836, was baptized by Father Stoker, and from seven to fifteen years 
of age attended school in her native country. She then learned the dress- 
maker's trade, at which she worked carefully, saving her money until twenty- 
three years of age, when she came to this country alone, and until her marriage 
with Mr. Bender made her home with friends in Seneca County, Ohio. Mr. 
and Mrs. Bender have had a family of five children, viz.: Samuel F., Amelia 
V., Emma L., Frank M. and Fanny M. Mr. Bender owns 280 acres of land, 
which is nicely improved and well stocked. He is a Democrat, and he and 
family are members of the Catholic Church at Avilla. 

DAVIS BLACK was born in Cumberland County, Penn., August 7, 
1825. He is the son of Peter and Martha (Amos) Black, full mention of whom 
is made in another part of this work. Davis Black was brought up on his 
father's farm, receiving his education in the log schoolhouses of that day. He 
married Miss Caroline Sigler May 23, 1850. Mrs. Black was born in Rich- 
land County, Ohio, in 1825. The fall following their marriage, they moved 
to this county, and purchased eighty acres of land. This was unimproved at 
the time. They have since added to it, until they now own 160 acres, which 
are nicely improved and well stocked. To them have been born four children, 
viz.: Matilda A., Martha D. and William W., living, and Mary E., deceased. 
Mr. Black began life as a poor man, and he and wife have made what they 
have since their marriage. They are public-spirited people, and have the 
respect of all who are acquainted with them. Mr. Black is a Democrat, but 
liberal in his views. 

FREDERICK A. BLACK was born in Harford County, Md., July 31, 
1813. He is the son of Peter and Martha (Amos) Black, who were born, 
reared and married in Maryland. They removed to Lancaster County, Penn., 
in 1819, and then in a few years to Cumberland County, the same State. In 
1833, they moved to Richland County, Ohio, and to this county in 1852. In 
their family were eight sons and two daughters, the greater portion of whom 
now reside in Noble County. The father was a soldier of the war of 1812, 
and participated in a number of engagements. He was a Jackson Democrat, 
and held many positions of honor and trust. Both he and wife have been 
dead some years. Frederick A. Black was brought up on a farm, and received 
few advantages for obtaining an education. When about twenty-four years of 
age, he began working in a saw-mill, and for seven years continued in this 
business. He was maried to Miss Sophia Shafer in 1836. She was born in 
Bedford County, Penn., in 1817. From this union there were seven children, 
viz.: Mary A., John D., Margaret E., Elizabeth, Sarah M., Peter 0. and 
Jane S. In 1845, Mr. Black came to this county, and purchased eighty 
acres of land in Jefferson Township. He has added to his first purchase from 
time to time, until he now owns 376 acres. He has always followed farming 



ALLEN TOWNSHIP. 417 

and stock-raising, and has done much toward improving the stock of Noble 
County. He is a self-made man in the fullest sense of the term. He has held 
the office of County Commissioner three terms, during which time he suggested 
and carried out many needed reforms in the management of the county's affairs. 
He has also held the office of School Trustee, Justice of the Peace and other 
offices, and proved valuable and efficient. Mrs. Black died in 1850, since 
which Mr. Black has remained single, caring for his family and keeping them 
together until their respective marriages. He is a Democrat in politics, and a 
useful and honored citizen. 

M. BLUST was born in Seneca County, Ohio, September 13, 1844. He 
is the son of George and Elizabeth (Myer) Blust, who were natives of Ger- 
many, where for seven years the father served as a soldier. In 1837, he came 
with his family to this country, and located in Seneca County, Ohio, where he 
engaged in farming. He was twice married. To the first marriage there 
were nine children and by the second six. He was an industrious man, a good 
citizen and a member of the Catholic Church. Our subject was reared on a 
farm and received but a limited education. When about nineteen, he left home 
and came to Avilla, Ind., and for some time worked at carpentering. He then 
began manufacturing brick and erecting buildings, and has thus continued. 
He makes about 500,000 brick per annum, and has been in the business some 
nineteen years. In 1875, he began to manufacture drain tile, which he is 
now engaged in quite extensively. Both the tile and brick he manufactures 
are of a superior quality, and he finds ready sale for them. He was united in 
marriage with Miss Bernedena Soele January 7, 1869, born in Pittsburgh, 
Penn., December 25, 1844. From this union there were five children, viz. : 
Mary E., Frances A., Emma and two that died in infancy. Mr. Blust is an 
industrious man and a prominent member of the Catholic Church. 

MRS. FRANCES R. BROUGHTON is a native of Juniata County, 
Penn., born November 12, 1831. She is the daughter of Joseph and Susan 
(Garehart) Smith, mention of whom is made in the biography of Samuel E. 
Smith, Swan Township. Mrs. Broughton remained with her parents until 
1848, when she came with Henry Fryer and family to Allen Township. On 
the 3d of July, 1852, she was united in marriage with Mr. Nathan Broughton. 
He was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., March 18, 1828. Mr. Broughton 
came with his widowed mother and family to Swan Township in 1839. He 
began life as a poor boy, having received but a limited education ; but possess- 
ing a strong will and a desire to succeed, he, with the assistance of his good 
wife, made for his family a comfortable home. He was a man of decided po- 
litical and religious views, ever favoring the right and promptly rejecting and 
opposing everything known to be wrong. This early settler departed this life 
August 6, 1877. In his family were five children, viz. : Clara P., Cornelia 
A., William A., Everette W. and Florence A. Mrs. Broughton has resided on 
the old homestead and cared for the family since her husband's death. She is 
quiet and unassuming in her manners, is a lady of culture and refinement and 
has the respect of all who know her. 

WILLIAM BROUGHTON was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., June 
29, 1822, the son of Amos and Nancy (Timmerman) Broughton, a sketch of 
whom appears in the history of Swan Township, this work. William came 
with the family to Swan Township in 1839, and the winter following returned 
to Champaign County, Ohio, where he attended school. On his return, he and 
his brother Samuel began making brick at Swan. He was married to Miss 



418 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Rebecca Cosper March 24, 1844. She was born in Wayne County, Ohio, 
December 12, 1825. There were seven children born to them, viz. : Charles 
W., Cordelia, Mortimer, Forbes H., Lafayette, Frank and Nora. Charles W., 
Mortimer and Forbes H. each served their country three years in the war of 
the rebellion, and Charles W. was severely wounded at the battle of Shiloh. 
Mrs. Broughton died October 16, 1880. She was a loving wife, a kind 
mother and a Christian lady. Mr. Broughton married Mrs. Hannah (Cosper) 
Srayer April 23, 1881. She was born in Wayne County, Ohio, May 24, 
1833. Mr. Broughton built the Albion and Kendallville Schoolhouses, two 
churches at Albion and a number of other buildings in the county. He super- 
intended the making of brick for two years for the Northern Indiana State 
Prison. He is a stanch Republican, and did much to encourage a strong loyal 
sentiment at the North during the late war. He appraised the real estate of 
Noble County in 1862, and has held the office of County Commissioner and 
various other positions in his township. He owns a nicely improved farm and 
is one of the practical men of Noble County. 

CURTIS BROUSE, Jr., was born in Medina County, Ohio, October 20, 
1840, son of Curtis and Rebecca (Wall) B rouse, the father being a native of 
Medina County and the mother of Pennsylvania, and married in Ohio. They 
moved to Lorain County, Ohio, and from there to Noble County, Ind., in 1854, 
locating on the place now owned by our subject. The father is now living in 
Kendallville, but the mother is deceased. Curtis Brouse, Jr., received a com- 
mon education, and assisted his parents on the farm until September, 1861, 
when he enlisted in Company F, Thirtieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He 
was a participant in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Perryville ; at Stone River 
he was shot through the left lung near the heart, the ball passing entirely 
through his body. He lay two days and nights where he fell before his wounds 
were dressed ; but, on the enemy's evacuation of the battle-field, he returned to 
the hands of our troops and was moved to Nashville, and from there to Louis- 
ville, then sent to Quincy, 111., where he was discharged May 11, 1863. Six 
years he resided in Michigan, and with the exception of this time, he has con- 
tinued to farm in Noble County. July 1, 1864, he married Miss Alvina Mat- 
thew, a native of Grant County, Wis., born May 7, 1846. June 1, 1865, there 
was born to this union one son, Ulysses C. Mr. Brouse owns ninety acres of 
land, but farms 200, 110 of which belongs to his father. He has made what 
he now owns by hard work and economy. He is a Republican, a member of the 
Protestant Methodist Church, and an intelligent citizen. 

JOHN CRONE was born in Franklin County, Penn., August 26, 1818. 
He is one of a family of nine children, born to John and Elizabeth (Pence) 
Crone, both of whom were natives of the Keystone State. They were married 
at Little York, Penn., and removed from there to Richland County, Ohio, in 
1832. The father was a Fife Major in a Pennsylvania regiment during the 
war of 1812. He was a blacksmith by trade, and had the respect of all who 
knew him. He and wife both died in Richland County, Ohio. John Crone 
received but a limited education, and remained at home, working for his father, 
until he attained his majority. He was married to Miss Catharine Switzer 
August 27. 1839, who was born in Richland County, Ohio, February 27, 1821. 
From this union there were twelve children, viz. : Daniel, Elizabeth, Barbara, 
Joseph W., Mary J., John S., William H., Sarah A., Amy R., Lucy I., and 
two that died in infancy. Mr. Crone remained in Ohio farming until 1849. 
when he came with his family to this country and settled on a portion of the 



ALLEN TOWNSHIP. 419 

land he now owns. He has added to his first purchase here until he now owns 
222 acres, which is nicely improved and well stocked. He is a Democrat ; a 
member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and a hospitable Christian. 

REV. DOMINIE DUEHMIG was born in Ebenheid, Baden, November 
9, 1842, one of twelve children born to Erasmus and Anna (Beahtold) Dueh- 
mig, natives of Bavaria and Baden respectively. The father was a man of 
intelligence and education, and his occupation was farming and weaving. All 
the sons were college graduates. He died in 1873, and his widow six years 
later. Our subject attended the Parish schools until fourteen years of age ; 
during this time he had taken private instruction in Latin. He then attended 
a high school at Bischofsheim for four years, after which he attended school at 
Wertheim two years. He attended the University of Freiburg, Baden, eighteen 
months, and while there took up the study of theology. He graduated from 
the University of Louvain, Belgium, in 1866, and in March of the same year 
was ordained a Deacon of the Catholic Church by Cardinal De Ster, Arch- 
bishop of Malines, Belgium. August 5, 1866, he was ordained a priest (for 
the American Mission) by the Bishop of Liege, Belgium. In the latter part 
of 1866, he came to this country, and was placed on the Huntington, Ind., 
charge, as assistant. After about two months he was appointed to the Avilla 
charge. Since coming here he has strengthened the congregation, and built 
one of the finest churches in the county. He has also built churches at Albion, 
Bremen, Kendallville, Ligonier and one in Swan Township, and increased the 
congregations at all these points. When he came first to his present charge, it 
included the Missions in Noble, De Kalb, Steuben, La Grange, Elkhart, Kos- 
ciusko, Marshall, Whitley and a portion of Allen County, which now require 
the labor of five resident priests. Father Duehmig is an enthusiastic worker in 
the important position he occupies and as a pastor has achieved great success. 

SAMUEL C. FAIRBANKS was born February 19, 1822, in Jefferson 
County, N. Y. His parents, James and Margery (Potter) Fairbanks, were 
also natives of the Empire State, whence they moved, in 1833, to Geauga 
County, Ohio. Here they passed the remainder of their days, engaged in agricult- 
ural pursuits. The father served as a soldier in the war of 1812, and to him and 
wife were born eight children. Samuel C. was brought up on his father's 
farm, and from boyhood was accustomed to hard work. He was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Margaret E. Armstrong August 29, 1844. This lady was 
born in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., October 3, 1824. From this union there 
are three children, viz. : George H., Emma E. and Harriet L. Mr. Fair- 
banks remained in Ohio, engaged in farming, until 1846, when he came to this 
county and purchased 80 acres of land. He had little or no means, and he 
and wife saw many hardships, and had to work hard and use strict economy 
before they found themselves in possession of a comfortable home. They now 
own 153 acres of nicely improved land. Mr. Fairbanks is a Democrat, and 
has held positions of honor and trust in the township. He and family are in- 
telligent reading people, and have the respect and confidence of all who know 
them. 

AARON FIELDS was born in Vermont July 30, 1826. He is one of 

ten children born to Josiah and Eliza (Halstead) Fields, natives of the Green 

Mountain State. They moved to Cuyahoga County, Ohio, in 1830, where, 

May 5, 1843, the father died. The mother died in this county August 15, 

1864. Aaron Fields received but a limited education, and soon after the death 

of his father, he left home, and, after roaming around some time, located in 

ww 



420 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Kendall County, 111. Here he remained until 1846, when he enlisted in Com- 
pany E, Second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served one year in the Mexi- 
can war. He participated in the battle of Buena Vista, and a number of lesser 
engagements. After the war, he returned to Ohio, and on the 3d of July, 
1851, was united in marriage with Miss Nancy Stray. She was born in Wy- 
oming County, N. Y., October 8, 1832. To them were born eight children, 
five of whom are now living — Alice J., Francis M., Forrest E., Minnie U. and 
Maud. Those deceased are Flora A., Laura T. and Mary M. Mr. Fields was 
engaged in farming and carpentering in Ohio until 1852, when he came to 
this county, where he has since resided. He owns 90 acres of well-improved 
land : is a Republican. 

MONROE L. GAWTHROP was born in La Grange County, Ind., 
September 28, 1836, and is a son of Samuel and Prutia (Littlefield) Gawthrop, 
natives of New York State. Edmund Littlefield, grandfather of our subject, 
emigrated from New York to Adrian, Mich., in about 1825, and shortly after 
this came to Pretty Prairie, in La Grange County, and was among the first 
settlers. Our subject's parents were married in Greenfield Township, La 
Grange County, and to them were born four children. In about 1841, the 
father died, after which the mother married Daniel Bixler, one of the first set- 
tlers of Noble County, and in 1842, they moved to Kendallville, where our 
subject's youth was passed. When twenty-one years old, he went to Illinois, 
and, after two years in this State, went to Iowa. He remained there one year, 
then came back to Illinois, where he remained another year, and then returned 
to Indiana. He was married September 24, 1863, to Miss Lucy Taylor, who 
was born in Champaign County, Ohio, November 8, 1843. To this union 
were born three children — Luella M., Charles M. and Ray D. Mr. Gawthorp 
owns 105 acres of well-improved land, which he has made by his own labors. 
He followed saw-milling some five years, but the greater part of his life has 
been passed in farming and stock-raising. He is a Republican, and has taken 
an active part in the advancement of all laudable and educational enterprises. 

HART T. GRAHAM was born in Franklin County, Mass., May 27, 
1821. He is one of ten children born to Zerah and Clarissa (Taylor) Graham, 
both of whom were natives of the Bay State. They were married in their 
native State, and moved from there to Chautauqua County, N. Y., in 1829. 
After living here some years, they removed to Geauga County, Ohio, and from 
there in a short time to Summit County, the same State. Here they resided 
until 1848, when they came to this county, which they ever afterward made 
their home. The father was a shoemaker by trade, and he and wife were hard- 
working, kind-hearted, Christian people. Hart T. Graham received but a 
limited education, and got his start in life by working by the month on a farm. 
He was married to Miss Harriet Bond June 12, 1844. This lady was born 
in Allegany County, N. Y., November 23, 1823. From this union there were 
four children, viz.: Emma J. and Guy E., living ; Mary A. and Ellen I., de- 
ceased. Soon after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Graham came to this county 
and purchased forty acres of land. They have since added to it, and now own 
ninety acres, which is well improved. They are intelligent, kind-hearted, hos- 
pitable people, and possess social and moral qualities of a high order. Mr. 
Graham is a Republican. 

HENRY H. HAINES, of the firm of Wood & Haines, was born in Allen 
Township, this county, June 1, 1848, and is the son of Samuel P. and Mary 
(Smith) Haines. He was reared upon a farm, and received his early education 



ALLEN TOWNSHIP. 421 

in the common schools. He graduated from the Iron City Commercial College 
in 1870, and was for some years engaged in the drug trade in Avilla. He was 
married to Miss Mary Craven March 16, 1871. She was born in the Buckeye 
State September 14, 1847. From this union there are two children, viz., Ada 
E. and Almerta P. In 1889, he and his brother-in-law, Washington L. Wood, 
formed a partnership in the manufacture of wooden force pumps, apple jelly, 
sorghum molasses, cider making, etc. They have a new process for making 
the juice of the apple into jelly, and have a capacity for manufacturing 100 
gallons daily. They also have a process of making sorghum molasses, entirely 
freeing it from all acidity. They can manufacture about 300 gallons per day, 
and of their pumps 100 per month. They are both liberal in their political 
views, are strong advocates of temperance, and are members of the Masonic 
order. 

ROBERT S. HAINES. Samuel P. Haines, father of Robert S., was 
born in Union County, Penn., November 10, 1810. His parents, George and 
Margaret (Himebaugh) Haines were early settlers of Union County, Penn., 
and the parents of nine children. Samuel P. was reared on a farm, and re- 
ceived but a limited education. When about twenty, began working at the 
carpenter's trade. He was united in marriage with Miss Mary Smith in 1832. 
She was born in Union County, Penn., September 17, 1813. From this union 
there were nine children, five of whom are yet living, viz., Robert S., Joseph 
W., Henry H., Janette L. and John P. Those deceased were Albert L., 
Thomas E., Loruma J. and George G. In 1842, Mr. Haines traded a small 
property he had in Pennsylvania for 160 acres of unimproved land in this 
township, and the same year moved his family on it. He came over the mount- 
ains in a one-horse wagon, and was about a month on the way. They saw 
many hardships, but by economy he and wife have secured a comfortable home. 
He left his farm in 1878, and came to Avilla, where he and wife expect to pass 
the remainder of their days. Robert S. Haines was reared upon his father's 
farm. He was united in marriage with Miss Permelia Baum December 24, 
1856, a native of Pennsylvania. She died in Avilla, September 30, 1874. 
From this union there were six children, viz., Milton B., Emma G. and Irvin 
D. (living), Ida M., Sarah M. and Roxanna M. (deceased). Mr. Haines mar- 
ried Miss Rebecca E. Swinehart October 5, 1875. From this union there is 
one child — Gertie M. Mrs. Haines was born June 24, 1850, in Wyandot 
County, Ohio. Robert S. Haines remained at home for most part until nine- 
teen years of age. He then, with a brother, operated a saw-mill four years. 
He then embarked in the mercantile business with Baum & Walter, at Avilla, 
retaining his connection with them some twenty years. During this time, he 
was appointed agent for the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad at Avilla, a 
position he yet holds. He is a Notary Public, and has held positions of honor 
and trust in Allen Township. He is a Democrat, and a member of the Masonic 
order. 

EDWARD HALFERTY is a native of Westmoreland County, Penn., 
his birth occurring October 14, 1816. His father, William Halferty, was also 
a native of Westmoreland County. He was reared a farmer, which became 
his occupation through life. He served in the war of 1812, married a West- 
moreland County lady, Elizabeth Luther, and in 1819 moved to Richland 
County (now a part of Morrow County), Ohio, where he lived the remainder 
of his days. His wife, who bore him a family of nine children, is yet living 
at the advanced age of eighty-five years. Edward Halferty was reared on a 



422 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

farm, receiving the greater part of his education in a rude log schoolhouse, a 
very few of which were seen in early times. He remained at home, in charge 
of the farm, until thirty years of age, and, November 17, 1844, married Hen- 
rietta Craven, who was born in Morrow County, Ohio, January 17, 1823. In 
1851, this couple removed to this township, where they have since resided. 
They own 159 acres of good land, which has been acquired by them through 
hard labor. They are parents of nine children, whose names are Mary J., 
Byron, Charles M., William, Franklin P., Sarah E., Albert, Aldora and Mil- 
ton. Mr. Halferty is one of the progressive and intelligent men of Allen 
Township, and favors the advancement of all laudable and educational enter- 
prises. 

HENRY HARMES is a native of Hanover, Germany, where he was 
born December 30, 1822. His parents, Frederick and Mary Harmes, were 
also natives of Hanover and had six children. In 1830, they emigrated to 
this country, landing at Baltimore, and soon after started for Pittsburgh, Penn., 
but, on account of sickness, were compelled to stop in Bedford County, Penn. 
Here the father and one child died. The family continued to reside in this 
county some ten years, and then moved to Ashland County, Ohio, which was 
the home of the family until the mother's death. Henry Harmes when quite 
young began working out, contributing the greater portion of his earnings to 
the support of the family. He married Miss Maria Young September 19, 
1850. She was born in Huron County, Ohio, September 12, 1828. They 
had seven children, only two now living, viz. : Clara J. and George E. Those 
deceased were Alwilda A., Joseph A., Judson H., William H. and Carey. 
Mrs. Harmes died September 12, 1868. In 1851, Mr. Harmes moved to 
De Kalb County, Ind., where he remained until 1870, when he purchased his 
present place, a well improved farm of 165 acres. His present wife was Mrs. 
Sarah (Calkin) Knapp, to whom he was married January 13, 1870. She was 
born in Essex County, N. Y., December 20, 1829. Mr. Harmes was origi- 
nally a Whig, now a Republican. He lends his influence in the elevation of 
mankind and in the promotion of worthy objects. 

GABRIEL S. HENRY. John and Mary (Swinehart) Henry were na- 
tives of Pennsylvania, married in Ohio and parents of a family of nine chil- 
dren. They were farmers, honest and industrious, and were respected by all 
who knew them. Gabriel S. Henry, a son of the above, was born in Jefferson 
County, Ohio, November 5, 1831. He received a common-school education, and 
when sixteen years old removed to Wood County, W. Va., with his parents, 
where they owned a large amount of real estate. He remained at home until 
twenty-two years of age, and was married, October 2, 1854, to Miss Sophia 
McKenzie, who was born in Ohio August 4, 1831. After this event, Mr. 
Henry began working at the carpenter's trade, in connection with farming, in 
West Virginia, until 1865, when he moved to Allen Township, Noble County, 
Ind., where he purchased a farm and engaged in agricultural pursuits. His 
sons now have charge of the farm. In 1881, Mr. Henry moved to Avilla, 
and engaged in furniture trade and undertaking, which he carries on with 
success. He began life a poor boy, but by hard labor and economy has made 
his own way in the world. He is a member of the M. P. Church, a Repub- 
lican and an intelligent and enterprising citizen. He and wife are parents of 
the following family: Martha J., James M., Margaretta C, Elizabeth, John S., 
Ida B., Robert A. and William F. 



ALLEN TOWNSHIP. 423' 

SAMUEL HOKE was born in York County, Penn., May 10, 1821. He 
is the son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Wiest) Hoke, who were natives of the 
Keystone State and the parents of nine children. The father died in 1826, 
leaving seven children, who were yet at home, to the care of the mother. She 
was a woman of great force of character, and soon after her husband's death 
removed with her family to Richland County, Ohio, where she raised her fam- 
ily in a creditable manner and where she died in 1871, at the advanced age 
of eighty-three years. Our subject received a common school education, and 
when about sixteen began working at the cabinet-maker's trade. After two' 
years, he gave this up, and engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was married 
to Miss Annie Moree in 1840. She was born in Switzerland March 26, 1814. 
From this union there were seven children, viz. : Elizabeth, Jacob, Sarah, 
Amanda, Amos, Ellen and one that died in infancy. Mrs. Hoke died March 
14, 1880. Mr. Hoke resided in Richland County, Ohio, until 1850, when he 
came to this county and purchased a farm, upon which he resided until about 
seven years ago, when he moved to Avilla. He began life as a poor boy and 
is a self-made man. He is a member of the Evangelical Association, a strong 
advocate of temperance and an upright, charitable Christian. 

FERDINAND HUELSENBECK was born in the Province of West- 
fahlen, Prussia, July 9, 1844. He is the son of Augustus and Margaret 
(Stemmar) Huelsenbeck, who were the parents of five sons and two daughters, 
all of whom were natives of Prussia. The father was a farmer and merchant. 
Our subject attended school and assisted his father until about fifteen years of 
age. He then began peddling hardware, which he continued until he was 
drafted into the Prussian army. He served during the last war between 
Prussia and Austria, and participated in twenty-one engagements. Soon after 
his discharge (1868), he came to this country, and, after working for some time 
by the month, purchased the farm he now owns. He was married to Miss 
Elizabeth Pieper in 1871. She was born in Prussia in 1852, and died October 
18, 1872. From this union there was one child — Augustus. In 1876, he was 
married to Magdalena Steuri, who was born in Canton Berne, Switzerland, in 
1854. From this marriage three children have been born, viz.: Mary M., 
Emma E. and August C. In 1877, Mr. Huelsenbeck built a frame business 
building at Auburn Junction, and in 1880 erected a two-story brick business 
house in Auburn. He has been engaged in the mercantile business eight years 
— four years at Fort Wayne, and four years at Auburn. Mr. Huelsenbeck 
came to this country a poor man, but has accumulated considerable property. 
He is a useful and progressive citizen. 

LEWIS IDDINGS was born in Boston Township, Summit County, Ohio, 
July 29, 1820. He is one of ten children born to Henry and Sarah (Meltin) 
Iddings, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. They were married in 
their native State, and resided in Berks County until their removal to Summit 
County, Ohio, which was in 1811. While living here, the father served as a 
soldier in the war of 1812. He followed farming in Summit County, and 
resided there until 1836, when he came to this county and located a short dis- 
tance south of Kendallville, where he and wife passed the remainder of their 
days. [Further mention of them is made in another part of this work.] Lewis 
Iddings was reared upon his father's farm, receiving a common-school education. 
He began for himself, as a farmer, when about twenty years of age, but soon 
after went to "jobbing" on the Wabash & Erie Canal, where he remained 
some three years. He then returned to this county, and for some years was 



424 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

engaged in farming and carpentering. He was elected County Treasurer in 
1862, and in 1864 was re-elected. He married Miss Rebecca Stilley Septem- 
ber 10, 1845. This lady was born in Morrow County, Ohio, February 7, 
1825. From this union there are six children, five of whom are yet living, 
viz.: Florence, Virginia, Eugene, Byron and Victoria. Grace was the name 
of the one deceased. Mr. Iddings owns 280 acres of land, and valuable prop- 
erty in Kendallville. In politics, he is a stanch Republican. 

WARREN IDDINGS was born in Boston Township, Summit County, 
Ohio, August 2, 1825. He is the son of Henry and Sarah (Meltin) Iddings, 
who removed from Ohio to this county in 1836, and located on the farm our 
subject now owns. Here he was reared to manhood, assisting his father upon 
the farm in the summer, and attending school for a short time during the win- 
ter. When about twenty years of age, he began working at the shoemaker's 
trade, which he followed about fifteen years, and then engaged in farming and 
stock-raising, which he has since followed. He was married to Miss Hester 
Newman. March 24, 1851. She was born in Middlebury, Summit Co., Ohio, 
October 29, 1833. To them have been born seven children, three of whom 
are yet living, viz.: Homer L., and Sadie and Ivie, twin sisters. Those deceased 
were Estell, Isadore, Lanora and Eva. Mr. Iddings owns 175 acres of land 
adjoining the town of Kendallville. He began life with but little means, and 
for most part has made what he now has by his own exertions. He is a stanch 
Republican, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
They have a nice home and are respected folks. 

JONATHAN JAMES was born in Chester County, Penn., June 21, 
1821. He is the youngest of a family of six children born to Josiah and Jane 
(Knox) James, the former of whom was a native of Chester County, and the 
latter of New Jersey. The father died when our subject was a child, and the 
care of the family fell upon the mother. She was a woman of energy and ex- 
ecutive ability, and brought up her family in a creditable manner. Jonathan at 
an early age began to do for himself, and when eighteen he began learning the 
plasterer's trade, which he followed some thirteen years, and then followed 
farming in his native State until 1860, when he came to this county, where he 
has since resided. He was married to Miss Amelia A. Smith November 3, 
1843, who was born in Juniata County, Penn., April 10, 1825. To them 
have been born four children, three of whom are yet living, viz.: Theodore 
B., Jennie and Hie L. The one deceased was David 0. For eight years after 
coming to this county, Mr. James followed farming. He then purchased a hotel 
in Avilla which he operated some time, when his failing health compelled him 
to sell out. He remained out of active business until 1878, when he built the 
present St. James House of Avilla, which he has since successfully conducted. 
Commercial travelers and all others who have stopped there speak of it as '* one 
hotel in a thousand." Mr. James is a liberal in religion and politics. 

ANDREW JOHNSON is a native of the State of New York, born near 
Buffalo November 4, 1813. Thomas Johnson, his father, was a native of New 
England, a soldier of the war of 1812, and a farmer. He married Sarah Dan- 
cer, a native of New England, lived in New York until 1817, when he and 
family moved to Portage County, Ohio, where he principally made his home 
until his death. Andrew Johnson is one of eight children. He received but 
a common-school education, was reared to hard labor on a farm, and at the age 
of thirteen was left an orphan, and for a few years lived with an uncle. He 
then began life's battle on his own responsibility, and in 1838 married Miss 



ALLEN TOWNSHIP. 425 

Hannah Warner, who was born in the Empire State January 14, 1818. This 
couple were parents of ten children, viz.: Sarah, Almina, Thomas, La Fay- 
ette, Mary, Elsie, Jane, Andrew, Abram and Lucy. They remained in Ohio 
until 1844, when they emigrated to Allen County, Ind., where they lived some 
five years, and then came to Allen Township, where they have since resided. 
Mrs. Johnson died June 2, 1877. One son, Thomas, served his country in the 
late war, was wounded, and died at Corinth from his wounds. Mr. Johnson is 
a member of the Protestant Methodist Church, and is an indefatigable worker 
in the cause of temperance. He owns ninety acres of good land, is a Republi- 
can, and an enterprising citizen. 

HIRAM L. KING was born in Lake County, Ohio, October 2, 1826. 
He is the son of Hiram and Catharine (Lowe) King, a sketch of whom appears 
in the history of Swan Township. On Hiram L., the eldest son, devolved a 
great many of the hardships of clearing up the farm, and looking after its in- 
terests. When he had reached his majority, his father gave him 160 acres of 
unimproved land in Allen Township. This he began to improve, although he 
made his home with his parents until about thirty years of age. He was mar- 
ried to Miss Frances A. Mumford, June 7, 1859. She was born in the Key- 
stone State November 10, 1836. They have had two children, viz.: Herbert 
H., born June 16, 1860, and Helen F., born January 29, 1862. Mrs. King 
died October 9, 1864. Mr. King has always followed farming and stock-rais- 
ing. He owns 280 acres of land, which is nicely improved and well stocked. 
He has paid considerable attention to the raising of Durham cattle, and has 
some fine specimens of this breed on his farm. He is a Republican, and a 
strong advocate of temperance. He has given his children good educations, 
and contributed liberally to all worthy enterprises. 

JOHN F. KREIENBRINK was born in Hanover, Prussia, September 4, 
1§30. He is the son of John H. and Elizabeth (Arnold) Kreienbrink, who 
emigrated with their family of two sons and two daughters to this country in 
1833. After stopping in Cincinnati, Ohio, about three years, they moved to 
Putnam County, the same State, where they passed the remainder of their days 
engaged in agricultural pursuits. They were hard-working people, and mem- 
bers of the Catholic Church. John F. assisted his parents until he was fourteen 
years of age, when he was apprenticed to the tailor's trade, at which he served 
a term of three years at Covington, Ky. He worked as a journeyman in 
Covington until 1866, when he came to this county, and purchased a farm of 
120 acres. He has since added to it, until he now owns 160. He was married 
to Miss Maria E. Baringhaus in 1853. She was born in Hanover, Prussia, 
December 24, 1832. From this union, there are ten children, viz., Theodore, 
Mary, Josephine, Sarah, Henry, Mary, Henry, Minnie, Julia and Frances. 
Of these children, Mary and Henry, the first of these names, are dead. Mr. 
Kreienbrink is emphatically a self-made man, and he and family are members 
of the Catholic Church. 

CHARLES G. KRESSE was born in Prussia April 6, 1828, one of five 
children born to Frederick and Christine (Ossig) Kresse. The father was a 
farmer and miller, and he and wife always remained in their native country. 
Charles G. attended school until fourteen years of age, when he entered a mill, 
and learned that business thoroughly. In 1853, he came to this country, and 
was for some time employed in a mill at Monroe, Mich. He then came to 
Kendallville, and began working on the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern 
Railroad. He attended school one winter in the Whitford neighborhood, and 



426 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

soon after entered the drug store of Asa Brown, at Lisbon, as clerk. He then 
bought Mr, Brown out, and for some years ran the business alone. He mar- 
ried Miss Margaret Scheirich July 11, 1854. She was born in Baden, Ger- 
many, March 8, 1837. From this union, there were six children, viz., Charles 
G. A., Emma C, John C. G., Charles A., Mary E., and one that died in 
infancy. Mrs. Kresse died January 6, 1871. On the 6th of May, 1871, Mr. 
Kresse married Miss Fredericka Busch. She was born in Prussia April 28, 
1849. By this marriage, there are four children, viz., August C, Louisa L., 
William F. and Amalia B. Mr. Kresse owns 100 acres of well-improved land, 
and also a good business building in Kendallville. He is liberal in his political 
views, and is a member of the Order of Knights of Honor. He has a large 
library ; takes a number of good papers and magazines, and is one of the read- 
ing and well-posted men of Allen Township. 

ANDREW LASH was born in Alsace, France, October 8, 1812. Will- 
iam Lash, his father, was a native of Baden, Germany. He was married in 
Alsace to Miss Mary A. Wineman, a native of that province, and to them were 
born a family of six children, Andrew being the only son. The father was a 
carpenter and cabinet-maker. In 1827, he came with his family to this country, 
and after living at Canton, Ohio, some time, moved to Carroll County, where 
he and wife spent the remainder of their days. Andrew Lash assisted upon 
the home farm until the death of his parents. He was united in marriage with 
Miss Margaret Raney February 10, 1840. She was born December 22, 1819, 
in Alsace, France. They have had ten children, viz., Gregory, Elizabeth, 
George, Mary, John, Anthony, Christina, Paul, William and Clara. Mrs. 
Lash died September 29, 1877. October 1, 1878, Mr. Lash married Mrs. 
Mary A. Hart, a native of Prussia, born April 24, 1833. Mr. Lash removed 
to this county in 1864, and purchased a farm, upon which he resided until 
1880, when he sold it to one of his sons and moved to Avilla, where he pur- 
chased a nice home property. He is a self-made man, a Democrat, a member 
of the Catholic Church, and a good citizen. 

LUMAN A. LOBDELL was born in Herkimer County, N. Y„ May 28, 
1834, and is a son of Daniel and Emeline (Broughton) Lobdell, who were 
natives respectively of Connecticut and New York, and the parents of eleven 
children. Daniel Lobdell and family moved to Noble County, Ind., in 1841, 
locating in Swan Township, on the farm now owned by Samuel Broughton, 
where they lived a number of years, afterward entering a tract of land near the 
head of Long Lake, in the western part of the county. They remained here 
until 1850, farming, clearing, suffering from malarial fevers then so prevalent, 
during which time their family was decreased by the death of three children. 
The spring of 1850, Mr. Lobdell started overland for California, but in June 
of that year died in Utah Territory. The death of the father left the burden 
and care of the family on the shoulders of the mother and our subject, who was 
the eldest child. Under such circumstances the mother reared her children, 
who with affection remember the loving care, kindness and self-sacrifice only a 
mother can give. Our subject remained at home until twenty-one years of age, 
and March 25, 1854, was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Bricker, who 
was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, September 11, 1835. To this union 
were born four children — Orland W., Charles E., Emma L. and Orsa A. The 
mother died November 3, 1863, and May 12, 1864, Mr. Lobdell married Mrs. 
Sarah S. Eddy, who was born in Michigan, February 2, 1832. To this 
marriage were born three children, whose names are Luman A., John D. and 



ALLEN TOWNSHIP. 427 

Uri G. Mr. Lobdell is a Republican. He always farmed until September, 
1881, when he removed to Avilla, where he has since been engaged in mercan- 
tile pursuits. 

DR. FRANCIS C. MALONY was born in Richland County, Ohio, 
January 8, 1843; his parents are Robert and Jemima (Cornwall) Malony. He 
was reared on a farm, receiving an academical education. He attended and 
taught school, and assisted his parents on the farm until he began the study of 
medicine in 1863. He read for a time under the instruction of Dr. G. Mitchell, 
of Mansfield, after which he attended two terms at the University of Wooster, 
situated in Cleveland. He graduated from that institution the spring of 1866, 
and the same year came to Noble County, Ind., locating in Cromwell, where 
he began practicing. He remained there four years, and then came to Avilla 
and began to practice, and is now the possessor of a large and lucrative prac- 
tice. His wife, Rebecca (Hadley) Malony, was born in Richland County, 
Ohio, January 1, 1844, and they were married May 20, 1869. They have one 
son — Robert S. Dr. Malony is one of the leading physicians of Noble County ; 
is a member of the A., F. & A. M., of Avilla, and is independent in politics. 
His father, Robert Malony, was born in Pennsylvania, July 29, 1816, and his 
wife in Ohio, October 23, 1823. They were married February 25, 1841, and 
farming was always their employment. They came to Avilla in 1877, and were 
the parents of only one son, our subject. 

JESSE H. MATTHEWS was born in Wayne County, Ohio, May 6, 
1820, and is a son of Jesse and Elizabeth (Calhoun) Matthews, who were reared, 
educated and married in Pennsylvania. They came to Wayne County, Ohio, 
in 1815, where they have since resided. At the age of twenty our subject, 
Jesse H. Matthews, went to Illinois, where he contracted jobs of clearing, at 
which he continued about four years, then went to Grant County, Wis., where he 
resided some fourteen years. He then came to and has since resided on his present 
place. Mr. Matthews began life a poor boy, but, by honest industry and 
economy, he has earned a sufficient amount of property to keep him in comfort 
during the remainder of his days. He is a Republican, formerly a Whig. He 
was married, November 22, 1841, to Elizabeth Helman, who was born in 
Wayne County, Ohio, in 1825, and to this union were born this family — Sylva 
A., Mary M., John A., Emma A., Martha J., Hester E., Chester E., Lydia 
H. and Elliott P. The mother died May 7, 1861, and September 26, 1862, 
Mr. Matthews married Mrs. Elizabeth A. Lavering, a native of Pennsylvania, 
and born July 12, 1830. To her marriage with Mr. Matthews there were born 
two children — Homer H. and Minnie M. Mr. Matthews is a farmer and owns 
180 acres of good land. When twenty-one years of age, he became a member 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and ever since he has remained with that 
denomination ; all his children are steady attendants to the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church. Mr. Matthews and family are highly respected. 

ALBIN and IGNATUS MEYER were born near Strasburg, France, 
the former March 1, 1825, and the latter January 25, 1829. Jacob Meyer, 
their father, was twice married ; by his first marriage there were two children. 
His second wife, Miss Magdalena Buchs, was the mother of nine children — 
Albin and Ignatus being two of that number. The last wife died near Stras- 
burg, in 1833. In 1838, the father came with the family to this country and 
located in Seneca County, Ohio, where he continued to reside. He was a hard- 
working, intelligent man, a good* citizen, and a member of the Catholic Church. 
Albin Meyer was reared on a farm receiving a common-school education. He 



428 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

was united in marriage with Miss Theresa Zongker, a native of Stark County, 
Ohio, January 10, 1853, who was born April 20, 1838. From this union 
there are nine children, viz., Elizabeth, Theresa, William, Magdalena, Francis, 
John, Augustus, Lewis and Agnes. Two years after his marriage, Albin 
removed to this county, ajid purchased the farm he now owns, which at that 
time was covered with a dense forest, but he has cleared it and erected upon it 
comfortable buildings. He began life as a poor boy and is a self-made man. 
Ignatus Meyer was brought up on a farm, receiving a limited education. 
From fifteen to eighteen years of age, he worked by the month on a farm. He 
then began working at carpentering, which together with farming he has fol- 
lowed all his life. He was married to Miss Mary M. Borck in 18G0. She was 
born in Noble County, Ind., in 1841, and is the daughter of Francis and Anna 
M. (Weimer) Borck, who settled in this county in 1835. To Ignatus Meyer 
and wife have been born six children, viz., Mary C, Annie M., Emma, Frank 
J., Rosa and Ignatus. In 1856, Mr. Meyer came to this county, and worked 
eleven years at his trade ; since that time he has been engaged in farming and 
stock growing. Both the Meyer brothers have made what they now possess 
by their own exertions. They own nicely improved farms. They are mem- 
bers of the Catholic Church and are Democrats. They liberally contribute to 
religious and educational enterprises. 

BENJAMIN MOREE is a native of Canton Berne, Switzerland, and 
was born February 18, 1820. He is a son of Rudolph and Anna (Bieterman) 
Moree, both natives of Switzerland, and the parents of seven children. They 
emigrated to the United States in 1825, and located in Jefferson Township, 
Richland County, Ohio, where the parents died. Our subject was reared on a 
farm, receiving but a limited education. He remained at home with his 
parents until twenty-one years of age, and in 1843 married Miss Lydia Hoke, 
who was born in York County, Penn., May 17, 1821. To this union were 
born seven children — Amanda, Ellen N., Mary E., George D., Emma A., 
Alice S. and Amos (deceased). In 1848, Benjamin Moree and family 
emigrated from Ohio to Allen Township, where he purchased 140 acres of 
land, which was entirely uncleared. They settled on this place and began 
clearing and improving it. Both Mr. and Mrs. Moree have been hard-work- 
ing and industrious people, and what they now own they have acquired through 
much self-sacrifice. Mr. Moree is a Democrat, a member of the Lutheran 
Church, and an enterprising citizen. 

SUMNER K. RANDALL. Edwin Randall, father of this gentleman, 
was born in Oneida County, N. Y., May 18, 1809. He was reared on a farm, 
receiving a common-school education. When a young man, he taught both 
singing and day schools, and while yet young he left home and went to live 
with an uncle, who was a lawyer, residing at Manlius, Onondaga Co., N. Y. 
Here he had access to a splendid law library, and by applying himself, he 
obtained quite a knowledge of law. In 1835, he came to Toledo, Ohio, and 
the year following, took a trip through Indiana and Michigan, entering 480 
acres of land near where Avilla now is, and tracts near South Bend and 
in Shiawassee County, Mich. He then returned to Toledo, where he 
remained until 1841, when he came to Allen Township, this county, which he 
ever afterward made his home. He was married to Miss Mary A. King, June 
16, 1842. This lady was born in Chenango County, N. Y., December 18, 
1824. From this union, three children were born, viz., Sumner K., born May 
2, 1843; Perry A., July 24, 1847; and Amy C, August 23, 1853. These 



ALLEN TOWNSHIP. 429 

•children were born in this township, and all are married. Mr. Randall was a 
Democrat. He was an Associate Justice of the Circuit Court a number of 
years, and held various other positions of honor and trust. He died Septem- 
ber 14, 1873. His widow survives him and resides upon the old homestead in 
Allen Township. Sumner K. Randall was reared upon his father's farm, and 
received a good common-school education. He always remained with his 
parents, and after his father's death took charge of the home farm, which he 
has successfully operated. He has dealt in agricultural implements, some time 
in connection with his farming and stock-raising. In 1878, he bought out 
Baum & Haines, of Avilla, and embarked in the mercantile business. He 
carries a stock worth about $15,000 all the time, and has one of the largest 
and most complete general stores in Noble County. He also deals in grain, 
seeds and all kinds of country produce. He was united in marriage with Miss 
Lorettie Stahl, September 12, 1876. She was born in Allen Township, April 
21, 1856. They have two children, viz., Amy J., born September 7, 1878; 
and Mary A., August 21, 1880. Mr. Randall owns 120 acres of land and a 
portion of the old homestead. He is a Democrat and a member of the Masonic 
Order. 

RYLAND READ was born in Windsor County, Vt., January 28, 1811. 
He is the son of Samuel and Lydia (Page) Read, the former a native of Mass- 
achusetts and the latter of New Hampshire. They were married in the Green 
Mountain State, and there the mother died in a few years after their marriage. 
Only one child was born to this union. The father married Elizabeth Moore 
for his second wife, and to them were born seven children. In 1838, they 
moved to Licking County, Ohio, where they ever after resided. Ryland Read, 
when thirteen years of age, left home, and for five years lived in Boston, Mass. 
He then returned to his native State, and for two years attended school, after 
which he went to Licking County, Ohio, and until 1836 was variously em- 
ployed. He then came to this county, stopping at Kendallville and vicinity, 
where for some time he worked at the carpenter's trade. He then began farm- 
ing, which for the most part he has since followed. He was united in marriage 
with Miss Eliza Iddings April 8, 1835. This lady was born in Boston Town- 
ship, Summit County, Ohio, January 4, 1812. From this union there were 
three children, viz.: Ellen L., Henry A. and Sarah R. Henry A. served 
during the war of the rebellion in Company I, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth 
Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and died in 1872 from disease contracted while in 
the service. Ellen L. married E. H. Bundy, and they reside upon the old 
homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Read are intelligent and respected people, and have 
the love and confidence of all who know them. 

NATHAN ROBERTS was born in Erie County, Penn., December 8, 
1833, and is a son of Neheraiah and Charlotte (Tannar) Roberts, who were 
natives respectively of Vermont and New York. They were married in New 
York, moved to Pennsylvania, and from there to Wayne County, Ohio, in 
1836, where they lived until the spring of 1843, when they emigrated to Noble 
County, Ind. They located first in Allen Township, but soon afterward 
moved to Wayne Township. Our subject passed his youth and early manhood 
on the farm, during which time he received a common-school education. In 
1852, he and brother Alpheus, together with a number of others, started over- 
land for California, where they remained mining until 1855, when the brothers 
returned home, in a measure recompensed for their labor in the mines. Nathan 
then purchased a part of the farm he now owns, and which now consists of 



430 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

over three hundred acres; and this he has acquired principally by his own 
exertions. He was married in 1858 to Miss Nancy R. Whitford, who was 
born in Allen Township in 1838, and died February 5, 1874, the mother of 
two children by Mr. Roberts — Myra and Willie G. March 11, 1879, Mr. 
Roberts married his present wife, Miss Leah Waits, who was born in Wayne 
County, Ohio, November 24, 1841. He is a Republican in politics, and is 
active in the support of the temperance cause. In 1876, he began dealing in 
blooded stock, and he is recognized as among the leading stock-men of Noble 
County. He now has a herd of twenty-one Short-Horn cattle that are regis- 
tered in the American Herd Book. 

JAMES RYLAND was born in Belmont County, Ohio, March 31, 1820. 
He is the son of Samuel and Hannah (Myers) Ryland, both natives of the 
Keystone State. They had two children — James and Matilda. They moved 
to Belmont County in an early day, where the father died when James was 
about four years of age. After her husband's death, Mrs. Ryland went to live 
with her parents in Wayne County, Ohio. Here she was married to Thomas 
Appleton, and, after some years, they moved to Summit County. There 
James was reared, receiving but a limited education. He was married to Miss 
Charlotte Bond April 20, 1841. This lady was born in Genesee County, 
N. Y., December 25, 1820. In 1847, Mr. Ryland moved with his family 
and settled on the place he now owns in Allen Township. The land was cov- 
ered with timber, but they were frugal and industrious, and soon were com- 
fortably situated. In their family were six children, viz.: Francis M., James 
A., George W., C. Albert and Alfred A., living, and Olive C, deceased. 
Francis M. went out as a private during the late war, and was promoted to a 
Lieutenant. Mr. Ryland owns 159 acres of well-improved land, which he and 
wife have obtained by their own endeavors. They are reading, intelligent 
people, and have given their children good educations. Four of the sons are 
experienced and successful school teachers. 

GEORGE M. SCHWAB was born October 27, 1837, in Baden, Ger- 
many. He is the son of George and Margaret (Schanline) Schwab, both 
of whom were natives of Baden. The father was an honest, hard-working 
farmer ; he died in Baden when George was a child, and, in 1848, the mother 
with the son came to this country and settled at Avilla, in this county, where 
she resided the remainder of her days. George M. Schwab received a com- 
mon-school education, and when about sixteen years of age went to Stark 
County, Ohio, where he worked on a farm some time ; he then returned to 
Indiana, and for some time drove a bus at Fort Wayne, after which, he drove 
stage for some time between Cincinnati and Georgetown ; he also worked in a 
hotel in Pittsburgh, Penn., some time. In 1860, he purchased forty acres of 
land, where he now lives, and began farming and stock-raising, a business he 
has since followed. He was married to Miss Mary Smith December 27, 1859, 
a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, where she was born April 21, 1834. Mr. 
Schwab has a nicely-improved farm, and raises good stock of all kinds. He is 
a Democrat and a member of the Lutheran Church. 

ISAAC SHAMBAUGH is a native of Snyder County, Penn., his birth 
occurring June 17, 1825. He is one of thirteen children, eleven yet living, 
born to Christian and Mary (Walter) Shambaugh, also natives of the " Key- 
stone State." Christian Shambaugh was a wagon-maker and farmer. After 
the death of our subject's mother, his father remarried and was the parent of 
eighteen children ; he is yet living, hale and hearty, at the advanced age of 



ALLEN TOWNSHIP. 431 

eighty-seven. At the age of nineteen, Isaac Shambaugh began working at 
the carpenter's trade. In 1845, he went to Richland County, Ohio, where, on 
the 12th of September, 1847, he was united in marriage with Julia A. Hos- 
singer, who was born in Richland County December 1, 1827. To this union 
there have been born nine children whose names are Almanda C, Aaron C, 
Alexander H., Ursuly M., Anna C, Samuel A., Isaac EL, Franklin A. and 
Edward E. Mr. Shambaugh has worked at his trade to a greater or less extent 
all through life. For many years past, he has been farming as well as carpen- 
tering. In 1858, he came to Allen Township, Noble County, Ind., where he 
has since made his home. He owns 165 acres of fine farming and grazing 
land; is a Republican, and an earnest worker in the cause of temperance and 
the advancement of education. 

JOHN D. SHEOFFER was born in Loudonville, Ohio, July 28, 1833. 
He is the son of Dewalt and Barbara (Baughman) Sheoffer, both of whom were 
natives of Westmoreland County, Penn., where they were married and resided 
until 1832, when they moved to the Buckeye State. In 1850, they moved to 
Kosciusko County, Ind., where, September 7, 1858, the father died; his 
widow survives him at an advanced age. John D. was reared upon a farm. 
He was married to Miss Mary A. Shadow July 6, 1856 ; she was born in 
Snyder County, Penn., December 13, 1836. From this union there are three 
children — Emma E., Horace J. and Samuel C. Mr. Sheoffer followed farm- 
ing in Kosciusko County until 1868, when he came to Avilla and erected the 
present grist-mill at that place at a cost of $17,000, which he operated some 
time and then rented it and went to Steuben County. After about five years, 
he returned and took charge of the mill, which he has since successfully oper- 
ated. He has put in much new machinery since his return, and has every 
facility for doing custom and merchant milling. He is liberal in his religious 
and political belief. 

ESQUIRE H. SHERMAN was born in Palmyra, N. Y., April 27, 1837, 
and is the eldest of three sons born to Gilbert and Hannah M. (Rowley) Sher- 
man. The father was born in Wayne County, N. Y., in 1814, and his wife in 
the same county in 1812. The father engaged in the manufacture of woolen 
goods until 1850, when he came to Allen Township and purchased a tract of 
land, and for a number of years followed farming and stock-raising. He held 
numerous positions of honor and trust in this township. He has resided 
in Michigan for some years. Esquire H. Sherman was brought up on his 
father's farm, receiving but a limited education. He began when quite young 
to assist in his father's saw-mill, as well as to help upon the farm. When 
about twenty-three years of age, he took charge of the mill, which for some time he 
successfully operated. His marriage with Miss Ellen B. Haines took place 
April 26, 1860. This lady was born in Juniata County, Penn., May 6, 1844. 
To them have been born five children, viz., Victoria R., Mary C, Helen L., 
Esquire H. and Maurice E. Mr. Sherman for some years was actively engaged 
in farming and stock-raising, but owing to ill-health sold the greater portion of 
his real estate, retaining only eighty acres that he now occupies as a home- 
stead. He is the present Trustee of Allen Township, and through his exertions 
and sound judgment the grade of its teachers and schools has been very per- 
ceptibly increased. He is liberal in his political views, and is an intelligent, 
progressive, public-spirited gentlemen. 

EDWARD B. SPENCER was born in Greenfield Township, Huron 
County, Ohio, May 10, 1823. His father, Samuel C. Spencer, was a native 



432 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

of New Haven, Conn., and came and settled with his parents in what is now 
Hartford Township, Trumbull County, and here he was raised to manhood, 
receiving but a limited education. In 1811, he went to Huron County, Ohio, 
and pre-empted a piece of land, which he began to improve, but after some 
months was driven from his possessions by the Indians, and returned to his 
home in Trumbull County. He was married in Ashtabula County, Ohio, to Misa 
Nancy Woodworth, a native of the Bay State. After the war of 1812, he returned 
to his possessions in Huron County, taking his young wife with him. Here they 
remained, following agricultural pursuits until 1837, when they removed to this 
county and settled on Section 9, in Jefferson Township. They came with ox 
teams, bringing with them cattle, sheep, hogs, some farming implements, and 
a set of carpenter tools. They had to cut a road through heavy timber for seven 
miles before they reached their destination. The father and mother had twice 
before lived in new and sparsely settled communities. They were energetic and 
industrious. They had a family of ten children, eight of whom (six sons and 
two daughters) came with them to this county. Six of these children are yet 
living; five reside in Noble County. Both parents are now dead. They were 
intelligent, and respected by all who knew them. Edward B. Spencer was 
brought up on his father's farm, receiving his education in log schoolhouses. 
When about eighteen years of age, he took charge of the home farm, and after 
a few years erected a saw-mill in Jefferson Township, which for some years he 
successfully operated. He was married to Miss Emily Wheeler February 5, 
1850, who was born in Wayne County, Penn., March 26, 1826, and is the 
daughter of Trueman Wheeler, who came to this county with his family in 
1844. Mr. Spencer remained in Jefferson Township two years after his mar- 
riage, and then came to his present home. He owns 440 acres of land, which 
is nicely improved and well stocked. He has been engaged in farming and 
feeding stock, also been engaged in stock shipping since 1853, and has been 
very successful. He has done much to improve the stock and agricultural 
resources of the county. Mrs. Spencer is a lady of more than ordinary mental 
ability. Previous to her marriage she taught a number of terms of school. She 
taught the first school in the neighborhood where she now lives, having but six 
pupils (all there were in the surrounding country). She also taught the first 
school in Kendallville, where she had enrolled about fifteen pupils. Mr. and 
Mrs. Spencer are reading people. Mr. Spencer is a stanch Republican. 

JOHN SPOONER was born in Salem, Ashtabula Co., Ohio, May 30, 
1816, one of four sons, two yet living, born to Pardon and Polly (Chapman) 
Spooner, who were natives respectively of Vermont and Rhode Island, but 
married in Ohio. The father was twice married, his first wife. Susan D. Maran- 
ville, bearing him seven children. Our subject was reared on his father's farm, 
and when sixteen years old became a sailor. For three years he sailed on Lake 
Erie, both as cook and common sailor. He then sailed the ocean for four years, 
traveling in foreign countries. He then returned to Lake Erie, where he served 
a number of years as mate. In 1843, he came to Noble County, locating in 
Washington Township, but for several years during the summer seasons still 
served on the lake. He was married, June 4, 1843, to Miss Martha Rawson, 
who was born in Pierpont, Ashtabula County, Ohio, July 18, 1817, and to 
them were born three children — Laflava, Jared and Mary. Jared served in the 
war of rebellion. Since 1852, Mr. Spooner has been engaged in farming. 
He owns eighty acres of good land, and is a Republican in politics. Mrs. 
Spooner was among the first school-teachers of Washington Township. Dur- 



ALLEN TOWNSHIP. 433 

ing his life as sailor, Mr. Spooner had some thrilling experiences. While first 
mate on board the brig " Osceola," he, with Capt. Snow and seven ship hands, 
left Buffalo with a partial cargo of stoves, on the evening of the 18th of Novem- 
ber, 1846, and when forty miles out, were run ashore in a gale eight miles west 
of Dunkirk, N. Y. They passed a terrible night ; and when relief was sent 
them from shore, ten hours after, Mr. Spooner and a seaman were the only 
survivers. Mr. and Mrs. Spooner are now in the enjoyment of peace and pros- 
perity after an eventful life of usefulness. 

SAMUEL P. STEWART was born in Allegheny County, Penn., July 
15, 1840. He is one of nine children born to Uriah and Margaret (Harbison) 
Stewart, both of whom were natives of the Keystone State. The Stewarts are 
of Scotch, and the Harbisons of Irish descent. Uriah Stewart, with his family, 
removed to Swan Township, this county, in 1857, where they have since re- 
sided. Samuel P. Stewart was reared upon a farm and received a common- 
school education. He remained at home until about twenty-three years old, 
when he began for himself as a farmer. He was united in marriage with Miss 
Susan Hooper, December 19, 1863, who was born in Allegheny County, Penn., 
January 19, 1841. They have had four children, three of whom are yet liv- 
ing, viz. : Ida M., Eva J. and John S. Mr. Stewart followed farming until 
1872, when he and a brother engaged in the mercantile business at Avilla, 
which he still follows. He has built up a large and lucrative business. He is 
a stanch Republican, and a member of the Masonic Order. He has been Post- 
master at Avilla since 1875, and has held other positions of honor and trust. 

THOMAS STOREY was born in Yorkshire, Eng., February 29, 1816, 
and is a son of George and Elizabeth (Sidgwick) Storey, who were natives of 
the County Durham and the parents of eight children. The father was a 
farmer and veterinary surgeon. He lived and died in his native country. 
Thomas Storey was reared on a farm, receiving a common-school education. 
When fourteen years old, hired out to the neighboring farmers for from £5 to 
£16 per annum. He disposed of his interests in England, and in 1839 came 
to Lockport, N. Y., where he remained until 1842 ; then came to Noble County, 
Ind., and the spring of 1843, entered eighty acres of land in Allen Township. 
In 1844, he settled here permanently. Mr. Storey was married, September 6, 
1844, to Miss Mary Southworth, who was born in Lancashire, England, Octo- 
ber 25, 1818. Mr. and Mrs. Storey were among the early pioneers of Allen 
Township. Their first log cabin was 12x14 feet. Mr. Storey and wife have 
been hard-working and industrious people. They are faithful adherents of the 
Catholic Church, and are among the respected citizens of Allen Township. 

MOSES and DANIEL TRYON are natives of Wayne County, Ohio, and 
are the sons of John and Lydia (Sadler) Tryon, the former a native of the Em- 
pire State and the latter of Canada. The father, in 1816, went to Wayne 
County, Ohio, where he was married, and ever afterward resided, following his 
trade, that of a wheelwright. He was a hard-working man, and reared a family 
of twelve children. Moses Tryon was born June 3, 1818. His education con- 
sisted of such as could be obtained in the log schoolhouses of that early day, 
and from boyhood was accustomed to hard work. He was united in marriage 
with Miss Catharine J. Dunfee December 29, 1836. She was born in Fred- 
erick County, Md., April 13, 1818. To them have been born the following 
children — William, Cornelius, Henry, John, James, Milton and Newton (twins), 
Sophia and George (twins), and Lucy J. Henry, John and James, served with 
distinction during the late war. In 1841, Mr. Tryon came in a two-horse wagon 



434 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

with his family to this county, locating on the land he now owns. On his 
arrival, he found he had left just 8 cents cash. This to a man of less nerve 
and energy would have been disheartening. He and wife went to work with a 
will, and it was not long ere they were as comfortably situated as their neigh- 
bors ; however, they eftdured many hardships and privations. Mr. Tryon and 
wife live upon the old homestead, where the most of their lives has been passed. 
They are kind-hearted, hospitable people, and have the respect of all who know 
them. Daniel Tryon was born February 11, 1824, and, like his brother, was 
raised upon a farm, receiving but a limited education. He was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Catharine Richey, June 4, 1848. This lady was born in 
Wooster, Ohio, January 15, 1830. From this union there are eight children, 
viz. : Delia, Emma, Mina, William, Lucina, Adda, Morton and Burton. Two 
years after his marriage, Mr. Tryon moved to this county, which he has 
ever since made his home. He owns eighty acres of well-improved land, which 
he has obtained by his own hard work. Both he and his brother are stanch 
Republicans, and are among the county's best citizens. 

W. B. VAN GORDER is a native of this township. He is the son of 
Aaron A. and Rebecca J. (Campbell) Van Gorder, the former a native of Liv- 
ingston County, N. Y., and the latter of Fayette County, Penn. They came 
to this county in 1853, where they have since resided. They have four chil- 
dren, viz.: W. B., Henry J., Sarah E. and Joel C. They own a nicely im- 
proved farm of 280 acres. W. B. Van Gorder was reared on his father's farm, 
attending the home and Avilla schools during the winter months. When about 
twenty years of age he taught a term of school, after which he entered the Fort 
Wayne College, from which institution he graduated at the head of his class in 
the spring of 1881, excelling especially in civil engineering. He taught several 
terms of school while attending college, thus acquiring a thoroughly practical 
as well as a theoretical education. He is the Principal of the Avilla school, 
which under his efficient management has become one of the best in the county. 
He is a Republican. 

HENRY VOGEDING, one of the leading merchants, is a native of Prus- 
sia ; born October 22, 1824. Son of Francis A. and Mary A. (Rutenfratz) 
Vogeding, who came to the United States in 1836, and located in Putnam 
County, Ohio. His father was a cooper, but during his residence in Ohio was 
engaged in farming ; he died ten years after settling in Putnam County. Sub- 
ject was the eldest of a family of seven children ; at the time of his father's 
death the greater portion of the care of the family rested upon him. At the 
age of 19 he went to Dayton, Ohio, where he remained for nearly sixteen years, 
following coopering most of the time, and sending home the greater portion of 
his earnings. He then went to Putnam County, where, for about three years 
he was engaged at his trade. In 1859, he came to Allen Township, where he 
has since resided. He engaged at coopering and farming until 1872 ; has 
since been actively engaged in mercantile pursuits. He carries a complete 
stock of dry goods, groceries, hats and caps, boots and shoes, tin and hardware, 
valued at $10,000 ; his trade is large and is steadily increasing. Mr. Voge- 
ding owns 87 acres of land in the township, and is a progressive and enter- 
prising citizen. He was married to Miss Elizabeth Siefker, November 1, 
1847, at Dayton, Ohio. She is a native of Hanover, Germany, born in 1822. 
From this union there are five children, four now living — August, Rosena, 
Agnes and John ; Joseph, deceased. They are members of the Catholic 
Church. 



ALLEN TOWNSHIP. 436 

ELIHU WADSWORTH was born in the city of Hartford, Conn., June 
29, 1802. He is the son of David and Irene (Olcott) Wadsworth, who were 
born, reared and married in the city of Hartford. They removed from there 
to Old Portage, Summit Co., Ohio, in 1814, and here, in 1825, the mother 
died. To them were born a large family of children, but only six reached their 
majority. The father died in 1838. Elihu Wadsworth was brought up on a 
farm, and from early boyhood was accustomed to hard work. His education 
was obtained in the subscription schools of that day. He was married to Miss 
Phebe Ulmer December 31, 1829, born in Maine May 11, 1810. From this 
union there were five children, viz.: Joseph T., William F., Edwin N., Chloe 
E. and Henry E. Joseph T. resides in Allen Township, and is a farmer. The 
daughter is married, and resides in Kendallville. Henry E. resides in La 
Porte, Indiana, and is the editor and proprietor of the La Porte Argus. Mr. 
Wadsworth moved from Summit County, Ohio, to this county in 1836, arriving 
in Allen Township, and locating on the farm he now owns, October 20 of the 
same year. He has since resided here, and for the most part has been engaged 
in farming and stock-raising. His wife died May 28, 1874. Mr. Wadsworth 
has always voted with the Democratic party. He has held the offices of County 
Commissioner, Justice of the Peace, Township Trustee and other positions of 
honor and trust. He owns 120 acres of nicely-improved land. 

GEORGE WEAVER was born in Richland County, Ohio, December 6, 
1824, and is a son of Willian and Catharine (Stout) Weaver, who were mar- 
ried in Richland County, Ohio, and to them were born a family of ten children, 
all of whom are living. The father was a native of Virginia, and the mother 
of Pennsylvania. They lived a long life of usefulness, and died honored and 
respected citizens. George Weaver received but a common-school education ; 
was reared on a farm at home until he reached his majority, when he came to 
Noble County, driving cattle for Amos Black. This was in 1845 ; and, after 
remaining here six months, Mr. Weaver returned to Ohio, and, April 8, 1846, 
married Miss Elizabeth Musgrove, who was born in the same county as himself, 
December 13, 1830. Four children were born to this union — Allen, James, 
Albert and Jane. Mr. and Mrs. Weaver remained in Ohio until 1853, when 
they came to Noble County, where they have ever since resided. Mr. Wea- 
ver's early life here was one of hardship. For three years, he was afflicted 
with sore eyes, but by hard labor and determination has acquired 120 acres of 
good land, well improved. He is a Democrat, and an intelligent and enter- 
prising citizen. 

HEMAN H. WHEELER was born July 22, 1823, in Wayne County, 
Penn. He is the only son of a family of twelve children born to Trueman and 
Hannah (Carr) Wheeler. The father was a native of Massachusetts, and the 
mother of Rhode Island. They both went with their parents to Wayne County, 
Penn., when children, where they were reared, married and resided a number 
of years. In 1841, Mr. Wheeler entered 175 acres where his son Heman H. 
now resides, and the same year came with part of his family (only four of the 
twelve children came with the parents), to locate upon it. Finding it wholly 
unimproved, he took the family to Steuben County to reside while he improved 
the place to some extent. In 1844, he came with his family to his place in 
Allen Township, which they have since made their home. Mr. Wheeler was a 
well-read man, and held, in his lifetime, many positions of honor and trust. He 
held the office of Justice of the Peace for twenty-five years in Pennsylvania, 
and it is said that during that time he had not one of his decisions reversed by 
any of the superior courts. He was well posted and possessed a superior mem- 



436 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

ory. He died April 18, 1867, aged eighty-four years, and his wife November 
21, 1880, who was ninetv-seven at the time of her death. Heman H. 
Wheeler received a common-school education, and, when a young man, taught 
several terms of school. He helped to clear up the place in Allen Township, 
while the family resided in Steuben County. He always made his home with 
his parents, and, during their old age, cared for them. He was married to 
Miss Loretta M. Mather January 4, 1848. She was born at Akron, Ohio, 
September 3, 1827. Five children have been born to them, three of whom 
are vet living, viz. : Henry W., Frank D. and Mina L. Those deceased were 
named Trueman S. and Frank C. Mr. Wheeler owns 460 acres of land at 
present, although he has owned much more at different times. He has dealt 
largely in cattle and hogs, shipping to Chicago and Eastern cities ; has devoted 
his entire time to his business. He is a thorough and practical business man ; 
a Republican and a prominent citizen. 

ALONZO D. WHITFORD (deceased) descended from an old and re- 
spected New England family, his birth occurring May 3, 1810, in Otsego 
County, N. Y. His parents moved to Wayne County, Ohio, soon after the war 
of 3 812, and it was here that he was reared upon his father's farm, receiving 
but a limited education. He was married to Miss Louisa M. Webster Decem- 
ber 29, 1831 ; she was born in the town of Putney, Vt., July 9, 1812. Her 
parents, Asahel and Janette Webster, moved to Wayne County, Ohio, in 1817. 
Mr. Whitford remained in Wayne County some three years after his marriage, 
and then moved to Hancock County, Ohio. In 1837, he came with his family 
to this county and entered 320 acres of land in Allen Township. Mr. Whit- 
ford was a man of more than ordinary ability and natural powers of mind. He 
took advanced ground on nearly all the leading issues of his day, and was a 
strong anti-slavery man. He died March 12, 1879. In his family were six 
children, viz., Mahala L., Webster, Nancy R., Almira, William H. and Alonzo 
M. Of these, William H. was born in Allen Township January 18, 1842. He 
received a good common-school education, and was united in marriage with 
Miss Sarah H. Hill January 27, 1869. She was born in Niagara County, N. 
Y., December 7, 1848. From this union'there are two children, viz., Fred E. 
and Ethel M. Alonzo M. resides upon the old homestead with the mother. 
He and brother own nicely improved farms which they have well stocked. They 
are Republicans, and among the enterprising and progressive men of Noble 
County. 

JOHN YEISER was born in York, Penn., November 23, 1822. He is 
the youngest of a family of seven children born to John and Elizabeth (Whit- 
mire) Yeiser, both natives of the Keystone State. They were married and re- 
sided in their native State until 1833, when they moved with their family to 
Richland County, Ohio. Here they reared their family and resided till the 
mother died in 1848. The father, in his old age, came to live with his son 
John in this county, where he died in 1867. Our subject was brought up on 
his father's farm, receiving a common-school education. Soon after attaining 
his majority, he began working at the carpenter and joiner's trade, which he 
followed in Ohio until 1855, when he moved to this county and purchased the 
farm he now owns in Allen Township. He was married to Miss Margaret 
Shambaugh June 3, 1848. She was born in Richland County, Ohio, February 
20, 1827. They have five children, viz., George, Elizabeth C, James E., Mary 
E. and Frank C. Mr. Yeiser owns 180 acres of land, which he paid for with 
money earned working at his trade. His farm is well stocked and nicely im- 
proved. He is a Republican, and one of Allen Township's prominent citizens. 



ELKHART TOWNSHir. 437 



ELKHART TOWNSHIP. 

JOHN P. BAKER, born in Germany, is a son of John and Margaret 
Baker, both natives of that country, where the father died. The subject was 
educated in Germany, and in 1853 came to America with his mother, who died 
in Orange Township. Here the subject worked by the day for one year, and 
purchased a farm of forty acres, that he partially cleared, and upon which he 
Duilt a barn, house, etc., and afterward located. He married, in 1860, Mary 
Stoekle, who came with her parents to Wayne Township from their native home 
in Wurtemberg, Germany. They lived in Orange Township until 1869, when 
Mr. Baker purchased one hundred acres of land in Elkhart Township, where he 
now lives and which he has greatly improved. It now contains a good frame 
residence, and all the other buildings required by the model farmer. In 1870, 
his wife died. Their children were John, William, Frederick and Joseph, all 
at home. Mr. Baker's second and present wife, Sarah J. Baker, is a native of 
Ohio, and daughter of Cornelius and Elizabeth Bloomfield, natives, respectively, 
of Ohio and Pennsylvania, who came to Orange Township in 1853, where the 
father died, and the mother is at present living on the old farm. Mr. and Mrs. 
Baker are members of the Dunker Church, and have five children — Henry, 
Lilly, Hattie, Winnie and Elmer. 

RENWICK W. BARTLEY, M. D., spent his early life in New York 
City, the place of his nativity, and from 1863 to 1866 he lived in Pennsylvania ; 
then a year was passed in Illinois, returning to Pennsylvania, where he remained 
until 1869, when he went to Northern Wisconsin, and entered a drug store as 
clerk. After studying medicine for three and a half years, under Dr. Lacey, 
he took a course of lectures at the Bennett Medical College, Chicago, 111.; then 
entered upon the practice of medicine in Merrimac, Wis. After a stay there 
of one year, he came to Wawaka in November, 1874, where he followed his 
profession until 1875. Then practiced one year in Brimfield, at conclusion of 
which the Doctor resumed his profession in Wawaka, in 1879 connecting with 
his practice the drug business. In June, 1878, he was married to Elizabeth 
M. Nimmon, whose parents were natives of Ohio Her father was an eminent 
physician and surgeon. One child, Karl N., has been born to the Doctor and 
wife. The parents of Dr. Bartley, Isaiah and Mary Bartley, were natives, 
respectively, of Orange County, N. Y., and of Baltimore, Md. The latter 
died in Washington City ; the former in Davton, Ohio. Dr. Bartley is a mem- 
ber of the Brimfield Lodge, I. 0. 0. F., No. 587. His wife of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. 

WILLIAM H. BLACK is a native of Delaware County, Ohio, and lived 
with his parents until twenty-one years of age. They came to Whitley County, 
Ind., in 1860, and subsequently moved to Perry Township, where the mother, 
Drusilla Black, who was a native of Ohio, died in 1871. The father, George 
H. Black, a native of New York, married again, and is living in Albion. The 
subject was married, February 4, 1868, to Miss Cenia A. King, native of Perry 
Township, where her parents, Michael D. and Mary King, natives of Pennsyl- 
vania, located, and where the mother died in 1871; father still living. Mr. 
Black and wife have since been living on their farm of 100 acres in this town- 
ship, with comfortable surroundings and substantial buildings. Besides this, 



438 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Mr. Black owns 40 acres of partially improved land south of his farm. He 
has always followed farming, and when a boy went to school winters, acquiring 
the common-school education. There are six children in their family — Charles, 
Frank, Evalena, Wright, Roy and Ethel, all at home. 

GEORGE Z. ROLLER, son of George F. and Elizabeth Boiler, natives, 
respectively, of Germany and Pennsylvania, was born in Wayne County, Ohio. 
His mother died in that county, and his father in Elkhart County, Ind. The 
subject attended district school in Wayne County until seventeen years old, 
when he taught a four months' term of school ; subsequently attended school 
one term at the academy at Canton, Stark Co., Ohio, and two terms at Wooster, 
Ohio, after which he followed teaching several years, teaching fifteen terms in 
all. He was married in Wayne County, Ohio, November 14, 1850, to Cath- 
arine Zook, daughter of Gideon and Mary Zook, natives of Pennsylvania, who 
was born in Wayne County, Ohio, where her father died and her mother is now 
living. After living there four years, Mr. Boiler came to Elkhart Township 
in 1855, and located permanently on forty acres of partly improved land. He 
has made subsequent purchases, and now owns one hundred and two acres of 
good land, sixty acres thoroughly improved and cultivated, with good buildings 
and rich productive soil. Mr. and Mrs. Boiler are members of the Amish 
Mennonite Church, and are intelligent, enterprising citizens. They have one 
son living — Benjamin F., a student at Yale College, New Haven, Conn.; and 
one deceased — Amos. 

FRANCIS M. BUKER was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, where 
he lived with his parents until eighteen years of age. His father, Caleb Buker, 
a native of Maine, followed farming in Muskingum County a number of years, 
and afterward turned his attention to the mercantile business. His mother, 
Catharine Buker, was born in Pennsylvania. Both of his parents died in 
Muskingum County. Francis Buker obtained a fair education, and for ten 
years was engaged principally in teaching, part of the time officiating as clerk 
in his father's store. January 4, 1861, he married Sarah T. Trittipo, a native 
of Loudoun County, Va., and in May, 1861, they settled on their present farm 
of one hundred and fifty-three acres, in Elkhart Township. One hundred acres 
are nicely cultivated and improved, and their frame residence, when first built, 
was considered an elegant structure. Mr. Buker has set out 1,500 fruit trees, 
and otherwise increased the value of his farm. Mrs. Buker's parents, Thomas 
and Sarah A. Trittipo, natives of Loudoun County, Va., in 1856 came to La 
Grange County, Ind., where they are still living on a farm. Mr. Buker held 
the office of Justice of the Peace for eight years, and served efficiently. Their 
children are seven, five living — Charles C, Sarah C, George F., Ernest C. 
and William T., all at home ; Daisy D.and John J., deceased. 

ABRAM FRANKS passed his boyhood days in Wayne County, Ohio, 
place of nativity. In 1863, he came to Jefferson Township, this county, with 
his parents. Was married January 1. 1864, to Maria Buttermore, whose 
parents were George and Barbara Buttermore ; the former is dead, and the 
latter is now living, at the age of eighty -two, in Fayette County, Penn. Mr. 
and Mrs. Franks commenced life together in Jefferson Township. He subse- 
quently purchased a partly-improved farm in Elkhart Township, of about 130 
acres ; upon this they are now living, having cleared and brought under cul- 
tivation other portions of the tract, erected a good barn, and added other con- 
venient and comfortable surroundings, rendering the place valuable and desira- 
ble as a home place. To them have been born eight children, who are living 



ELKHART TOWNSHIP. 439 

with their parents, viz. : Carrie, Florence, Brady, Forrest, Arthur, Belle, Ger- 
trude and Edgar, forming a pleasant and interesting family circle. Mr. Franks' 
parents were Uriah and Elizabeth Franks. The father, now eighty-two years 
old, was a native of Pennsylvania ; and the mother, now seventy-seven, of Ohio. 
They are living with their son-in-law, Mr. McFarland, in this township. 

WILLIAM GAGE is a native of Wayne County, N. Y., and son of 
Hosea and Electa Gage. His parents, natives of New York, in 1834 located 
on a farm in Michigan, and resided there until 1842, when they came to this 
township, where the father died. The mother is yet living at the advanced 
age of seventy-three. The subject spent his boyhood days on the farm with 
his parents in Indiana. He served an apprenticeship of one year at the black- 
smith trade ; then followed farming in the summer and his trade during the 
winter. January 30, 1859, he was married to Mary Kern, a native of Penn- 
sylvania. His parents, Isaac W. and Catharine Kern, came to Indiana in 
1845, and located on a farm in Perry Township, where they afterward died. 
After his wife's death, which occurred January 16, 1879, Mr. Gage was mar- 
ried to Adessa Franks, a native of Williams County, Ohio, and daughter of 
Jacob and Margaret Franks. She is a member of the M. E. Church, and his 
first wife was a member of the Wesleyan Methodist Church. The subject first 
settled on 80 acres of land in Elkhart Township, lived there one year, then 
purchased 80 acres in Section 19, where he moved and is still residing. He 
has 60 acres cultivated and improved ; in 1878, he built a fine brick residence, 
and altogether his farm presents a very thrifty appearance. Mr. Gage was 
drafted in the late war. They have had seven children — Emma, married and 
living in Elkhart Township ; Louis, deceased ; Jesse, John, Nellie, deceased ; 
Isaac and Abram. 

ABRAHAM GILL, one among the thriving farmers of this township, was 
born in Union County, Penn. His parents, Jacob and Susannah Gill, were 
natives of the same place, and his mother died in Pennsylvania. Abraham 
Gill's youth was passed in the States of Pennsylvania and Ohio, attending 
school, and farming during the summer vacations. After leaving Ohio, he 
came to Wells County, Ind., and purchased 80 acres of wooded land, where he 
built a log cabin, and lived twenty-six years. He then came to Sparta Town- 
ship, and bought 80 acres of land partially improved, and, after working it 
fourteen years, he sold it and located on his present farm in Elkhart Township. 
He owns 104 acres, and has improved 80 acres, upon which is a good frame 
dwelling-house, large barn, etc. Mr. Gill was married in Stark County, Ohio, 
to Mary McDaniel, a native of Stark County, and daughter of James and 
Sarah McDaniel, the latter a native of Pennsylvania, who, after her husband's 
death in Stark County, came to Indiana, and remarried. Mr. and Mrs. Gill 
are both members of the Christian Church. They have had twelve children — 
one, Elibabeth, deceased ; the others all married except John, who is living at 
home; Anne R., living in Fort Wayne; Sarah J., Sparta Township; Josiah 
G., Perry Township ; Jacob F., Michigan ; David, Elkhart Township ; Mary 
E., Ligonier; Amos A., Michigan; Adam, York Township; William. Mich- 
igan ; and Almeda, Michigan. 

MARION GLANT, proprietor of one of the two hotels at Wawaka, is a na- 
tive of Miami County, Ohio, and came here with his parents, natives of Ohio, 
in 1869. His education was obtained at West Milton, Ohio, and he lived with 
his parents until twenty-five years old. His father, John Giant, kept a 
butcher shop in Wawaka, where he died. His mother, Eliza Giant, is living 



440 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

with her son in Ohio. The subject was married February 10, 1870, to Athelia 
A. Henry, a native of Ohio, whose father, Mark W. Henry, is dead, and her 
mother makes her home with subject's family. Since their marriage they have 
been engaged in the hotel business at Wawaka, and they are at all times ready 
to administer to the wants of the traveling public. Their hotel is known as the 
Wawaka House, and is conveniently located near the depot. Until about two 
years ago, theirs was the only hotel in Wawaka. Mr. and Mrs. Giant are 
pleasant, aifable people, and well adapted to their calling. 

WILLIAM GOLDEN is a native of Pennsylvania, son of William and 
Temperance Golden, both deceased. The mother died in Pennsylvania and the 
father in Ohio. The school days of William were limited to three terms in Fay- 
ette County, Penn. In his early days, he learned shoemaking ; engaged in this 
and running a tannery four years ; subsequently he built a tannery at Vienna, 
and conducted it seven years ; then, in 1847, came to this county, and located 
in a rude cabin on 200 acres of wood land. In two years he was the owner of 
1,000 acres in one body ; improved two farms, but, being land poor, he turned 
it into $10,000 worth of railroad stock, and $4,000 -in a woolen-mill at Rome 
City ; lost it all. He then made another beginning in this township, by pur- 
chasing 80 acres, little improved ; to this he added until he owned 400 acres. 
He has built a good house and barn and other buildings ; he now owns 200 
acres, having sold off 200. His present farm is well improved and cultivated. 
March 8, 1836, he married Elizabeth Parks, daughter of James and Susannah 
Parks, both of whom are dead. Mrs. Golden is a native of Kentucky. They 
are members of the Free-Will Baptist Church, and have had ten children — 
Sidney A., married and a resident of California ; James W. (deceased), William 
A. (died in the army), Mary J. (deceased), Susannah, Francis M., Benjamin 
F., Stephen, Hannah C. and Elizabeth (deceased). 

CHARLES K. GREENE is an affable, thrifty merchant of Wawaka, 
carrying a stock of drugs, groceries, wall paper, etc., to the value of $2,000. 
Mr. Greene is a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, where he spent his boy- 
hood years. At the age of eighteen, he commenced the study of medicine 
with Drs. Young and Calvin. After four years' application, he came to Zanes- 
ville, Ind., where he taught school one term, after which, he found employ- 
ment in a drug store, for a Mr. Mackall, in Sheldon, Allen County. Here he 
served for about one year. May 18, 1876, he married Louisa Caston, daughter 
of John Caston, of Wells County, Ind. Mr. Greene and wife moved to Wa- 
waka, where he engaged in clerking for M. Caston, in a drug store. June 9, 
1877, he purchased the business, amounting to about $600. In this venture 
he has been successful, and has built up the trade, added to his line and is now 
in a prosperous condition. He has filled the office of Justice of the Peace, to 
which he was elected in 1878 by a vote of 219 to his opponent's 35 ; belongs 
to the Brimfield Lodge of I. O. O. F., and he and wife belong to the M. E. 
Church. Two children have been born to them, one of whom, Myrtle, is 
deceased. The one living is Raymond V. Mr. Greene's parents, Charles M. 
and Annie Greene, are still residents of Ohio. 

JAMES HALL, a prosperous farmer of Elkhart Township, is a native of 
Ohio, and came with his parents, William H. and Lucy Hall, to Indiana in 
1888, and settled on a farm in Elkhart Township, where the mother died. She 
was a native of Vermont. William Hall is eighty-six years old, was born in 
Pennsylvania and is now living in Iowa. The subject received his schooling 
in Ohio, and was married. April 3, 1851, to , Elizabeth Hamilton, and since 



ELKHART TOWNSHIP. 441 

then has been living on his present farm of 125 acres, that is furnished with 
all the modern improvements. She was born in Ohio, and was the daughter 
of John and Elizabeth Hamilton, natives of Pennsylvania. She died in 1865 
and left five children — Mary, in La Grange County, married ; Benjamin F. ; 
Sarah S., married and living in La Grange County; Ida S., La Grange 
County ; and Elmer E. Mr. Hall subsequently married Mrs. Sarah J. Fer- 
guson, a native of Ohio. They have four children — Lemira, Lucy L., Ezekiel 
W. and Melvin. Mr. Hall is the inventor of Hall's Windmill, which was 
patented in 1871 and again in 1873. He was interested in that business about 
five years, then sold it to Flint, Walling & Co., who continue to manufacture 
and erect windmills in various parts of the country. 

LOREN R. HATHAWAY was born in Perry Township, Noble County, 
Ind. His parents, William and Margaret Hathaway, came to Indiana from 
Ohio, their native State, and located on a farm in Perry Township. Here 
Loren Hathaway was reared, and was taught the common branches at the 
district and town schools. It was here also that his mother's death occurred. 
His father was proprietor of the first hotel started in Ligonier, where his last 
days were passed. The subject was united in marriage, in 1874, with Miss 
Alice L. Smith, a native of Darke County, Ohio. Her parents, William and 
Elizabeth Smith, were also natives of Darke County. Mr. and Mrs. Hath- 
away came to their present farm in Elkhart Township in 1879. They have a 
good home and a family of three children — William H. L., Eva L. and Tola 
B., all living at home. 

CHRISTIAN HELTZEL, a native of Virginia, spent his youth in the 
States of Virginia, Ohio and Indiana. He came to the latter State in 1836 
with his parents, Henry and Elizabeth Heltzel, natives of Virginia, who located 
in Perry Township, where the mother died. His father served as Collector and 
Assessor two terms and Recorder eight years. He died in Albion. Christian 
Heltzel never attended school, but can read and write readily enough to trans- 
act all business forms. He purchased forty acres of land in Elkhart Township 
in 1847 ; subsequently purchasing and disposing of land, and engaged all the 
time in clearing and improving. He now owns 140 acres and is comfortably 
situated. He was married, in 1844, to Catharine Vance, native of Ohio and 
daughter of Martin and Barbara Vance, also natives of Ohio, who came to 
Benton Township, Elkhart County, in 1829. They had twelve children — 
Melissa, deceased; Marian and Eliza A. (twins), deceased; George W., now 
living in Sparta Township; Marquis D., at home; Caroline, living in Nap- 
panee, Elkhart County; John V., in Sparta Township; Thomas J., in Elkhart 
Township; Amos C, in Indianapolis; Charles, deceased; Jefferson C, at 
home; and Catharine E., deceased. Mr. Heltzel's first wife died in 1863, and 
he subsequently married Elizabeth Rentfrow, native of Ohio. They have two 
children — Andrew J. and Seymour. 

JAMES J. KNOX is a native of Richland County, Ohio, a son of John 
and Mary Knox, who emigrated from Pennsylvania to Ohio, where they lived 
on a farm until their death. James remained with his parents until he was 
twenty-two years old. He served as a soldier in the Mexican war thirteen 
months. After returning to Ohio he came to Noble County in 1848, and pur- 
chased 184 acres of timber land in Elkhart Township. Mr. Knox returned to 
Ohio and wintered, and in 1849 crossed the plains to California, where he en- 
gaged in gold mining until 1852, when, in July of that year, he again returned 
to Ohio. In 1853, he retraced his steps to Noble County and built a steam saw- 



442 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : 

mill in Allen Township ; this he operated for two years. September 5, 1854, 
he married Naomi A. Black, a daughter of Peter and Martha Black, who came 
from Maryland in 1853, and located on farm in Jefferson Township, where the 
father died ; the mother then lived with her son Cyrus until her death. In 
October, 1855, Mr. Knox and wife settled on his farm in this township, which 
he improved with fine buildings, orchard, etc. This farm he sold in June, 
1881, and purchased a fine brick residence in Ligonier, which he intends mak- 
ing his future residence. Mr. Knox and wife are members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. They have had five children — Martha L. and Mary P., 
both deceased ; Alice, Kate and Gertrude B. He still owns 433 acres of land, 
and is a substantial citizen. 

AARON E. MAWHORTER, son of William and Prudence Mawhorter, 
was born February 11, 1838, in Elkhart Township, where he lived with his par- 
ents on a farm, and obtained a common-school education. March 22, 1858, 
he married Rebecca Kessler, who was born in Morrow County, Ohio. Her 
parents — Andrew and Mariah Kessler — the former a native of Pennsylvania, 
the latter of Morrow County, Ohio, came to Indiana and located near Rome 
City. The mother died July 3, 1881, and the father is still living on the farm 
with his daughter. Mr. Mawhorter and wife are thrifty people, and have made 
vast improvements on their well-regulated farm. He now owns ninety-three 
acres of land, upon which are numerous fine buildings, besides town property 
in Wawaka. They have two children living— Eva C, who married a farmer of 
Elkhart Township, and William A., at work for himself; and one, Prudence 
M., deceased. 

WILLIAM MAWHORTER (deceased) was born in Washington County, 
Penn., February 9, 1812. His parents, William and Margaret Mawhorter, 
were wealthy, but lost their property and came to Ohio when William, Jr., was 
was about thirteen years old. Here, the father died. The subject of this 
sketch, when he grew to maturity, purchased forty acres of land in Marion 
County, upon which he lived with his mother and sisters, and engaged some- 
what in clearing until 1834, when he sold out and came to this county, and 
purchased 160 acres of land in this township from the Government. March 19, 
1837, he was married to Miss Prudence Pierson, who was born in Cape May 
County, N. J., August 18, 1816. They commenced housekeeping in the log 
cabin on his land, on which they lived until 1866, when he removed to eighty 
acres in Section 21, which he had purchased. Here his wife died July 7, 1870, 
he following her May 21, 1872. They were both members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, of which he was Steward several years. Their children 
were : Aaron E., Martha A. (deceased), Sarah C:, William H., Francis M. 
(whose head was injured when three years old, impairing his mind; he lives with 
his youngest brother), Joseph A. (deceased), Thomas J., Marcus L., Joshua 
K. and Dr. N. (deceased). Thomas J. was born in this county December 10, 
1852, and was married May 17, 1874, to Miss A. Rendel, who was born in 
Ashland County, Ohio, October 10, 1854, the daughter of William and Susan- 
na Rendel. To them have been born four children, viz.: Miron E., Dora B., 
Blanche M., deceased, and Walter A. Mr. and Mrs. Mawhorter are living 
upon the land entered from the Government by his father. 

GEORGE W. MUMMERT is a native of Canton, Ohio, whose parents 
were Adam and Mary Ann Mummert, natives of Pennsylvania. They came 
to Canton in 1816, where the mother subsequently died. The father is still 
living, and though he is eighty-one years old, he is quite active. In the year 



ELKHART TOWNSHIP. 443 

1854, at the age of eighteen, George W. came west to Goshen, Ind., where he 
found employment in a grist-mill. August 6, 1858, he married Louisa Zinn, 
whose parents were natives of Clark County, Ohio. Mr. Mummert followed 
milling in Goshen about fourteen years, then moved to Wawaka, where he 
built a grist-mill in 1868, in partnership with E. W. H. Ellis ; July 23, 1875, this 
property was destroyed by fire, when Mr. Mummert bought Mr. Ellis' interest 
and immediately erected a steam saw-mill ; this he continues to operate in a 
thoroughly business-like manner. He filled the office of Township Trustee two 
terms, and subsequently that of County Commissioner two terms. He is a 
member of Goshen Lodge, No. 34, I. O. 0. F., of twenty-four years' standing, 
and member of Freeman Encampment. He is also a Master Mason of the 
Albion Lodge. Mr. and Mrs. Mummert have had a family of four children — 
William C. is now Postmaster at Wawaka, and Elmer E. is living at home. 
All of the family are members of the M. E. Church. 

JAMES E. NOWELLS ministers to the wants of the traveling public 
as landlord of a comfortable hostelry in Wawaka. He was born in Holmes 
County, Ohio, and was bound out to Peter Dunmire, who kept a hotel. James' 
school opportunities were limited. He came to this township in 1856, but 
returned again to Ohio September 13, 1857. He married Mary A. Kline, 
daughter of Jacob and Barbara Kline, who still live in Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. 
Nowells came to his former location on a rented farm ; continued on rented 
property for a number of years, when he bought ten acres at the Poplar Grove 
Schoolhouse, after which he was employed as night-watchman at the railroad 
depot in Wawaka for six months ; then engaged in same capacity at the wool- 
en mills in Rome City for one year ; then one year as clerk in a Mr. Miller's 
store, same place. Returning to Wawaka, he exchanged some real estate for 
town property, and started a grocery store ; this he continued for two years 
and six months, when he engaged in his present business, keeping hotel. Mr. 
Nowells has been honored with the office of Justice of the Peace for four years. 
They have three' children — Alva E., Joseph L. and Minnie. His parents 
were Joseph and Sarah Nowells. The mother died in Ohio ; the father came 
to Indiana, and is now seventy-five years old. 

JOHN PANCAKE is a native of Ohio, where he lived on a farm and 
received the common education. His parents, John and Dorothy Pancake, 
came from their native State (Virginia) to Ohio, and settled on a farm, where 
they died. The subject came to Indiana in 1846, and located on land that 
had been entered by his father in 1838, and upon which he is now living. He 
has worked diligently, and at one time cleared a road through his farm, be- 
sides opening several others. His farm consists of 280 acres, enriched and 
cultivated soil. In the place of the log cabin of former days is an elegant 
brick residence, with other buildings to correspond. In 1846, Mr. Pancake 
was married to Miss Effie A. Radcliff, native of Ohio, and daughter of Job 
and Martha Radcliff, natives of Virginia. His wife died in 1847, in Indiana. 
He subsequently returned to Ohio and married Susan Cornell, now living. 
She was born in Virginia, and her parents, Daniel and Elizabeth Cornell, were 
also natives of Virginia, and were living in Illinois at the time of their death. 
Mr. and Mrs. Pancake have three children — Elias, married and living in Kan- 
sas, and Lizzie and Ella, living at home. 

JOSEPH L. PANCAKE was reared in this township, where he came 
with his parents in 1844, though born in Ohio. They were also natives of 
Ohio, and located on 160 acres of land entered from the Government, which. 



444 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

they afterward increased to 320. The father, Isaac Pancake, died February 
26, 1880, and his wife, Eve, September 14, 1881, on the old farm. Joseph 
Pancake was married December 22, 1870, to Olive Peck, whose parents, Bur- 
ton and Sarah Peck, natives of New York, are now living in La Grange 
County, where Olive was born. They have two children — Verne L. and 
Emma G. Mr. and Mrs. Pancake belong to the Lutheran Church. His farm 
is desirably located, has an excellent soil, and is adorned with a good frame 
residence, large barn, etc. Mr. Pancake received a moderate education, and is 
esteemed as a good citizen. 

EDMOND POTTER was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., where he 
lived until ten years of age, after that in Ohio until twenty-one, receiving a 
common-school education in Richland County. In 1844, he came with his 
parents to Indiana, and engaged in clearing land, etc. He was married Novem- 
ber 13, 1845, to Sarah J. Creigh, whose parents, Samuel A. and Lydia A. 
Creigh. located in Wayne Township in 1844. They are both dead. Mrs. 
Potter is a native of Richland County, Ohio. They lived on a rented farm in 
Wayne Township one year ; he subsequently went to Michigan, where he drove 
team on public works, and two years for a railroad company at Niles; followed 
this in building a mill in the Galien woods ; then was something over one year 
lumbering at La Porte, Ind. He then rented a farm one year, when he bought 
forty acres wild land in La Porte County, which he improved for two years ; 
then removed to Sparta Township, this county, and rented for one year ; pur- 
chased sixty-five acres wood land in York Township, built a house and im- 
proved. In three years, sold and purchased eighty acres more ; improved this 
with house, orchard, etc., remaining five years ; sold and purchased eighty 
acres in Elkhart Township, partly improved ; sold this in six months ; went to 
Iowa, bought ninety acres, which he cultivated one year ; then sold and returned 
to York Township and bought his former tract of eighty acres ; this he culti- 
vated and improved fourteen years, when the spirit of change again came over 
him, and he traded for his present farm in Section 29, consisting of 170 acres : 
has a good frame house and barn and other buildings, orchard, etc. Mr. 
Potter has served as Constable two years. They have ten children — Arnada, 
Judson, Mary, Edmond H., Paul, John T., Cynthia A., William, Simeon B. 
and Charles W. The parents of Mr. Potter were Henry and Azubah Potter ; 
the father, native of Connecticut, and died in Wayne Township, this county ; 
the mother, native of York State, died in Elkhart County, Ind. 

PHILIP REIDENBAUCH (deceased), son of Philip Reidenbauch, was 
born in Germany, and learned the carpenter's trade there. At the age of 
twenty, he came to America and followed his trade for four years. March 16, 
1844, he married Catharine Comingue, daughter of Lorenzo and Mary A. 
Comingue, all natives of Germany. Mrs. R. came to America in 1840. The 
subject and wife lived three years in Zanesville, Ohio, then came to Springfield, 
Elkhart Township, where, during the winter, he was engaged in carpentering, 
and then settled on their farm of eighty acres in Section 25. This land he 
cleared and improved, making subsequent additions until it now numbers 240 
acres, 140 of which is cleared; and, together with the large frame residence 
and other requisite buildings thereon, presents really a beautiful appearance. 
Mr. Reidenbauch died October 18, 1881, much regretted by all. He was a 
member of the German Methodist Episcopal Church, and was a highly respected 
citizen. Mrs. R. is a member of the same church. They had nine children — 
Henry, killed in the battle of Mission Ridge ; Catharine and Jacob, both mar- 



ELKHART TOWNSHIP. 445 

ried and living in Elkhart Township ; Christina, living in Detroit, Mich.; 
Melinda, living in Wayne Township ; Lizzie, a resident of Michigan, and John, 
Philip and May A., all living at home. 

JOHN W. RENDEL, a native of Ashland County, Ohio, is a son of Will- 
iam and Susanna Rendel, natives of Pennsylvania ; came with them to Wayne 
Township, Noble County, and located on a farm. The subject was reared in 
Noble County, and taught school when eighteen years of age. He was mar- 
ried, November 14, 1869, to Catherine E. Haller. She was born in Wayne 
County, and her parents, John F. and Joanna Haller, were natives of Germany 
and Pennsylvania, respectively. In 1870, they came to Elkhart Township, 
where Mr. Rendel purchased eighty acres of land, which he has largely 
improved. For some time Mr. Rendel followed teaching in connection with 
farming, and for the past five years has been engaged in the ministry. He has 
served as Township Trustee two terms, and is serving his third by holding the 
office on account of his successor's incompetency. He and wife are members 
of the Free-Will Baptist Church. They have four children — John A., Charles 
F., Orvill and Ota E. 

JOSEPH A. RITCHISON, son of Thomas and Mary Ritchison, was 
born in Chillicothe, Ohio, and was reared and educated in Ohio. His parents 
were natives of Maryland, and came to Ohio, where they were engaged in farm- 
ing, and where they died. Joseph Ritchison was brought up to hard labor on 
a farm, and spent some time in boating on the canal and river. In 1836, he 
went to Greene County, Ohio, and was there married, in 1837, to Margaret 
Boroughs, a native of that county, and daughter of William and Sarah Bor- 
oughs, who were born in Maryland, and died in Ohio. The subject and wife 
lived in Greene County for thirty-eight years, engaged in farming, and then sold 
out and came to Indiana, where Mr. Ritchison purchased a farm of eighty acres 
in Elkhart Township, and resumed his old occupation. This land he has 
largely improved, and has erected numerous buildings. While in Ohio, Mr. 
Ritchison was elected Constable eight different times, and filled the office of 
Trustee two terms, and that of Deputy Sheriff two terms. They have had 
three children — Mary J., married, and living in Sparta Township ; Milo A., 
married, and living in Elkhart Township ; and William B., deceased. 

WILLIAM ROBERTS was born in New Jersey, but passed his boyhood 
in Knox County, Ohio. His father, James P. Roberts, was a native of Scotland ; 
his mother, Hannah, was of Pennsylvania. They settled in Knox County, where 
they died. In February, 1855, James was married to Mary M. Coffinberry, 
daughter of G. L. Coffinberry. Her parents lived in Ohio, where she was born. 
Mr. and Mrs. Roberts came to Albion April 13, 1855, where he engaged in 
painting, having learned the trade in Fredericktown, Ohio. After six years in 
thi3 employment, he purchased a stock of furniture and undertaking, which busi- 
ness he ran four years, then sold and purchased a half interest in a grocery and 
provision store ; this occupied two years of his time, when he sold to William 
Johnston. In 1868 and 1869, he clerked for Mr. Black, and in 1870 came to 
Wawaka as clerk in Mr. Ward's drug store. In November of 1871, he pur- 
chased the business. This establishment burned in 1875, about one-half of 
the stock being saved ; sustained a loss of $700. Started up the business again, 
and sold out in 1877 ; then purchased a farm of eighty acres. His health fail- 
ing, he sold at the end of two years, and engaged in insurance, which business 
now receives his full attention. Representing, as he does, seven of the strong- 
est companies, adds largely to his prestige of success. He makes his office 



446 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

with G. W. Mummert. Mr. Roberts and wife have the following-named chil- 
dren — George L., James R. and Charlotte B. Mr. Roberts for four years 
administered the law to the satisfaction of the community as Justice of the 
Peace. 

FREDERICK SCHWAB is a native of Switzerland, where he spent his 
boyhood years, and where his parents were born and died. In 1857, he came 
to this country and located at Springfield, in this township. Here he served 
two years as an apprentice at the carpenter's trade with his brother. Continued 
at this trade until 1862 ; then enlisted in Company B, Eighty-eighth Indiana 
Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war, participating in the 
battles of Perryville, Stone River, Resaca, Chickamauga and Mission Ridge. 
In addition to this, had his share of marching, skirmishes, etc. His health be- 
ing impaired, he engaged in shoemaking in Missouri for two years. Returned 
to Wawaka in 1875, and engaged in butchering for a summer ; then, after one 
year in the grocery business, Mr. Schwab commenced general merchandising, 
in which trade he still continues, carrying a stock of about $4,000 ; being well- 
adapted to this calling, he has become popular and commands an increasing cus- 
tom. His wife was Mary A. Lower, daughter of Daniel and Abigail Lower, 
natives, respectively, of Germany and Ohio. The father came to America in 
1831. Mr. and Mrs. Schwab were married in May, 1866. They have had 
five children — Margaret A. (deceased), Millie M., William D., NoraE. (deceased), 
and Charles W. Mr. Schwab is a member of the Ligonier Lodge, No. 267, I. 
0. 0. F. 

GOTTLIEB SCHWAB was born in Switzerland, where he served as an 
apprentice for two years at the shoemaker's trade. In the year 1866, he came 
to this country from his native land and settled in Wawaka. Following his in- 
clination and previous training, he engaged in shoemaking and in the boot and 
shoe trade. This business he still continues, having the only establishment of 
the kind in the village. Mr. Schwab has had thorough training in his line, 
and by close attention to his business has been able to draw custom from a large 
section of the surrounding country. He carries a well-assorted stock of about 
$1,500 worth. October 29, 1868, Mr. Schwab was married to Nancy Hersey, 
daughter of Henry Hersey, a native of Ohio. To this union were born five chil- 
dren, viz., Fannie F., Jennie, Cora, Ira and Clarence ; the latter, deceased. 
Mr. Schwab is an Odd Fellow, a member of the Ligonier Lodge. His parents 
were John and Annie Schwab, both of whom died in Switzerland. 

CALVIN A. SEYMOUR, M. D., is a native of this county, born in No- 
ble Township, where he passed his early days with his parents until he reached 
the age of twenty-one years. He then entered school at Albion which he at- 
tended two years. After which he commenced the study of medicine with Dr. 
Leonard in Albion, completing with Dr. E. H. Depew, of Wolf Lake. In the 
meantime our medical student taught school some. He graduated in his pro- 
fessional studies at the Indiana Medical College at Indianapolis. He then be- 
gan this practice at Sheldon, eleven miles south of Fort Wayne, where he con- 
tinued with excellent success for nine years. Subsequently the Doctor came to 
Wawaka and located permanently, where he continues in his profession. In the 
year 1869, he was united in marriage with Callie V. Keller, a native of Vir- 
ginia. She is a member of the Christian Church. They have three children, 
viz., Horace A., Bertie B. and Ovis. The Doctor's father was a native of New 
York, and came to Indiana in 1834, worked at " Rowdy Ridge," now known 
as Christian Chapel. He purchased a farm near Wolf Lake, where he died in 
1873. 



ELKHART TOWNSHIP. 447 

THOMAS SHAW is the son of Hamilton and Abigail Shaw, and was 
born in Columbiana County, Ohio, the nativity of his parents. They removed 
to Hardin County, Ohio, in 1847, where they now live on a farm. Thomas 
Shaw was reared on a farm ; was married in December, 1853, to Susannah 
Stump, native of Hancock County, Ohio ; she died in 1862. Mr. Shaw came 
to Elkhart Township in 1855, and located on unimproved land, which he culti- 
vated for eight years, when he went to Illinois, where he remained on a farm 
about one year. Returned to this township and located on his present farm of 
126 acres which is under a good state of cultivation, and which he has improved 
by adding necessary and comfortable buildings. He also owns thirty-six acres 
of other land. He was married to his second wife, Rachel Grisamer, in Novem- 
ber, 1868 ; she was born in Perry Township, this county, to Joseph and Anna 
Grisamer; the mother died in March, 1874. Mr. and Mrs. Shaw are members 
of the Free- Will Baptist Church. He served one year as Township Trustee, 
and is the father of three children by his first wife — Jesse B., Marion F. and 
David A. 

FRANCIS M. STAGE is a native of Muskingum County, Ohio, and 
remained with his parents, Benjamin and Loraine Sta^e, until twenty-five years 
of age. They came to Indiana in 1834, and located on wooded land in Perry 
Township, Noble County, where they died. Benjamin Stage was born in New 
Jersey, and his wife was a native of Maine. Francis M. Stage was commonly 
educated, and reared to farm labor. October 11, 1856, he was married to 
Louisa Bradford, whose parents, Joseph and Phebe Bradford, natives of Ohio, 
came to Indiana, and located in York Township in 1831, where the father died 
in 1839. Mrs. Bradford died in Perry Township. Louisa Bradford is a 
native of York Township, and after her union with Mr. Stage, they settled on 
their present farm in Elkhart Township, where they are comfortably and pros- 
perously living. When twenty years old, Mr. Stage began teaching, and 
taught three terms. He has served two terms as Township Trustee, and is a 
member of the I. 0. 0. F. They have had nine children — Anson B., Otis, 
Willard, James, Ward, Loraine (deceased), Lillian. Benjamin and Lydia, twins, 
(deceased). 

JACOB E. STAGE, one of the prominent farmers of the township, is a 
native of the Buckeye State, and lived with his parents until twenty-three years 
of age, assisting in clearing and improving land. Benjamin and Loraine Stage, 
his parents, natives respectively of New Jersey and Maine, came to this county 
in 1834, locating in Perry Township, where they cleared a farm and subse- 
quently died. The subject married Miss Catharine Marker, May 12, 1853, 
and located on the farm in Elkhart Township — that his father had previously 
purchased, and which was slightly improved. Mr. Stage is sufficiently skilled 
in the trades to do his own carpentering and blacksmithing, and is a thorough 
and practical farmer ; has a fine orchard, and the land under excellent cultiva- 
tion. His wife died in 1874, August 24. Her parents were George and Mary 
Marker, natives of Pennsylvania, came to Indiana, and located in Perry Town- 
ship, where they died. Mrs. S. left two children — Albert F. and Emmett M., 
the latter now clerking at Slabtown. Mr. Stage's present wife was Mrs. Sarah 
A. Teaford, daughter of Abraham and Mary Yost, and a native of Ohio. Her 
father was born in Virginia, her mother in Maryland. They have three 
children — Mary A., Rosa A. and Alton H. 

RICHARD J. STAGE is a native of Noble County. His parents, Ben- 
jamin and Loraine Stage, natives, respectively, of New Jersey and Maine, were 



448 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

early settlers of this county, where they came in 1834, locating in Perry Town- 
ship, on the place known as the Haw Patch. Richard's early life was passed 
here with his parents, and he attended the common district school. In 1861, 
he married Miss Melinda Swank, a native of Muskingum County, Ohio, and 
daughter of Jacob and Mary Swank, who were natives of Virginia, now 
deceased. They have had five children ; one, Mary E., is deceased, and the 
rest are living at home — Ida M., Sarah, Bell and Alma. Sarah is deaf. Mr. 
Stage learned engineering in 1869, and has followed it up to the present time, 
with the exception of one year. 

ANANIAS STEWART is a native of Elkhart Township, where he was 
reared on a farm, receiving instructions in the common school. His parents, 
Joseph and Elizabeth Stewart, natives of Pennsylvania, came to Indiana in 
1839, locating in Elkhart Township, Section 24, where he had previously pur- 
chased 160 acres of wooded land. After clearing a place he built a log cabin, 
and made other land purchases, among them, in 1865, 100 acres in Iowa, 
whore he moved the ensuing year, and where he died in 1867, The mother is 
sixty-four years old, and is living with her youngest daughter on the old farm 
in Elkhart Township. The subject, in 1862, enlisted in Company B, Twelfth 
Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He was in the battle of Lexington, and was 
taken prisoner. For two days he went without food, and on the third day was 
paroled. In about eighty days, was exchanged, and received his discharge in 
January, 1863, making in all about six months' service. He married Salome 
Osborn, September 28, 1865. She is a native of La Grange County, and 
daughter of Nathan P. and Elizabeth Osborn, natives of New York and Ohio, 
who came to Indiana in 1838, located in La Grange County, Clearspring 
Township, but subsequently moved to Elkhart Township, where they died. 
Mr. and Mrs. Stewart are members of the Free- Will Baptist Church, and are 
living on the father's old farm, where they first settled. They have four 
children — John, Cary, Walter, Cora E., all living at home. 

HENRY STUMP is living upon the farm to which he moved from Mich- 
igan, in which State he commenced housekeeping after he was married. Decem- 
ber 23, 1866, to Emily A., daughter of Isaac and Barbara Tibbott, the father 
a native of Ohio, and the mother of Indiana. Mrs. Stump was born in Elk- 
hart Township. The farm of Mr. Stump is well improved, with a fine brick 
residence, good barn and other necessary fittings. He is a native of Seneca 
County, Ohio, the son of John and Barbara Stump, who came to Indiana in 
1856, locating in this township, where they died. They were natives of Penn- 
sylvania. Henry Stump spent his boyhood in Hancock County, Ohio, and 
came to this township in 1857, and taught school that winter. In the spring 
of 1858, went to California, and in the fall to Oregon ; in the spring of 1859, 
to Klikitat Valley, W. T.; was one of the first four in that valley; he re- 
turned to the Willamette Valley, Ore., then went on a prospecting tour to Fra- 
zer River, a distance of 800 miles ; this venture was a financial failure. Re- 
turned to the Willamette Valley late in the fall, where he remained during the 
winter ; in the spring, he went on a prospecting tour with a party of seventy 
to southeastern Oregon, near the Blue Mountains ; here, in Baker County, 
they discovered the Auburn mines. When ready to return, the company di- 
vided into three squads ; one company going northwest, were captured by the 
Indians, and all killed but one. Mr. Stump's party arrived in safety. He 
returned to the mines the next spring, and worked them that season with ordi- 
nary success ; spent the following winter in the Willamette Valley, and in the 



ELKHART TOWNSHIP. 449 

spring, in company with his brother, located within ten miles of the mines with 
a herd of cattle, where they remained two years, engaged in raising grain and 
vegetables and caring for their stock, at the end of which time he returned to 
Elkhart County. Mr. Stump has filled the office of Township Assessor seven 
consecutive years. They have one child — Minnie M. — living at home. 

HENRY WALKER, a well-to-do farmer of Elkhart Township, was bom 
in Baltimore County, Md., and reared in Ohio, whither his parents — Chris- 
topher and Magdalene Walker, natives of Maryland — came in 1819, and de- 
voted their remaining days to the pursuit of agriculture. The father made a 
trip to Indiana, and purchased 426 acres of Government land in Elkhart and 
York Townships. Henry Walker lived with his parents until twenty-three 
years old. December 23, 1841, he was married to Catharine Davis, a native 
of Maryland, and daughter of James and Elizabeth Davis, both natives of 
Maryland, where they died in Baltimore County. They commenced married 
life on the father's farm in Ohio, but in 1842 came to Indiana and located on 
their present farm of eighty acres; this is now in a fine state of cultivation, 
and contains many fine buildings — good barn, frame residence, etc. His wife 
is an adherent of the Old School Baptist Church. They have four children — 
Nehemiah, living in Kansas ; William, in Ionia County, Mich.; George W., in 
Albion, and Cecilia, living with her parents. 

WILSON L. WELLS is a native of New York, where he lived until 
twenty-six years old. His education was obtained at the common school in 
Masonville, Delaware County. At the age of eighteen he began lumbering, and 
carried lumber by raft from Deposit to Philadelphia. He followed this busi- 
ness seven years. His parents, Levi and Electa Wells, natives of Connecticut, 
died in New York. Wilson Wells was married, in 1835, to Julia Smith, 
native of New York, and daughter of William H. and Betsey Smith ; the 
former died in the war of 1812, and the latter in Noble County. The subject 
and wife came to Noble County in 1835, with a two-horse wagon, bringing 
their effects with them. The journey lasted about five weeks. They located in 
Elkhart Township, and began clearing and improving the land. The Indians, 
although at that time numerous, were not troublesome. The first acre of spring 
wheat that Mr. Wells sowed, produced eighteen bushels. He paid $200 for his 
first land, eighty acres, and subsequently added eighty more that adjoined it. 
His farm now consists of 208 acres, seventy of which are cleared, and contains 
many fine buildings, a good orchard, and all the modern improvements and 
conveniences. The subject at one time graded two miles on the Lake Shore 
Railroad at a cost of about $8,000, but was never remunerated for his services 
By his first wife, who died in 1842, he had one child — Cordelia (now deceased). 
In 1844, he married Emily Sebbins, native of Massachusetts. She died in 
1847. They had one child — Julia (now deceased). Mr. Wells' present wife, 
Abigail (Smith) Wells, is a native of Delaware County, N. Y. They have two 
children — Alice (now married and living at home), and Electa (who married a 
farmer of Elkhart Township). His wife is a member of the Presbyterian 
Church. 

JOHN ZIMMERMAN came from Switzerland, his native country, with 
his parents, in 1833, at the age of fifteen. The family located on a farm in Tus- 
carawas County, Ohio, John assisting in clearing the land. His parents, Daniel 
and Ann Zimmerman, remained here until they died. After ten years at home, 
John learned the tanner's trade, serving as an apprentice two years with Phillip 
Warnce. March 22, 1841, he married Susanna Schranz, whose parents, John 



450 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

and Magdalene Schranz, were natives of Switzerland, came to Ohio in 1833, 
subsequently to Marion County, Ind., where they died. Mr. Zimmerman and 
wife, with their effects in a one-horse wagon, came to this township with $15 in 
money. He purchased four acres of land, and erected a log tannery. The 
first oil he used in his business he brought in a ten-gallon keg on horseback 
from Goshen, twenty-five miles. At the end of three years he bought forty 
acres of land, which he began improving ; to this he continued to add until he 
became the owner of 400 acres. He continued his tanning in connection with 
farming until 1868, when he came to Wawaka and engaged in the hardware 
and leather trade ; subsequently changed to a general stock of merchandise, 
which business he now conducts. Mr. Zimmerman'3 first wife died in 1861. 
By her he had the following children — Joseph, William, Elizabeth, Delilah, 
Jacob L., Daniel T., Mary, Ellen, Manuel (deceased), and Sarah. In 1865, 
he married Mrs. Hoffman. From this union there have been two children — 
Sophia and Millie, the former deceased. Uriah a son of Mrs. Hoffman by 
former husband, has also been a member of the family. Mr. Zimmerman has 
been Township Trustee four terms. Himself and wife are members of the M. 
E. Church, of which he has been Steward twenty-three years. He has in his 
day erected twenty-three buildings. His business room is a neat brick and his 
residence a commodious structure of same material. 



SPARTA TOWNSHIP. 

JESSE BAKER is a native of Kosciusko County, Ind., where he was 
born September 13, 1835. His parents moved to this township when he was 
about one year old, thus becoming associated with pioneer experiences from his 
earliest days. The log schoolhouse, with its greased paper windows and other- 
wise rude character, was his only opportunity for an education, and clearing 
the farm of his father gave ample opportunity for physical development. October 
31, 1857, he married Eliza Lane, and by her has become the father of eight 
children — John E., Alice (deceased), Myron, Celestia, Ella, Charlie, Melvin 
and an infant deceased. In 1862, Mr. Baker bought a farm of 170 acres, and 
has cleared in his life about 130 acres, and has produced from 300 to 1,800 
bushels of wheat per year. This farm he traded, in 1878, to Mr. Shearer 
for his present farm. Mr. Baker's parents were John and Jane (Thompson) 
Baker. The father was a native of Fayette County, Ohio, and was left with 
the care of four children by the death of the mother in 1844. He died August 
26, 1879. Jesse Baker had one brother in the Union army during the late 
war. Is a Democrat in politics, and is a well-to-do and industrious farmer. 

JOHN CALBECK was born in the Dominion of Canada, near Montreal, 
March 1, 1837, the fourth child of John and Eliza (Shrader) Calbeck. His 
father, John Calbeck, was a merchant near Liverpool, England, previous to 
1831, when he came to America, after which he followed the occupation of 
farming. John Calbeck received a good common-school and academical educa- 
tion in Stark County, Ohio, where his father moved from Canada. In 1858, 
he came to Indiana to visit his brother, Joseph Calbeck, and that winter taught 
school. In 1861, he came to Indiana, and located, buying, in 1862, forty acres 
of land on Section 11, where he has since I'esided. Mr. Calbeck has paid 
considerable attention to scientific researching, and has a fine library, also an 



SPARTA TOWNSHIP. 451 

interesting collection of geological specimens. He has delivered quite a num- 
ber of lectures on science and theology, and has educated himself and family. 
In politics, he is liberal, voting for the interests of the people. In religion, he 
he is Swedenborgian, believing the teachings of the Bible as expounded by 
Swedenborg. He now owns 280 acres of fine farming land. He was married, 
March 11, 1861, to Catharine Gesaman, and they had seven children — 
Orlando, Rinaldo, Milton, Almina (deceased), Newton, Milo and Lacemtum. 
Mr. Calbeck is a highly respected, honorable citizen. 

JOSEPH CALBECK is a native of England, and was born near Liver- 
pool May 14, 1827. He is the third in order born to John and Eliza Calbeck. 
The father, who was a merchant in England, crossed the ocean in 1832 and 
settled in East Canada, where he commenced farming. In about three years, 
he went to West Canada, shortly after which, his family came over from 
England and joined him. In the meantime, his attention had been attracted 
to the United States, which ripened into a determination to cross the line. 
Consequently, after a time, he, with his family, emigrated to Stark County, 
Ohio. In that fertile section he remained until his death in 1867. The rep- 
resentative of this sketch, owing to the vicissitudes and surroundings of his 
early life, received but a meager education ; but, by reason of superior natural 
endowments, he has become well informed and has developed into prominence 
in business affairs. In the fall of 1855, he came to Indiana, and after working 
rented land about three years, he purchased eighty acres in Section 15 of this 
township. For fourteen years, in connection with farming, Mr. Calbeck 
bought and shipped stock. Since that he has been dealing in grain and trans- 
acting quite a brokerage business in Cromwell. By his acute perceptions he 
has been able to make his grain operations remunerative for himself, and others 
have profited by his dealing for them. He now owns 248 acres of land, bat 
does no farming himself. In 1852, he was married to Miss Mary Lichten- 
walter, and by her has five children — Ida, Isabel, Lewis, Myron and John. 
Mr. Calbeck is a Republican and stands high in business and other circles. 

JOHN EARN HART was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, August 12, 
1811, the son of William and Jane (Patterson) Earnhart, and one of a family 
of eight children. His father was a gunsmith, and followed this occupation in 
Circleville, Ohio. When he was about eighteen years old, John commenced to 
learn this trade of his father, at which he continued to work. March 12, 1833, 
he was married to Mary Hitler. They removed to this county in 1843, arriv- 
ing in September. He purchased a farm of 240 acres from Isaac Spencer, 
with five acres improved. This land was situated upon Section 22 in this 
township. Upon this he settled and commenced clearing, hiring some of his 
chopping done, but rolled logs and built fence himself. Mr. Earnhart also 
worked at gunsmithing more or less for fifteen years after coming to Indiana. 
They have had born to them twelve children — James, Susan (deceased), Thomas, 
Joseph and Harriet (deceased), William, John (deceased), Nekon, Alvin (de- 
ceased), Jane, Ellen and Lewis. Mr. Earnhart is a Democrat, and has filled 
the offices of Trustee, Assessor and Justice of the Peace each a term of four 
years, and is a worthy citizen of the township. Though healthy and strong 
himself, he has had much sickness in his family and has seen the rough side of 
life. He now owns 400 acres of land and has six children married. 

JOHN GANTS, M. D., was born October 17, 1832, in Stark County, 
Ohio; is the son of Samuel and Anna (Hoover) Gants, one of thirteen chil- 
dren. He was raised on his father's farm, and received a common-school and 

YT 



452 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

academical education. When twenty-two years old, he commenced the study 
of medicine under Dr. Clover, and in 1858 came West to Noble County, lo- 
cated at Cromwell and commenced the practice of medicine, and has amassed 
considerable property. During the winter of 1871-72, he attended the Cin- 
cinnati Eclectic Medical College, from which he graduated with honors, and 
is now the leading physician in Cromwell. In 1879, he was married to Eliza 
Surfis, of Noble County. They have two children — Roland and Maud. Mr. 
Gants is a strong Republican, and is an enterprising, intelligent citizen. 

JOSEPH HITLER, a farmer of Sparta Township, and whose post 
office is Lrgonier, was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, November 28, 1816, a 
son of George and Susan (Gay) Hitler, and one of a family of eleven children. 
He was raised on a farm, and received a good education. In 1852, he came to 
Indiana, and settled on his present farm on Section 22, where he at first bought 
300 acres, but since that time has increased the number, by purchase, to 430, 
which gives him a fine, productive farm. This is under a good state of cultivation, 
and yields a good revenue under the systematic management of Mr. Hitler. 
March 3, 1841, he was married to Miss Louisa A. Winstead, a lady from Fair- 
field County, Ohio. To them were born twelve children — William, George 
(deceased), Susana, Martha, Mary, Ellen, Sarah, Melinda, John (deceased), La 
Fayette, Miralda and Joseph E. Mrs. Hitler died May 31, 1881. Mr. Hit- 
ler is a man of liberal means, a Democrat in politics, and a worthy citizen. 

JACOB HONTZ was born in Stark County, Ohio, September 30, 1831, 
the second of thirteen children, whose parents were Jonathan and Mary (Went- 
zel) Hontz. The father, in his earlier life, was a farmer, but later took up the 
occupation of a weaver. In 1853, he came from Ohio to this township, and 
settled on 160 acres in Section 18, which he bought from the State. There he 
lived until his death, July 9, 1878. The mother died April 3, 1881. Jacob 
was furnished with plenty of hard work during his boyhood days, in clearing 
the farm, notwithstanding which he obtained a fair education. He married 
Hannah Hoak, from Champaign County, Ohio, March 1, 1855, and thus be- 
came the father of eleven children — David (deceased), John H., William C, 
Mary E., Jonathan A., Samantha J., Daniel S., Lewis C, Harriet A., Effie 
F. and Correna M. Mr. Hontz, before coming to Indiana, learned the car- 
penter's trade, at which he worked about six years, most of the time in Ohio. 
He is a Democrat in political matters, and belongs to Ligonier Lodge, 185, F. 
& A. M. One of his sons, William C, is a school teacher, having taught two 
or three terms ; one of the girls is married. 

JOHN C. JOHNSON, son of Daniel and Nancy (Cochran) Johnson, 
born in Wyoming County, N. Y., December 25, 1816, is the eldest of five 
children, and of the best Scotch-Irish ancestry. His father was a poor car- 
penter and millwright, and never had a home, and the subject, at the age of 
twenty, having acquired a fair education, started out with the determination to 
succeed and make for himself a home. He started, March, 1837, and trav- 
eled via Black Rock to Canada ; thence to Detroit, and down to Lima, where 
he was taken sick and remained until October, when he came to this county 
and settled on the reserve, Section 16; he subsequently sold that land for $300, 
and bought 88 acres in Section 8 ; in three years, he moved to his farm, where 
he has remained. He owns 83 acres of good farming land, and is a prosperous 
farmer and influential citizen. For five terms he served the township as Jus- 
tice of the Peace. He was married, November 24, 1839, to Eliza Prentice. 
They had eight children — Milo, Perry, William P., Charles W., Ida and Lida, 



SrARTA township. 453 

twins (deceased), Amanda and infant daughter (deceased) ; three of the sons 
and one daughter are married. Perry and William served in the late war 
three years and two months in the Second Indiana Cavalry and Thirtieth Indi- 
ana Volunteer Infantry. Mr. Johnson is a member of the Universalist Church, 
and a strong Republican. 

JACOB KISER, one of the pioneers of Sparta Township, is a native of 
Jefferson County, Ohio, where he was born in 1812. He comes from a pioneer 
family, his parents and grandparents being among the earlier settlers of Ohio. 
His father, Jacob Kiser, was a native of Pennsylvania, coming at an early day 
to Jefferson County, Ohio, where he was united in marriage with Miss Mary 
Shawer, also from Pennsylvania ; while residing here, he entered the service in 
the war of 1812. They subsequently removed to Wayne County, Ohio, where 
they were also pioneers, living there until their deaths. Our subject is the 
fourth in descent in a family of seven children. He became familiar, in his 
youth, with all the phases of pioneer life. He was married in 1834 to Miss 
Jane Smith, a native of Chester County, Penn., and subsequently became the 
owner of his father's old farm in Wayne County, upon which he lived until the 
fall of 1843, when, with his family, he decided to emigrate to Indiana. He located 
in the woods of Sparta, upon what is now the finely-improved farm of his son 
Moses. This farm he cleared up and improved, living there until 1871, when 
he sold and removed to Perry Township, remaining there until 1881, when he 
returned to Sparta Township, purchasing the farm of Harrison Galloway, 
where he is at present living. He has 100 acres of land located upon the 
southern township line. Mr. Kiser is one of the "valued citizens of Noble 
County. His line of conduct and action has always been progressive, and, as 
a farmer, has made a practical success. He has served as Township Trustee for 
many terms. As an early settler, he has been selected to appear in the por- 
trait department, from Sparta Township, in this work. Mr. and Mrs. K. have 
had a family of twelve children, six of whom attained maturity ; three now 
living — Moses, William S. and Isabell Hersey. Ann (deceased) w"as the wife 
of Mathias Green. He died in the army in 1863. She died in 1869, leaving 
three children. Maria died in Perry Township. Perry was a member of Com- 
pany B, Eighty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was in active service 
nearly three years. He died in Perry Township in 1877. 

MOSES KISER is the second child of Jacob and Jane (Smith) Kiser, 
who had twelve children. Moses was born in Wayne County, Ohio, July 18, 
1837, and came with his parents, in 1843, to Indiana, and settled on Section 
10, in this township. Here Moses obtained such education as the schools of 
the log cabin days afforded, and when about eighteen years old learned the trade 
of carpenter and joiner. This he followed several years. In the war of the 
rebellion, on the 7th of August, 1862, he became a member of Company B, 
Eighty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. William N. Voris. In 
this service, he participated in the battles of Perryville, Stone River, Chicka- 
raauga, and others of lesser note. On the 29th day of May, 1865, he was hon- 
orably mustered out as Sergeant. Returning home, he was subsequently elected 
Sheriff of Noble County, in which capacity he served so satisfactorily that he 
was re elected for another term. On retiring from this position, he purchased 
the old Kiser homestead, upon which he still resides, a good Republican, and an 
honored and respected citizen. He now owns 173 acres of the valuable lands 
of Sparta Township. Mr. Kiser was married November 22, 1866, to Elizabeth 
A. Strouse. To them have been born three children — Walter F., Perry W. 
and Roscoe. 



454 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : 

JACOB KREAGER was born in Licking County, Ohio, August 12, 1823, 
the fifth child of John and Sallie (Hursey) Kreager. Being left an orphan 
when quite young, his education was sadly neglected. At an early age, he went 
to work at the carpenter's trade, but growing tired of this, he rented a farm in 
Ohio and worked it for two years; then went to hauling stone. This business 
proving distasteful, he discontinued it and bought a farm of fifty acres. This 
he soon sold and bought 116 acres, which he farmed for one year, and then sold 
for $1,500, and came to Indiana in May, 1854. Here he bought a farm of 
eighty acres, giving $1,500, and his team and wagon for the same. Here he 
built himself a cabin and worked at clearing up his farm, and has succeeded in 
obtaining 760 acres of the best farming land in Sparta Township. Mr. Kreager 
is fond of good stock, and pays some attention to breeding Durham cattle. He 
was married, March 24, 1850, to Miss Artemisia Belknap. They have six 
children — Cara P., John D., Emma E., William H., Mary A. and Minnie M. 
Mr. K. is a good Democrat, and a well-respected, influential citizen. 

SPALDEN McMANN was born in Madison County, Ohio, November 
2, 1834, the seventh child in a family of ten, whose parents were James and 
Mary (Lee) McMann. The father was a farmer, and came to Indiana, settling 
in Kosciusko County with his family in 1838, and Perry Township, this county, 
in 1840. In 1844, he moved to Section 5, of this township, where he died in 
July, 1869. The mother died in December, 1877. Spalden McMann obtained 
a limited education in the log schoolhouse of his neighborhood at intervals, when 
he could be spared from helping his father on the farm. In 1852, his uncle, 
Spalden Winchester, gave him forty acres of land, upon which he commenced 
for himself in 1856. Since that time, he has purchased an additional 280 
acres, which makes him a farm not easily surpassed in soil and other good qualities. 
November 22, 1855, he was married to Elizabeth Gale. They have had twelve 
children — an infant (deceased), James (deceased), Melissa, Cora (deceased), 
Henry, Ann, Caroline, Schuyler, Perry, John, Spalden and Mary. In the 
late war, the family of which Mr. McMann is a member was represented by 
three brothers, showing a patriotic devotion to the country. He is a Repub- 
lican, and a thorough good citizen. 

DANIEL OHLWINE, the fourth of twelve children in the family of 
Charles and Elizabeth (Schrader) Ohlwine, was born in Warren County, Ohio, 
February 14, 1810. He moved with his parents to Montgomery County, 
Germantown, when three years old, and, when about ten years of age, to Greene 
County, Ohio. His father was a tanner, and followed that trade until within 
a few years of his death, which occurred in 1856. The subject received the 
average education, and was employed during his youth in chopping, grubbing 
and splitting rails. In September, 1833, he came to Indiana, went back to 
Ohio in November, then returned in the spring of 1834, and built the cabin 
where he now lives in the spring of 1835. The first term of court in Noble 
County was held in 1836, on the old Adam Engle farm, and Mr. Ohlwine 
served on the jury. In January, 1835, he assisted at the burial of the old 
Indian chief, Flat Belly, with whom he was well acquainted. Mr. Ohlwine was 
fond of hunting, and, in 1844, bought 124.92 acres of land, the deed for which 
was signed by Gov. James Whitcomb. He has cleared, in all, about 200 acres 
of land. In 1840, he traveled on foot through Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri 
and Kansas, and was gone about three months. February 17, 1831, he was 
married to Miss Maria Weed, who died in October, 1859. They had one child 
— Archie. Mr. Ohlwine was again married May 22, 1860, to Mrs. Sarah 



SPARTA TOWNSHIP. 455 

(Bartley) Ballah, a member of the Christian Church. He is a strong Repub- 
lican. 

SAMUEL OHLWINE is a native of Greene County, Ohio, where he 
was born May 31, 1820, one of twelve children, to Charles and Elizabeth 
(Holtz) Ohlwine — the father was a farmer and tanner. Samuel, though raised 
on a farm, secured a good education, and commenced teaching school in Ohio, 
where he taught three or four winters. This calling he followed after coming 
to Indiana, until he had taught some eighteen terms, or about twenty-one in 
all. April 13, 1843, in Greene County, Ohio, Mr. Ohlwine was married to 
Eliza Ann Hopping. In October, 1845, he came to this county, and settled 
where he now lives. He bought eighty acres of land from the State, which he 
paid for in money called " blue dog." This he got at 45 cents on the dollar, 
and paid for his land with it at par. Mrs. Ohlwine died January 7, 1877. 
By her he had four children — Jasper N., Martha J., John Q. (deceased) and 
Mary Ann. Jasper enlisted in Company E, Thirtieth Indiana Volunteer 
Infantry, Capt. Silver's, and served in the late war about four years, being 
mustered out as Sergeant. Mr. Ohlwine December 18, 1879, married Lena 
Breninger for his second wife. He is a substantial citizen, and a desirable 
neighbor. In 1858, he was elected County Commissioner, in which capacity 
he served twelve years. During his term of office, the present court house was 
built, the county poor farm was purchased, and the buildings on it erected. 
Mr. Ohlwine was also, in 1874, a candidate on the Republican ticket for the 
State Legislature. 

NATHANIEL PRENTICE was the son of Nathaniel Prentice, an old 
Revolutionary soldier, who served during the war, and was in the battles of 
Monmouth, White Plains, and assisted in the capture of Cornwallis. He cast 
his first vote for President for George Washington. Was a native of Con- 
necticut, and, in June, 1800, was married to Margaret Hedden, a widow with 
one child, from New Jersey. Mr. Prentice had also been previously married, 
and had two children at the time of his union with Margaret Hedden. To 
this union, seven children were born, one of whom, the subject of our sketch, 
was born in Saratoga County, N. Y., July 8, 1808, and is the fifth one in order 
of descent of the name of Nathaniel. He was raised on his father's farm, and 
received a good common-school education. Nathaniel and his brothers came to 
Noble County in 1837, and were soon followed by their aged parents. Nathaniel 
settled on the farm where he now lives, and his father on the farm now belonging 
to Mrs. Hull, on Section 29. The latter died January 23,. 1839, highly respected 
by all who knew him. After the death of his father, Nathaniel still continued to 
work at clearing his farm, and, in December 14, 1851, was married to Catharine 
(Rice) Shepper, widow of John Shepper, and by her had eight children — Arcella 
(deceased), William H., Orpheus L., Laura, Luella, Lucy, Edwin Nathaniel and 
Oliver (deceased). Mr. Prentice has resided in Sparta Township since his arrival 
in Indiana ; is independent in politics ; is a member of the Christian Church 
and a highly respected citizen. 

JEREMIAH B. NOE was born on Section 23, this township, February 
7, 1844, the twelfth of a family of fifteen children. His parents were Aaron 
and Sarah (Beem) Noe, the former of French and the latter of Dutch descent. 
They came to Indiana, in 1837, from Licking County, Ohio. The father was 
a blacksmith and farmer, and set up the first blacksmith-shop in Sparta Town- 
ship. In 1841, Allen Noe, a brother of the subject and but a child, disap- 
peared from the yard while the mother was busy, and was never found. It is 



456 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : 

supposed he was stolen by the Indians, a full account of which will be found 
in the second chapter of the county history. Jeremiah was reared to farm 
labor. In 1860, he bought eighty acres of land, which he has cleared, and 
also owns a part of the old homestead, in all about 127J acres. In February, 
1862, he enlisted in the Thirtieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Company I, 
and served at the battles of Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, Stone River and 
minor engagements. He was wounded in the leg and lay in the hospital for 
fifteen months. Was discharged in February, 1864. He married, August 19, 
1866, Rebecca Surfus. They had four children — Ellen, Ellsworth, Howard M. 
and Gracie. Mr. Noe has a flint-lock musket, four feet long, which his 
grandfather carried in the Revolutionary army. For the past three or four 
years, he has been engaged in shipping stock. He is a Republican and a 
good citizen. 

NATHAN WHITE was born in Fayette County, Ohio, November 19, 
1827, the third child of John and Maria (Baker) White. His father was a 
farmer and in 1838 came to York Township, and entered 160 acres of land on 
Section 30. He then returned to Ohio for his family, where he was taken 
sick and died, leaving his wife with the care of six children. In 1844, Mrs. 
White, a heroic woman, moved, with her family, to York Township, and settled 
on the land her husband had previously entered. This they commenced clear- 
ing, and by hard labor made for themselves a good home. Nathan acquired 
an education by attending school winters, and by industry and economy finally 
secured the old homestead by purchase. January 4, 1855, he married Maria 
Kimmel. They had three children — Irene, John 0. and Mira. In March, 
1868, Mrs. White died. In 1866, Mr. White bought his present farm on Sec- 
tion 13, this township, upon which he moved in 1869. It is on what is known 
as the Sparta Flats and one of the richest in the township. Mr. White's 
landed possessions comprise about 420 acres, 230 of which is under cultivation. 
Though by going security for others, and thus losing large sums of money, he 
is still ranked as one of the wealthy and respected citizens of the county. In 
political affiliations he is a Democrat, and in 1864, during the war of the re- 
bellion, furnished his substitute for service in the army for the Union. 

WILLIAM K. WOLF was born in Greene County, Ohio, February 25, 
1825. His advantages in the way of education and social culture were those 
common to farm life of those primitive years. He came to Indiana in October, 
1861, locating on 160 acres of land purchased by him. Upon this he began 
the labor of cultivating the forty acres already under improvement and extend- 
ing the clearing. He now has 180 acres, with 120 under cultivation, the 
whole, with the improvements, constituting a most desirable property and a 
pleasant home. Mr. Wolf was the eldest of a family of ten children, whose 
parents were Daniel and Roseanna (Kershuer) Wolf, of German descent. He 
was married to Susan Kindel October 25, 1846. They had four children — 
Cleanthus (deceased), Casper and Florence (twins), and William Calvin. Dur- 
ing the late war, in October, 1864, he was drafted and became a member of 
Company B, Thirteenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which organization 
he served until his discharge in August, 1865. He is a stanch Republican and 
a member of the Christian Church, of which organization he is a Trustee. As 
a Christian gentleman and neighbor, he stands above reproach. 



NOBLE TOWNSHIP. 457 



NOBLE TOWNSHIP. 

WILLIAM ABURN was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, June 25, 
1825. All his education was received before the age of ten years, his mother hav- 
ing died when he was of that age. He bound himself to a farmer when he was 
twelve years old, to serve till he was eighteen. His father was killed about a 
year after his mother died, while assisting in hanging a slaughtered beef. Mr. 
Aburn served out the time for which he had bound himself, for which he never 
received compensation. After that he worked by the month and day until he 
reached the age of twenty-five, when he married Miss Catharine Arnett, of 
Miami County, Ohio. Seven children have been born to them, the eldest being 
dead. He moved into this county in August, 1860. Empty handed, but by 
industry and good management, he has succeeded in placing himself and family 
in a fine brick house, with first-class surroundings. He owns 240 acres of ex- 
cellent land. Four years after he had settled in the woods, he was drafted into 
the army, and paid $1,000 for a substitute, rather than leave his family with- 
out his protection. He says God seemed to favor him, and he never in his life 
paid a debt more easily. 

JOHN S. BARTLEY was born in Sparta Township, Noble County, Ind., 
March 25, 1841, and with the exception of four years passed in Wells County, 
Ind., he has made this county his home. He enlisted in the Thirtieth Indiana 
Volunteer Infantry February 4, 1862, and took part in the battle of Shiloh 
and siege of Corinth. His regiment was guarding a train during the battle of 
Perryville, Ky., and had about as warm a time of it as any of them. He was 
discharged from No. 14 Hospital, Nashville, Tenn., March 15, 1863, having 
been rendered unfit for service from an attack of measles. Mr. Bartley was 
married to Miss Sophia Richmond August 9, 1864. His father and grand- 
father were natives of the State of New York ; his wife's folks are from Penn- 
sylvania. Mr. Bartley has commenced work on a barn, a fine improvement. 

SIMON BENHOWER was born in Harrisburg, Penn., October 10, 1841. 
He remained there until the age of twenty-three years ; he had the advantages 
of a limited common-school education. He lived one year in Clark County, 
Ohio ; from there he went to Indianapolis, and thence to Roanoke, and came 
to this county about the year 1868. In 1862, he enlisted in the One Hundred 
and Fifty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served with them nine 
months. He served most of his enlistment in North Carolina, being present 
at the great battle of Gettysburg, but his regiment was not ordered in. He 
received his muster out at Chambersburg in 1863. In 1871, he married Miss 
Rosa Fisher, with whom he now lives. They have a family of four children. 

JOSEPH BITTING was born in Union County, Penn., May 26, 1837. 
Catharine (Butterbaugh) Bitting was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, 
December 17, 1833. Mr. Bitting came into this county in 1861, and settled 
on the farm where he now resides, one mile southwest of Noblesville, on the 
Columbia City road. His father, Henry Bitting, was a native of Pennsyl- 
vania, born June 9, 1800. His mother was born April 18, 1807. He was 
married in Miami County, Ohio, June 26, 1859. Four children are living, 
two boys and two girls. Mr. Bitting served as a soldier in the late war, first 
in the Thirty-second Indiana Volunteers, but afterward transferred to the Sev- 



458 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

enty-ninth Infantry. He served principally in North Carolina, Virginia and 
Louisiana, and received his discharge at Indianapolis May 17, 1865. After 
his discharge, he returned to civil life, resumed his farming, and has been suc- 
cessful. He cleared up the farm where he now lives, and has put it in a good 
state of cultivation. 

ALPHEUS I. BUTLER was born in Ross County, Ohio, January 13, 
1829. His father was born in Culpeper County, Va., August 19, 1795, and 
married Miss Sarah Seelock in Loudoun County, Va., February 28, 1820. They 
resided in Virginia till 1822, when they moved to Ross County, Ohio. They 
lived there eight years ; then came to Indiana, stopping at Fort Wayne till Feb- 
ruary, 1831. They then moved to Elkhart County, and settled on the Elk- 
hart River, near Benton. Mother Butler was born in Loudoun County, Va., 
May 11, 1803, and died March 1, 1880. The subject of this sketch attained 
to manhood in Elkhart County. September 13, 1860, he was joined in wed- 
lock to Miss Laura Jane Childs. Three children have been born to them, only 
one of whom, the eldest, Luella Blanche, is now living ; she was married to A. 
J. Yallinger September 15, 1876. Lizzie May, the next oldest, died Septem- 
ber 10, 1880, of blood cancer in one of her limbs. These two girls were pos- 
sessed of considerable musical talent. Mr. Butler is a successful farmer and 
stock-raiser. His farm is situated on the Fort Wayne & Goshen road, about 
one mile northwest of Wolf Lake. His health for the last twenty years has 
not been good, yet he manages his farm, oversees the work, and makes a success 
of it. 

PATRICK CLARK was born on the Isle of Man. His baptism dates 
January 1, 1820. His parents emigrated to Cuyahoga County, Ohio, when 
he was but ten years of age, and settled near the city of Cleveland, in War- 
rensville Township. He received but a common-school education, but he has 
raised a family of well-educated children, two of whom are teachers, and rank 
high in the profession — Anna having taught twelve years and Catharine eight 
years. Mr. Clark was married to a young lady — Elizabeth Clark — in 1829. 
Her parents also lived on the Isle of Man. Mr. Clark moved to where he 
now resides, near Wolf Lake, in March, 1866. He owns a fine farm, and has 
erected thereon an elegant brick residence, which commands a splendid view of 
the adjacent country. Mr. Clark enjoys a competency, and is living at peace 
with all the world and with God. He has an attractive family, and the young 
people of the neighborhood collect there to enjoy themselves. Everything 
about the premises seems to be well ordered. The family of children consists 
of Caroline, Anna, Catharine, Celia and Henry. The eldest is married to Ed- 
gar Sparrow, and the second one to Leroy Surfus. 

THOMAS R. DAVIS was born in Clark County, Ohio, January 28, 
1844, and the same year his father came to Indiana and settled where Thomas 
now lives, at which time there was not a house between his and Wolf Lake. 
The father died in July, 1878. His mother is still living. His Grandfather 
Davis died in Clark County, Ohio, in 1847. His grandfather, Thomas Rich- 
ardson, died in 1852. His great-grandfather, William Richardson, died 
in Paulding County, Ohio, at the age of one hundred and six ; he had been a 
soldier of the Revolution, and was with Gen. Wayne in his campaign against 
the Indians. Wayne's mother and his mother were cousins. Mr. Davis en- 
listed in the Eighty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry in July, 1862, and 
while on the march in Kentucky, October 7, 1862, he was sun-struck. On 
the 9th, having sufficiently recovered, he rejoined his regiment, and at the 



NOBLE TOWNSHIP. 459 

commencement of the battle of Stone River, December 31, he was captured 
and marched to Chattanooga, being three days without food, and then only re 
ceiving a pint of corn-meal with the cob ground in it. He was then sent to 
Atlanta, to Montgomery, Ala., and then back to Atlanta. Having an attack of 
typhoid pneumonia, he was dumped off on a platform to die, but was picked up 
and taken to a hospital. Finding a friend, he was kindly treated and recovered. 
He there witnessed a sale of slaves. From here he was taken to Petersburg 
in freight cars, being confined in them eight days without food, on account 
of drunkenness of the officer in charge. He was in Libby Prison one month and 
ten days, when he was paroled by answering to another man's name, who had 
probably died the night before. When Mr. Davis had recovered sufficiently to 
walk about, he weighed eighty-three pounds. He was sent to Columbus, Ohio, 
and from there reached his home on foot. He was exchanged in May, 1863, 
joined his regiment at Murfreesboro, Tenn., participating in the campaign 
against Tullahoma, in the battle of Chickamauga, and was in Chattanooga 
during the siege and battles of Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge. 
He was soon after assigned to the Veteran Reserve corps, and sent to Wash- 
ington and Baltimore, and finally to Harrisburg, Penn., on detached duty 
with the disbursing officers. July 8, 1865, he was discharged. Mr. Davis 
was married to Miss Margaret M. Houser, March 20, 1866. 

DR. E. W. DE PEW is a native of this State, born October 30, 1837. 
He studied medicine with Prof. William H. Myers, of Fort Wayne; he also 
studied in the State Unversity, at Ann Arbor, Mich., and at Liber College, 
Jay County, Ind. He commenced to practice at Avilla, where he remained 
two years. He practiced two years in Salem, Steuben County, and came to Wolf 
Lake in January, 1865. He stands at the head of the profession in the vicin- 
ity of his practice, which is very extensive in the southern part of the county. 

GEORGE DODSWORTH is a successful farmer and stock-raiser, and 
is a native of Yorkshire, England, born June 21, 1827. He landed at New 
York City in April, 1850 ; moved into this State in 1852, and settled near 
Wolf Lake. His farm is on the Cold Spring road, not quite a mile from Wolf 
Lake. During the war, George Dodsworth was known as the soldiers' friend, 
and to this day they cannot say too much in his praise. His health at that 
time was so poor that he could not enlist, but he gave substantial aid and 
encouragement throughout to the cause of the Union. He is owner of 180 
acres of good land, on which are a substantial brick dwelling, good barns and 
grain houses. He was married April 17, 1851. Mrs. Dodsworth is a splendid 
housekeeper, and contributes her share to the welfare of their home. 

SCOTT GALLOWAY was born in Washington Township, Noble County, 
March 16, 1849. Joseph Galloway, his father, was born in Ohio, and his 
grandfather was born in Ireland. Mrs. Frances Galloway, his mother, was 
born in Vermont. His father and mother were married in Stark County, 
Ohio, and moved to near Wolf Lake when there were but two log houses 
between where they lived and Fort Wayne, and but one house in Wolf Lake. 
Schools were scarce, and Mr. Galloway received but a slight education, but in 
his own language he tries to "live and learn," and we find him an intelligent and 
affable gentleman. Onthe 2d day of May, 1869, he married Miss Rebecca Cramer. 
They have one boy and two girls living. He moved into the woods where he now 
lives, and has cleared about 105 acres. He has altogether about 130 acres of 
cleared land, and seventy-eight acres of wood and prairie. He is well fixed> 
and purposes taking life at a better advantage and enjoy the fruits of his labor. 



460 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : 

Last year he raised over one thousand bushels of wheat and two thousand 
bushels of corn, with other crops in proportion. 

JOHN HANEY was born near Cincinnati, Ohio, February 3, 1814. He 
lived in Miami County, Ohio, till the year 1847, when he came to this county 
and bought the land on which he now lives, one and a half miles west of No- 
blesville. Mr. Haney has been twice married. His first wife, Mary Ann 
(Dye) Haney, he married April 10, 1838. She died March 31, 1858. Sep- 
tember 13, 1860, he was married to Eliza Applegate, whose maiden name was 
Eliza Dye, and who was born in Richland County, Ohio, December 3, 1825. 
By his first marriage Mr. Haney has the following children living — Henry, 
Lloyd, George, Sarah and Mary Ann. By his second marriage he has the fol- 
lowing now living — Irvin, Laura, Anorah and Everett. Mr. Haney's father 
was a native of Germany. His son, Thomas Haney, was a professor of pen- 
manship, and while attending high school at Logansport, Ind., had charge of 
the penmanship department of the schools. He took cold during a vacation, 
and died March 28, 1867, unmarried. The following children are dead — Me- 
lissa (died November 23, 1860), David (September 8, 1862), and Stockton 
(November 12, 1862). Stockton went into the army with the Eighty-eighth 
Indiana Volunteers, and died at Jefferson ville, Ind. James M. died July 22, 
1872. Mr. Haney has worked hard for his possessions, but his working days 
are past, and he is now able to live at his ease. 

SAMUEL JONES came to the county with his father in 1833. He was 
born in Clark County, Ohio, November 11, 1827. His father, Samuel Jones. 
Sr., was born May 30, 1787, and was married to Miss Mary Britten, of Ten- 
nessee, January 26, 1809. She was born February 10, 1790. The former 
died in 1838, and Mother Jones in 1829. Their family consisted of Margaret, 
born in 1810 ; Lydia, 1811 ; Mary, 1813 ; Elias, 1820 ; and Narcissa, 1823. 
Samuel Jones, Jr., was married to Miss Nancy Powers, December 18, 1848. 
She was born in Goshen, Ind., September 25, 1830. One daughter, Harriet 
Fidelia, was born to them March 5, 1850, and died March 16, 1851. The 
mother died of puerperal fever, when the child was but three weeks old. De- 
cember 7, 1851, Mr. Jones married Hannah Whittecar. To them were born 
Olive, February %, 1853 ; Elias, April 27, 1854 ; Lydia, December 27, 1857 ; 
Laura Ann, April 26, 1863 ; and Nancy, February 26, 1866. Olive W. died 
September 29, 1854; Laura A., August 17, 1864 ; Lydia Alice, December 15, 
1865 ; and Nancy, June 6, 1875. Mr. Jones has but two sisters living. His 
first schooling was at a private residence at Wolf Lake, by one Miss Stevens. 
With the exception of one year, since he came to the State, he has passed his 
days within its borders. The only son of Mr. Jones, Elias S., is at this time 
Professor of Penmanship of the Normal School at Columbia City, Ind. He 
has been selected to take charge of the penmanship branch of the select school 
at South Whitley, Ind. He is a teacher by profession, and has taught in No- 
ble, Elkhart, and Kosciusko Counties. 

JOHN P. KITT was born in Clark County, Ohio, August 14, 1825, and 
spent his boyhood on a farm until the age of eighteen years. He then served three 
years' apprenticeship at the blacksmith trade in Springfield, after which, he 
resumed farming. In consequence of poor health, he has spent a portion of his 
time teaching school — one term in Springfield, Ohio, and one in this township. 
He was married to Elizabeth Hively January 6, 1853. They have had ten 
children, seven of whom are living. He arrived at Wolf Lake with his father's 
family October 22, 1846. In January following, his father purchased a farm 



NOBLE TOWNSHIP. 461 

in Section 23, on which he (J. P.) now resides. He has been a successful man, 
and is comfortably situated. His father died at the age of eighty- four, and his 
mother at sixty-four years. The subject of our sketch and his brother Nicho- 
las are all that are left of his father's family. He is a member of the Christian 
Church. He embraced religion at the age of twenty, and joined the Methodist 
Episcopal Church at Springfield, Ohio, and has never been intoxicated, nor 
uttered a blasphemous oath during his life. 

WILLIAM KNEPPER was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, March 
1, 1824. Lived in Richland County, Ohio, till about the age of twenty-three. 
He was married to Miss Susannah Formwalt, in Galion, Ohio, in 1851. She 
died in November, 1862. Four girls, all living, were born from this marriage. 
In 1863, he married Miss Mary Billman, who only lived about two years. He 
has one child by this marriage. Having a family of small children, he was 
prompted for their good to marry again. In 1865, he married Mary North, 
who has borne him four children, all now living. Mr. Knepper came to this 
county in 1854, and worked at carpentering in Albion about two years. He 
then moved on the line of the Air Line Railroad, bought the first lot sold in 
Wawaka, and built the first three or four houses there. He remained in the 
village about two years, then bought land adjacent, and cleared up a farm. In 
the spring of 1879, he moved to where he now lives, in Section 35, southwest 
of Noblesville, on the Columbia City road. He has been successful in life, and 
has his property clear of incumbrance. 

SAMUEL KUHNS was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, July 12, 1818. 
His parents moved to Fairfield County during the latter part of the same 
year, where he passed his boyhood, and received his schooling, which was lim- 
ited to a term of three months. At the age of twenty -one, he came into Whit- 
ley County, Ind., and settled near the north line, in Thorn Creek Township. 
He learned the trade of blacksmith in Ohio, and about two years after he 
came to Indiana he started a shop and commenced work. This was quite an 
advantage to him, as it brought in ready cash. He married Miss Martha Ann 
James, daughter of John and Margaret James, of York Township, October 6, 
1850. Mrs. Kuhns died on the last day of March, 1876, after a lingering illness 
of about four years. He has raised a family of three children, with one of whom 
he now lives on the homestead, Mr. Kuhns still retaining his physical and men- 
tal vigor, notwithstanding the vast amount of hard labor he has performed. 

JOHN MAYFIELD (deceased) was one of the early settlers, having 
come to the county in 1839. He was born in Westmoreland County, Penn., 
July 12, 1809. Rheuama, his wife, was born in Ohio, January 14, 1815. 
John Mayfield came into Ohio with his parents in the year 1815, and was mar- 
ried December 23, 1832. His family numbered eighteen children, six of whom 
are living. Jonah E., the eldest, now living on his farm, southeast of 
Wolf Lake, was born February 17^ 1834. James B., the youngest, was born 
February 2, 1857. The names of the other living children are Sarah, Rob- 
ert, Mary Jane and Juliette. Robert owns a farm south of Wolf Lake. He 
is infirm, and has taught school a portion of his time. He and Jonah E., 
his brother, took great pains to show the writer of this sketch the great 
changes that have taken place in the vicinity of their homes since they were 
boys. One place where they once hauled marsh hay on a sled is now grown 
over with oak trees sixty feet high and at least sixteen inches in diameter. At 
the time they hauled the hay there was not a stick of timber there large enough 
for an ox -gad. Jonah E. Mayfield was married to Matilda Grimes, April 26, 



462 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

1863. He has four children living, and owns 265 acres of land. Mother 
Mayfield is living on the farm near the place where their first log cabin was 
erected in February, 1839. She knows something of life here in early 
times, having undergone many hardships; yet she is in the enjoyment of good 
health. When they first settled in this county they had to go to Niles, Mich., 
for salt, and have paid for one barrel two spring calves and eight bushels of 
wheat. Milch cows, good ones for those days, sold at $8, and dressed pork 
brought in market $1.25 per hundred. 

ABRAHAM OTT was born in Preble County, Ohio, January 6, 1816. 
His father, John Ott, was a soldier in the war of 1812. His brother, Frederick 
Ott, having been drafted, he volunteered to go as his substitute, and served out 
his brother's time ; was then himself drafted and served another term, or until 
the close of the war. The subject of this sketch was married to Miss Sarah 
Morgan November 29, 1838. She was born in England, Sussex County, 
July 10, 1818. She came with her parents to America in her infancy, and 
grew up to maturity near the city of Cincinnati, Ohio. Her father, Mr. 
Morgan, emigrated to Oregon Territory in the year 1843. He afterward died 
there, at the age of eighty-four years. Her mother had previously died near 
Cincinnati, Ohio, about the year 1825. Mr. Ott and his family suffered much 
from sickness after coming to this county. For six years some one or more of 
the family were down sick. At one time, on a very dark, stormy night, in 
order to get a person to go for a doctor, she had to follow a wagon track that 
led past a neighbor's house, by getting on her knees and feeling for it. There 
were no roads ; only tracks cleared out through the woods, by cutting away a 
part of the underbrush. Such, and many other similar hardships were experi- 
enced. Mr. and Mrs. Ott are members of the Christian Church. In politics 
Mr. Ott is a Republican. He has a fine farm and pleasant surroundings, one 
mile and a half west of Noblesville. 

ANTHONY PINCHON was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, January 
11, 1831. He came to this State in 1845, and settled in De Kalb County ; 
moved into Noble County in 1865 ; remained in the vicinity of Wawaka till 
1879, when he came to his present farm. June 10, 1865, he married Miss 
Mary Ann Deckman, of Steuben County, born in Philadelphia, Penn. Mr. 
Pinchon's father was a Marylander, born in 1802 and died in 1873. His 
mother yet survives. His family consists of nine children living. He was not 
himself a soldier in the late war, but sent a substitute at a cost of $800. He 
has, like many of the early settlers, done a great amount of hard labor in his 
time. He helped his father clear up three farms from the wild, and has cleared 
one for himself. He claims that in twelve years he cleared 400 acres of heavy 
timbered land. For a part he received $1.12, for some $2.50 and $5.00. He 
has been in the grain threshing business the last twenty-four years. Mr. 
Pinchon's farm is situated three and a half miles south of Wolf Lake, and is 
good land. He is just becoming situated to enjoy life. 

ELI RIVIR was born in Bedford County, Penn., April 12, 1845. He 
came to this county with his parents when but a child. He was married to 
Miss Juliann Hosier, March 25, 1866. Miss Hosier was born in Morrow 
County, Ohio, August 9, 1843. They now have five children living. Mr. 
Rivir moved to where he now lives soon after his marriage. He has now one 
of the finest farms in Noble Township, consisting of 202 acres of excellent land, 
two miles north of Noblesville. Everything about the farm indicates thrift and 
good management. He enlisted as a soldier in the late war, but his release was 



NOBLE TOWNSHIP. 463 

secured by his father on account of under age. Mr. and Mrs. Rivir are mem- 
bers of the Christian Church. In politics he is a Republican. 

JOHN RIVIR was born on New Year's Day of 1809, in Bedford County, 
Penn. His wife, Nancy (Stoner) Rivir, was born October 26, 1810, in Lan- 
caster, Penn. Mr. Rivir came to this county in 1845, when he had but $18, 
with a large family to support. He put in a crop of corn the next spring ; the 
next fall, while engaged in putting in wheat, he was taken sick and confined to 
his bed six months. At one time the entire family, excepting Mrs. Rivir and 
one boy, were down sick, but they were assisted by the neighbors through the 
winter. In 1855, Mr. Rivir bought eighty acres of land in Green Township. 
He commenced there in the timber ; his family were again taken sick. While 
rolling together the logs for a clearing, he was so weak he could not walk ; but 
to assist the boys, he would ride a horse, and the boys would hitch to the logs 
and do the other necessary work. In 1861, he sold his farm with a purpose to 
emigrate to Kansas, or Missouri, but the war coming on he changed his plans, 
and bought the land where he now lives. In 1861, on the day that his son 
Christian Rivir was married, he met with an accident that has rendered him 
unable to work. While at the mill at Port Mitchell, he was thrown out of the 
wagon, and received injuries which came near resulting fatally. Mr. Rivir lost 
three sons in the army — John, Jacob and David. John was starved in Libby 
Prison. The fourth son enlisted, but was under age and released. Mr. Rivir is 
a Republican, and a leading member of the Christian Church. 

MARCELLUS ROBINSON was born in Elkhart County, Ind., October 
16, 1852. Studied for the profession of medicine, first with his father, and 
afterward with Dr. John Phosdick, Dowagiac, Mich. He commenced practice 
at Bangor, Van Buren County, Mich. He established himself at Wolf Lake, 
Ind., April, 1880, since which time he has built up quite an extensive and suc- 
cessful business in his profession. He was married to Miss Mary McClarren 
in May, 1879. She was born in South Bend, Ind. The elder Dr. Robinson 
has been a successful practitioner in Elkhart County for thirty years. 

LUCRETIA STARKEY, whose maiden name was Mullin, was born in 
Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1814, and grew to maturity in Licking County. 
She was married to Frederick E. Starkey August 6, 1837. They lived hap- 
pily till the 16th day of August, 1864, when he died, leaving three children 
at home, all large enough to be of assistance. She has managed the affairs of 
the estate, and has overseen the farm so judiciously that the settlement of the 
affairs was left to her, and not taken into court. She came into this county 
with her husband in the year 1839, and has made this her home ever since. 
They had nothing when they started here, but she now has a pleasant home on 
the Leesburg road, two miles west of Wolf Lake. She has been a member of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church for more than forty-five years. In Mr. 
Starkey's log cabin, the Methodists held their first meetings in this township, 
and the first Methodist Episcopal Church was organized there. Although past 
sixty-seven years of age, Mrs. Starkey has but few gray hairs, and gives fair 
promise of a continuation of life for several years. 

JAMES C. STEWART, an active farmer and stock-raiser, residing one 
and one-half miles east of Wolf Lake, on the Fort Wayne & Goshen road, is 
the son of Rolan and Nancy (Scarlett) Stewart, who were natives of Massa- 
chusetts, but were married in Clark County, Ohio, from whence they went to 
Chautauqua County, N. Y., where James C. was born January 17, 1829. When 
he was about six months old, they returned to Clark County, farming there 



464 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

until 1836, then removed to this county, settling in Green Township. Upon 
this journey young James, then only in his eighth year, walked Jhe whole dis- 
tance, and assisted in driving the stock. The following year the father died. 
Mrs. Stewart, being left with the care of the family, moved to Noble Township, 
where she died in 1844, leaving four children, two having previously died. 
James C, after his father's death, went to live with his grandparents, Newman 
and Tamar (Fitz) Scarlett, on the farm where he now lives, they having settled 
here in 1836. In 1838, his grandfather died, but he continued to live with his 
grandmother until his marriage with Miss Margaret J. Mc Williams in May, 
1852, when they went to housekeeping on his present farm. At the death of 
his grandmother, he inherited from her sixty five acres of land. To this, by 
close application to his affairs and judicious management, seconded by his wife 
in her economical conduct of the household duties, Mr. Stewart has added, until 
he owns 460 acres, 200 of which are under good cultivation. Upon this farm 
he has a fine brick residence and other buildings of a needful character. Mr. 
Stewart is the true type of a self-made man and a valuable citizen. He has 
served as Constable, Assessor, and as Justice of the Peace for fifteen years. In 
1865, a vacancy occurred in the office of Commissioner ; Mr. Stewart was 
appointed to fill the vacancy ; at the ensuing election he was elected to the office, 
but resigned the following spring. During his continuance in this position, a 
3 per cent tax was levied to pay off the indebtedness of the county accruing 
during the war, for the payment of bounties and the maintenance of soldiers' 
families. This levy was warmly espoused by Mr. Stewart. In 1870, he was 
elected County Auditor, and re-elected in 1874, serving in all eight years. 
During the last two years of his office he maintained a telephone, connecting 
with his residence on his farm, thus enabling him to communicate with his 
family and direct the management of the farm. Its cost of erection was $200, 
and is still open to use. This enterprise denotes the spirit of the man, stamp- 
ing him as self-reliant and aggressive in business, as well as being a representa- 
tive in public affairs. Hs is a member of the Masonic order. Mr. and Mrs. 
Stewart have two children living — Virgil A. and Mary J. 

PETER SURFUS is a native of this State. Born near the city of 
La Fayette in 1836. His parents moved into De Kalb County the following 
January. He has lived in this township fifteen years. He moved to the State 
of Iowa in 1856, where he stayed three and a half years, then returned to 
this State, where he has since been content to remain. He now lives on a farm 
of 120 acres, three-fourths of a mile north of Wolf Lake. Mr. Surfus has 
made grain threshing his business a portion of the time every year for twenty- 
seven years. On the last day of August, 1856, he married Miss Lorinda Bo- 
dine, whose parents were originally from Pennsylvania, but moved into Ohio at 
an early day. Her mother is now living in this State in the seventy-seventh 
year of her age. Mr. Surfus descends from a very hardy ancestry, noted for 
their longevity. The following are the names of their children : Eventus 
Leroy, William D., Alice Jane, Myrta Matilda. Two children are dead. 
Eventus and Alice are married. Alice married George H. Herrick. The 
grandfather of Mr. Surfus, on his father's side, was a soldier of the Revolution, 
and was with Gen. Wayne on his campaign against the Indians in Ohio and 
Indiana. 

WILLIAM S. THOMAS was born in Hancock County, Ohio, Novem- 
ber 18, 1841. Spent most of his boyhood in Allen County, Ind. He has a 
common-school education, and he and Mrs. Thomas were both teachers before 



NOBLE TOWNSHIP. 465 

their marriage. Mrs. Thomas' maiden name was Lavantia W. Cook. They 
were married March 19. 1871, and came to where they now live soon after. 
Mr. Thomas owns a nice little farm of eighty acres with good buildings and 
pleasant surroundings. He has but one child, a boy. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas 
have accumulated what they possess since they started together in life. 

FRANCIS M. WEIRICH was born in Richland County, Ohio, April 
29, 1853. His father's family emigrated to this county in the fall of 1854, 
and settled in Green Township. His father, Franklin Weirich, was suffocated 
by "damps" while digging a well for George Shambaugh, assisted by William 
Applegate. He sacrificed his own life in an attempt to save that of Apple- 
gate. Applegate first went into the well and was overcome by the gas. Mr. 
Weirich went to his assistance, but soon made signs to be hoisted out. As he 
neared the top, he was entirely overcome and dropped back into the well. Both 
men were dead when taken out. Coffins were ordered from Wolf Lake, but on 
account of high waters they could not be brought over. The two men were 
buried in rough boxes improvised for the occasion. The widow Weirich mar- 
ried again to William McDonald in 1857. Francis M. stayed with them and 
worked on the farm until the age of twenty-one. In January, 1875, he 
engaged in the mercantile business at Noblesville, and remained in that business 
up to 1881. He was married to Catharine H. Hosier December 31, 1876. 
Venus Minelva and Orestes Fairrel are the names of their children. Mr. 
Weirich was elected Justice of the Peace in 1878, and still holds the office, to 
the general satisfaction of the public. 

REV. PETER WINEBRENNER, of the Christian Church, near No- 
blesville, Ind., was born in Liberty, Montgomery Co., Ohio, October 6, 1826, 
and moved into this county in the year 1837. He received a common-school 
education, and special tutorage from David Sanford, and from Jonathan Elliott. 
Elder Winebrenner is a self-educated man, having acquired his learning by 
close application and hard study. He taught until he entered the ministry in 

1857. He has mastered the German and Greek languages, and partially mas- 
tered the Latin. By invitation, he has preached in the cities of Philadelphia 
and Brooklyn, also in Canada. He spoke at the dedication of the School of 
the Prophets, an institution for the education of ministers at Stanfordville, 
N. Y.: he also preached at the quadrennial conference at Oshawa, Canada 
West, in 1869. He held a discussion with an Advent preacher by the name of 
Comstock, at Nelson, Cloud Co., Kan., in 1879. The result was the estab- 
lishing of a Christian Church at that place. Subjects of discussion, " Re- 
solved, that the Kingdom of heaven is set up on earth." Affirmed by Wine- 
brenner. "Resolved, that the Scriptures teach that the soul of man is uncon- 
scious after death." Affirmed by Comstock. He visited Iowa to discuss in 
connection with Elder Abbott, but his opponents abandoned the field, and no 
discussion was held. He was married to Miss Mary Kitt January 21, 1849 ; 
two children were born to them. The wife died January 27, 1858. He was 
married to his present wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Weade, in October, 

1858. Three children from this marriage living at home. Besides the church 
here, he has had the following charges : Clear Creek, Huntington County ; 
Murray Church, Wells County ; Union Church, Whitley County ; Argos 
Church, Marshall County, and he has preached to three churches besides his 
own in this county. The fine new church building just completed was dedi- 
cated August 21, 1881. Mr. W. has been Secretary of the Conference since 
1869. 



466 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

DAVID S. WINEBRENNER was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, 
January 10, 1834. He came with his parents to this State when lie was but a 
child. His education was very limited. He was married to Miss Juliann Ott 
March 31, 1859. She was born January 10, 1841. Their family consists of 
Edward, Alice and Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Winebrenner are members of the 
Christian Church near Merriam, in the faith of which they purpose to live out 
their allotted time, and sincerely recommend to their children that they follow 
the example of their parents in this particular. Their farm consists of one 
hundred and twenty acres in good cultivation, about two miles southwest of 
Noblesville. 

JAMES WINEBRENNER is a native of Pennsylvania, born near Harris- 
burg, June 4, 1845. His father emigrated to Noble County in 1847, and 
settled near Noblesville. His schooling has been very limited. He was ap- 
prenticed to the blacksmith trade in 1867, and follows that business at this 
writing. He is the foremost smith in the township, and his shop is a model of 
order and neatness. He was married to Miss Jane Couts in 1866. Mr. Wine- 
brenner enlisted in the Twelfth Indiana Volunteer Infantry in 1863, and served 
during the rest of the war. He was in the Atlanta campaign, and participated 
in the battle of Resaca and several severe skirmishes. As a forager he was a 
success, as Gen. Logan can testify. He foraged for the General's head- 
quarters eight months. At one time, on the last campaign of Sherman, he barely 
escaped capture, having run onto a party of " Johnnys " as they were about to 
take dinner. He was with Sherman's army in the celebrated march to the sea, 
at the capture of Savannah, and present at Gen. Johnston's capitulation ; also 
witnessed the burning of Columbia, S. C, and was at the grand review in 
Washington. He had an army experience of which to-day he is not ashamed. 

CARLOS R. WILEY is a native of Vermont, born in Rochester, 
Windsor County. One of his grandfathers was from Ireland, and the grand- 
mother from Scotland. When he was but one year old, his father moved into 
Huron County, Ohio, near Norwalk. In March, 1837, they moved into Noble 
County and settled in Washington Township. He was raised on a farm until 
the age of twenty-one. His education was limited to the common school of 
that period. He was married to Rosena Barnhart in 1858. His family con- 
sists of Charles E., Fanny A. and Nancy, living. He engaged in the mercan- 
tile business at Wolf Lake in 1866 ; has been successful and continues in the 
business at this writing. In war time — 1864 — he stood the draft like a man. 
He is one of Noble County's stanch business men. 

LEVI ZUMBRUN was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, October 7, 
1840. His parents moved to the State of Indiana when he was but thirteen 
years of age. They settled in Thorn Creek Township, Whitley County. At 
the call for one-hundred-day men, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirty- 
ninth Infantry, Company "K;" was discharged September 29 following. Again, 
at the call for one-year men, he enlisted in Company tl G," One Hundred and 
Forty-second Indiana Volunteers. He served out his enlistment at Nashville, 
Tenn., and witnessed the battle of Nashville and the defeat of Hood's army. 
He was discharged July 14, 1865. After his discharge, he returned to civil 
pursuits and has been a successful farmer. He owns a farm in the southern 
part of Noble Township, which is in a high state of cultivation, and is being 
further improved by a system of underdraining, which he has carried well on 
to completion. October 30, 1870, he manned Miss Hannah Huff. She was 
born April 2, 1850, in Elkhart Township, this county. Her parents came 



NOBLE TOWNSHIP. 467 

from Ohio. She is quite a reader. Her library is stocked with works of travel, 
biography, history and fiction, Webster's Unabridged being conspicious amongst 
the others. Matters within and about the house wear a pleasing appearance of 
refinement and culture. 



YORK TOWNSHIP. 

JACOB BEARD was born in Columbiana, afterward Mahoning County, 
Ohio. His father, Christopher H. Beard, was born in Wittenberg, Germany, 
October 1, 1779. He came to America in 1817, lived in Pennsylvania two 
years, then went to Columbiana County, Ohio, and located. He died there 
November 20, 1862. His mother, Christina Beard, was born in Wittenberg, 
Germany, August 20, 1786. She died in Mahoning County, Ohio, May 4, 
1860. Jacob Beard was married to Miss Nancy Elser in Mahoning County, 
Ohio, April 4, 1858. She was born August 4, 1834. The following are their 
children: Samuel Monroe, born September 17, 1859; Alfin Elisha, born Jan- 
uary 19, 1861; Wilson Henry, born September 22, 1863; all in Mahoning 
County, Ohio. Alfin Elisha died September 29, 1862. Mr. Beard moved to 
this county May 5, 1865, and located on the farm where he now resides, about 
three miles south of Albion. He has a well-improved farm of 120 acres. 

JOHN E. BENDER was born in Chester County, Penn., March 4, 1815, 
where he resided till twenty-one years of age. He was born of poor parents. 
His mother died when he was four and his father when he was seven years of 
age. He was bound to Samuel McClintock to serve till seventeen years 
of age. He faithfully served out his time, and received a suit of ragged 
clothes for ten years of hard work, and received no schooling whatever. He 
then commenced work on a salary. In about a year, his employer failed, and 
John came out in debt. He hired again to other parties, and worked four 
years, receiving $8 a month. In March, 1836, he married Rachel Young, and 
soon after emigrated and settled at Massillon, Stark Co., Ohio. He lived here 
until the spring of 1868, then came to Noble County and bought land where 
he now resides, on Section 29, York Township, five miles from Albion. Mr. 
Bender has been four times married. His present wife was residing in the city 
of Atlanta, Ga., when it was taken by Gen. Sherman's army in 1864. Her 
maiden name was Evaline Wright. Mr. Bender is an honorable and upright 
man. What he possesses he came by honestly and no mortgage hangs over 
his estate. 

ELISHA BLACKMAN, son of Judge Elisha Blackman, was born in 
York Township, Noble County, October 29, 1838, and has since made that 
place his home. His father, Judge Elisha Blackman, was born near Wilkes- 
barre, Penn., August 1, 1801. His grandfather, Elisha Blackman, was born 
April 4, 1760, and his great-grandfather, Elisha Blackman, was born in 1717. 
The grandfather and great-grandfather were at the famous battle of Wyoming, 
Penn., July 3, 1778, and escaped the massacre. The great-grandfather died 
at Wilkesbarre in 1804. He married Lucv Powell. Grandfather Blackman 
married Anna Hulburt, and Father Elisha Blackman married Amy Rollin. 
He died February 29, 1872. Mother Blackman died May 15, 1860. Elisha 
Blackman, the subject of this sketch, married Miss Mary A. Spangle Decem- 
ber 1, 1859. The children are Clara C, Mary Alice and Elisha R., living, 

and Adella, Lillie and Weller dead. Mary A. Spangle was born March 21, 

zz 



468 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

1840. Her father, Jacob Spangle, died August 15, 1868. Her mother, Sarah 
Spangle, died in June, 1875. Judge Elisha Blackman was a pioneer of this 
county, having located in York Township in the year 1834. He was many 
years Justice of the Peace, and held the offices of Trustee and Township Clerk 
several terms. He was Associate Judge of Noble County on the bench with 
Judge Latta. 

SYLVESTER BLACKMAN is a native of York Township, Noble County, 
Ind., born October 6, 1842. His parents were among the first settlers of the 
county. He was reared to work on a farm, his education, of course, limited. 
He enlisted in the Twelfth Indiana Volunteer Infantry December 24, 1863. 
He joined his regiment at Scottsboro, Ala., in February, 1864 ; was with Sher- 
man's army in its famous march to the sea and through the Carolinas. He 
witnessed the burning of the city of Columbia, S. C, and drank some of Wade 
Hampton's old wine (but kept sober). He was with the army till the collapse 
of the rebellion, and in the grand review at Washington. He was mustered out 
at Indianapolis July 25, 1865 ; returned to civil life, and is now living on his 
farm. October 29, 1868, he married Miss Mary Jane Burns; she was born in 
Michigan September 2, 1847. Her father came from Ireland, and her mother 
from the State of New York. In politics, he is a Republican. 

JOHN BOWMAN was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, May 3, 1810; 
was a son of John J. Bowman. His grandfather was Philip Bowman, the son 
of David Bowman, who emigrated from Wittenberg, Germany, A. D. 1753. 
The mother of John Bowman was Charlotte Bowman, who died June 15, 1847, 
in the sixtieth year of her age. She was the daughter of Rev. John and Eliza- 
beth Stough. Elizabeth Stough was the daughter of Conrad Hogmire. John 
Bowman was reared on his father's farm until he arrived at the age of seven- 
teen years. He then served a three-years' apprenticeship at the tanning business 
with one Abraham Croft, in Canton, Ohio. He then returned to Columbiana 
County and started a tannery four miles west of New Lisbon. November 13, 
1831, he married Miss Mary Mason, who was born in Columbiana County, 
Ohio, December 29, 1812 ; she was the daughter of Charles Mason, son of Mar- 
tin and Elizabeth (Watt) Mason. The mother of Mary H. Bowman was Mary, 
daughter of Christopher and Catharine (Mong) Horn. The grandmother of John 
Bowman on his father's side was Catharine, daughter of Nicholas and Catharine, 
(Turner) Fast. John Bowman continued in the tanning business until 1838. when 
he sold out and turned westward. He moved in wagons and arrived in Noble 
County March 1, 1838. He located on the land where he now lives, which he 
commenced clearing. His family suffered much from sickness during the firstyear. 
The following is their family record : Jonas, born in Columbiana County, Ohio, 
October 7, 1832; Lycurgus, in Columbiana County, Ohio, February 19, 1836 ; 
Mary Olive, in this county January 23, 1841 ; Elizabeth, in this county September 
13, 1846. All are now living and married. The father and mother, on the 13th of 
November, 1881, celebrated their golden wedding. The grandfather of Mrs. Bow- 
man, Martin Mason, was many years a captive amongst the Indians. He was 
captured east of Fort Du Quesne about the time of Braddock's defeat. Mr and 
Mrs. Bowman are of ancestry who are noted for their longevity, ranging on both 
sides into the nineties. They have long been members of the Church of God. 
They live on the old homestead three miles southwest of Albion in Section 27. 
Mr. Bowman has a grove of fine bearing chestnut trees, which proves that that 
timber can be successfully cultivated in this soil. One tree that sprung from a 
seed that grew on a tree of his first planting is bearing bountifully. 



YORK TOWNSHIP. 469 

JONAS BOWMAN was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, October 7, 
1832 ; came to Noble County in 1838, since which time he has lived in York 
Township. His education was limited to the common school of the times. He 
married Miss Rachel M. Foot March 11, 1860, and commenced housekeep- 
ing on the farm where he now resides, about three miles north of Wolf Lake, 
on Section 29. Mrs. Bowman was born in Malone, Franklin Co., N. Y., May 23, 
1831. Jonas Bowman is a son of John Bowman, and belonged to the organiza- 
tion known as the Regulators, for the suppression of lawlessness and crime. 
During the war, he was a member of the Home Guards. Mr. Bowman may be 
said to be a very peaceable man. During his entire life, he has had neither a 
fight nor a law-suit. He is a member of the order of F. & A. M., and a 
Republican. 

JACOB A. BUTZ, deceased, was a native of Europe. He crossed the 
waters in 1860, and came to Indiana, locating in York Township, where he 
bought forty acres of land. This he afterward sold, and made another purchase of 
eighty acres, subsequently adding sixty acres more. In 1862, he married 
Elizabeth Brown, whose parents were natives of Pennsylvania ; her father, of 
Lancaster County, who came to Indiana in 1852, locating in this county, where 
he remained until his death. The mother's maiden name was Berkholder. Mr. 
and Mrs. Butz were both members of the Methodist Church. He died May 
28, 1878, leaving Mrs. Butz a widow, with three children — Eliza Jane, Ange- 
line and Etta. They are all living, at the present writing, on the home farm. 

GEORGE W. CONRAD is a native of Pennsylvania, born May 6, 
1835 ; his wife, Esther (Burns) Conrad, was born in Elkhart County, Ind., 
December 22, 1838. He passed his boyhood in Elkhart County, his 
father having come to this State in 1841. He was married December 28, 
1856. His father and mother were natives of Pennsylvania, the former born 
in the year 1793. At the age of eleven years, George W. was bound out to 
one David Rodibaugh, of Jackson Township, Elkhart County. He served four 
years of his time, and could not stand the ill treatment he received, and left 
him. Rodibaugh would not allow him to take even his ragged clothes with 
him. He worked summers, and went to school occasionally during the winters, 
until he arrived at the age of twenty. He then went to learn the blacksmith's 
trade at Waterford, Elkhart County. In partnership with John Burns, his father- 
in-law, he bought land in the woods. Here he lived twenty-four years, when 
he moved to where he now lives, about two miles northwest of Wolf Lake, on a 
farm of 310 acres, well improved, with good buildings. He is a Republican, 
and he and his wife are members of the Christian Church. 

DAVID DEPEW came to Allen County, Ind., with his parents, from 
Ohio (his native State) in 1837. Here and in De Kalb County his boyhood days 
were passed ; the county being new and but sparsely settled, his experiences 
were of a rugged nature. His mother's last days were spent in Allen County, 
where she died, and the father in De Kalb County. David purchased his first 
land in the latter county ; this he sold, and subsequently bought eighty acres 
of unimproved land in Noble County. Upon the latter he placed the improve- 
ments, doing nearly all the work himself. This farm Mr. Depew sold, and, in 
1881, he purchased 160 acres, where he lives, on Section 4. It is improved 
land, well located for market facilities, with a fine brick residence and other 
buildings requisite for the demands. His wife, Olive (Cook) Depew, is a na- 
tive of Indiana. Her parents came from the State of New York (their place 
of nativity) to Ohio, and from there to Indiana, where they died. Six children 



470 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Depew, viz.: Hezekiah, Alson, Mary A. (since 
deceased), Edward, Isaiah and Samuel (deceased). Mr. Depew is one of those 
stirring, thoroughgoing men, whose presence is valuable to the community in 
which he lives. 

JAMES K. DINGM AN was born in Green Township, Noble County, Ind., 
August 13, 1847. His father, Adam Dingman, was born near Sydney, Shelby 
Co., Ohio ; he died in Noble County, Ind., in 1876 ; his mother, Mary Ding- 
man, died February 26, 1880 ; she was born in Ohio January 6, 1823. Adam 
and Mary Dingman were married January 31, 1840. They came to Allen 
County, Ind., in 1832, and to Noble County in 1835. They experienced all 
the hardships of frontier life. They had nine children. James K. was reared 
on the farm. January 29, 1868, he was married to Miss Electa Altman, who 
was born in Holmes County, Ohio, February 24, 1852. Her father, John M. 
Altman, was born November 17, 1827 ; her mother, Elizabeth Ann Altman, 
was born August 30, 1834, near Baltimore, Md. Mr. Dingman is a pros- 
perous farmer, living three miles south of Albion in Section 26. 

PETER ELSER was born in Mahoning County, Ohio, March 25, 1828. 
He was one of ten children in the family of George and Mary (Raab) Elser, 
the former a farmer and native of York County, Penn., and the latter of Ohio. 
George Elser's parents were George and Catharine Elser, both natives of Penn- 
sylvania, and his father was a wheelwright. Peter Elser spent his boyhood in 
Ohio. In 1855, he came to Indiana, Huntington County, and thence to 
Noble County, where he purchased 130 acres of partially improved land, now 
wholly improved and cultivated. His father is still living, and is eighty-two 
years of age. The children, six of whom are living, are Catharine, Elizabeth, 
Nancy, Eli, Rebecca, Sophia ; and those deceased, Henry, Sarah and Samuel. 
Our subject was married April, 1850, to Susan Coblence, of Ohio, who died in 
December, 1856, and Mr. Elser, in 1858, married Miss J. Whittaker, a native 
of Pennsylvania. Their children are Wilson (who resides in York Township), 
Marcus (who is in Montana Territory), Sarah A., Emma J., Mary E., George 
W. and Elmer, all living at home. Mr. Elser has served the public in numer- 
ous trustworthy offices. While in Huntington County, he was Assessor for 
one term and Trustee for the same period. In this county he has also rendered 
his services as Assessor, and served three years as Township Trustee. He is 
a member of the Patrons of Husbandry, and although a carpenter by trade, 
devotes the major part of his time to farming. 

JOHN C. FOOT is a native of Vermont, as were also his parents, and 
came with them to Ohio. They resided there a number of years, then came to 
Indiana, and in 1854 located on land, unimproved, in this county, York Town- 
ship, Section 15. The father, a miller by trade, was engaged with his son in 
clearing the land, which is now one of the best improved farms in the township. 
The father died in Indiana, and the mother is living with the subject on his 
farm. Mr. Foot now owns 155 acres of land ; has a fine orchard, good build- 
ings, etc. He married Catharine S. Crispell, a native of New York, whose 
parents came to Indiana at an early day, where they died. They have had five 
children — Frank D., Lucy M., George L. and Sarah, all at home, and Angie, 
deceased. Mr. Foot is an enterprising farmer, and is now serving his second 
term as Township Trustee, to which office he was elected in 1877. 

HENRY FUNK was born in Wayne County, Ohio, November 18, 1823. 
His grandfather, Martin Funk, came to America from Prussia prior to the 
Revolution. His father, Samuel Funk, was born in Bedford County, Penn., 



YORK TOWNSHIP. 471 

in 1776 ; he was a soldier in the war of 1812. At the close of the war, he 
emigrated to Ohio, and located near Wooster. Henry came to Indiana in 1846. 
November 7, 1850, he married Delilah Huffman ; she died in 1866. They 
had two children — Clinton and Willard ; Clinton died March 4, 1865. Mr. 
Funk moved to where he now resides in August, 1864. February 7, 1867, 
he married Catharine Heckethorn. She was born in Wayne County, Ohio, in 
1836. Mr. Funk, while he lived in Whitley County, Ind., was Justice of the 
Peace eight years, commencing in 1855. He is now a highly esteemed citizen, 
living in partial retirement on his farm in Section 27. 

JOSEPH W. GESAMANN is a native of Stark County, Ohio ; born 
July 30, 1835, where he was reared on a farm. He received sufficient school- 
ing to make him a competent teacher, and at the age of twenty-one began that 
calling, following it during the winter and farming summers. February 24, 
1861, he married Loetta Hershey, born in Stark County, Ohio, September 6, 
1843, and farmed the old homestead till the spring of 1863, when he came to 
this county, near Cromwell, in Sparta Township. During the summer, he 
erected a house on his own unimproved land in Section 16, York Township, 
where he moved in October. In the autumn of 1869, he moved back to Ohio, 
and worked in Russell's Separator Manufactory at Massillon one year, and 
then taught school through the winter ; worked in the shops the following sum- 
mer and taught school again in the winter. In the spring of 1872, he was 
chosen Superintendent of the Roach Institute in Massillon, remaining in charge 
five years. In the spring of 1877, he returned to his farm, where he now 
resides, having erected good buildings and made other improvements. Their 
children are three — Marvin H., born in Stark County, Ohio, November 13, 
1861; Elmus R., in this county June 3, 1863; and Frances, in Massillon, 
Ohio, April 16, 1870. Mr. Gesamann's grandfather was a Hollander, and 
came to America and located in Westmoreland County, Penn. Jacob Gesamann, 
the father of Joseph, was born in Pennsylvania September 5, 1801, and died 
in Stark County, Ohio, May 21. 1861. He was a farmer, but worked some at 
wagon-making. His wife, Barbara (Reichard), and mother of Joseph, was born 
January 12, 1804, and died in Stark County, Ohio, July 3, 1847. Mr. Gesa- 
mann was elected Justice of the Peace in 1880, and now holds that office. He 
is a Republican, and he and wife are members of the United Presbyterian 
Church of Albion. 

HON. ORLANDO KIMMELL, a wealthy farmer and ex-Representa- 
tive, whose portrait, with others, graces the pages of this work, is, by a long 
line of ancestry, of Swedish descent, whose forefathers came to America during 
the early settlement of Delaware, and located on the Delaware River. His 
paternal grandparents, Joseph and Hannah (Weldie) Kimmell, were natives of 
Pennsylvania, and settled in Stark County, Ohio, in 1822 ; their son, Joseph 
Kimmell, Jr., the father of Orlando, was born in Union County, Penn., in 
1802, and came to Stark County with his parents. In 1823, he engaged in 
fulling and carding in Canton, Ohio. In 1837, he went to Carroll County, 
Ohio, where he began farming, and, in the fall of L851, came to Noble County, 
where he remained ten years, returning then to Stark County, where he now 
resides. He has been an enterprising citizen, and has filled offices of honor 
and trust. Orlando was born in what is now included within the limits of the 
city of Canton, Ohio, March 25, 1830, where he was inured to farm life, and 
received the benefits of common schooling. At the age of eighteen, he devoted 
one year to fulling and carding. He accompanied his father to this county in 



472 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

the fall of 1851, and here he entered upon the stern realities of life in the pos- 
session of a pair of three-year-old colts, a rifle and $38 in money ; but the 
shoulder was placed to the wheel with a purpose to succeed, and though there 
were times when the struggle seemed to be against odds, yet, with judicious 
management and constant application, success crowned his efforts. In 1856, 
January 24, Mr. Kimraell was married to Miss Jane White, who was born in 
Marion County, Ohio, November 16, 1834. Her father was a Virginian, born 
in 1800. They have eight children living — May, Lillian, Jennie, Maud, Phella, 
Morton, Thaddeus and Claudius. They have lost two by death. The success 
attained by Mr. Kimmell is worthy of emulation. His landed estate is very 
valuable, and comprises over 1,000 acres in Noble County. He lives on his 
farm about eight miles southeast of Ligonier, on the Fort Wayne and Goshen 
roads, in a fine brick residence, with large barns, granaries, etc., for the conven- 
ience of farm purposes. He is the most extensive wheat-grower in the county, pro- 
ducing in 1879, 6,000 bushels, and in 1880, 5,000. His success in stock-raising 
and other departments, is also characteristic of the good management displayed. 
But Mr. Kimrnell's accomplishments have not been confined to the accumula- 
tion of wealth : his influence has been felt for the good of the community by 
his participation in public affairs. As Township Trustee, he served four years, 
and during this time he was elected, in 1868, as County Commissioner. This 
office he resigned to accept the higher trust of Representative to the State Leg- 
islature, to which he was elected in 1876. He was re-nominated in 1878, but 
declined the proffered honor. Mr. Kimmell was one of the organizers of the 
County Agricultural Society ; was elected President in 1877, serving three 
years, and was re-elected in 1882; was prime mover in establishing the Live- 
stock Association, of which he served first two years as President. During 
the war of the rebellion, he was active in looking after the interests of those 
who had gone to the front, and the county's affairs. Though not a church 
member, Mr. Kimmell is liberal in fostering church affairs, and is active in 
public matters where the interests of his community can be advanced. 

GEORGE H. LANE, born in Pickaway County, Ohio, October 1, 
1836. His boyhood and youth were passed in this county. His education 
was obtained at the common school, but by dint of close application he pre- 
pared himself for teaching, and has successfully pulled through over twenty 
terms. He first taught in Kosciusko County during the winter of 1856-57. 
Meeting with marked success, he was encouraged to continue in the business, 
and succeeded in all the schools he ever attempted. September 10, 1865, he 
married Miss Mary E. Matthews. Five children are the fruits of this mar- 
riage. Mr. Lane has been Justice of the Peace eight years in succession, and 
declined another election. He lives in York Township, about three miles west 
of Albion ; is a successful farmer, good citizen and neighbor ; is wide awake to 
the necessities and enterprises of the times, and a Republican in politics. 

JOHN C. LANE was born in York Township, Noble County, October 1, 
1841. His father, Vincent Lane, was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, Jan- 
uary 31, 1803. His mother, Sarah (Hitler) Lane, was born in Pickaway 
County, Ohio, December 14, 1810. They were married December 18, 1828, 
and came to this county in 1837. The family consisted of eleven children. 
Vincent Lane died of lung fever December 17, 1849. He was a County Com- 
missioner six years, and also held the office of County Treasurer, by appoint- 
ment, to fill a vacancy occasioned by the death of Joseph Bradford, in 1839. 
He was also Commissioner of the 3 per cent fund one term. John C. Lane 



YORK TOWNSHIP. 478 

was married to Miss Mary E. Domer, in May, 1880. She was born in Elkhart 
Township, Noble County, Ind., July 8, 1844. Miss Domer has been a suc- 
cessful teacher in the common schools for a number of years. 

WILLIAM C. LEVERING. The Leverings in the United States are 
supposed to have sprung from a family that came over from Wales before the 
Revolutionary war, and are consequently somewhat related. They are numer- 
ous in Central Ohio, in Richland, Knox and Morrow Counties. They are gen- 
erally well-to-do farmers and good citizens. Neither drunkard nor pauper of 
that name was ever known. Grandfather Daniel Levering came to Ohio from 
Pennsylvania, in the year 1809. Daniel Levering's father was a blacksmith, 
and served in the Revolutionary war. Mrs'. William C. Levering was born in 
Franklin County, Ohio, April 11, 1823. Her father, Samuel Morris, was a 
Virginian. She came with her parents to this county, in 1836, where they en- 
dured the privations and hardships of frontier life, Mr. Morris having car- 
ried corn for a grist on his back from Perry's Prairie to a mill one mile east of 
Wolf Lake. Mrs. Levering, while yet a girl, worked out at 50 cents a week. 
She has worked six weeks for six yards of calico, just enough to make a dress 
in those days. She was married to Mr. Levering October 18, 1846. Their 
children were Manda, Charles M. and Ellen. The latter died September 28, 
1859. 

AARON MORE was born in Ravenna, Ohio, March 17, 1809. His 
father, David More, was a soldier of the war of 1812, and died in Ravenna of 
the cold plague, while home on sick-leave. He was a blacksmith by trade. His 
widow married John McManis, and the children were compelled to seek homes 
out of the family. Mr. McManis, about 1820, moved to Darke County, Ohio, 
where he entered land. In about six years, he moved to Wiltshire, in Van Wert 
County, where Mr. More visited his mother, in about 1825 ; then he worked 
for Capt. Riley, who, being cast away at sea, was captured by the Arabs, and 
finally ransomed. In the autumn of 1830, Mr. More visited his eldest brother 
in Medina County ; then went to Warren County, Penn., where he worked at 
painting. His education was picked up, little at a time, as opportunity offered. 
In 1837, he went down the Broken Sword, into the Allegheny and Ohio Rivers, 
with a raft of lumber, stopping at Wheeling, Va. His step-father having died, 
he visited his mother at Wiltshire, in August, 1837. Here he took a lease of 
some land, and entered upon the support of his mother. He soon entered 80 
acres in Adams County. Ind , to which place he moved with his mother in 
1841. May 24, 1844, he married Miss Mary Ann Syphers, born in Pendle- 
ton County, Va., January 19, 1825, whose father was a soldier of the war of 
1812, and her great-uncle, Gen. Everhart, was with Washington in the Revo- 
lution. Mr. More's mother died January 18, 1846. In 1853, he bought a 
store in Willshire, Ohio, and in connection had the post office. In March, 
1854, moved to Monmouth. In July, 1858, moved with his stock of goods to 
Green Township, this county, thence to Cromwell in 1860. In April, 1874, 
he moved on his present farm, in Section 32. While in Adams County, he 
served as Justice of the Peace. He became a member of the F. & A. M., 
Wayne Lodge, No. 25, at Fort Wayne, in August, 1857, and is still a member 
of that order. 

NATHAN NILES was born in Bath, Steuben County, N. Y., Novem- 
ber 24, 1834. His parents located in Seneca County, Ohio, in 1838. In 
1849, they moved to near Shelby, in Richland County. He got his education 
at the schools of Shelby and Oberlin, attending the latter more or less regular- 



474 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

ly from 1851 to 1854. November 15, 1854, he arrived in this county, and 
that winter taught his first scohol in a log schoolhouse, 15x18, on Judge Black- 
man's land, receiving $54 for sixty-six days. He went to Middlebury, Elk- 
hart County, the next spring, and taught a select school. He then worked at 
the carpenter business with his uncle ; in November, he came again to Noble 
County ; the following winter he solicited insurance ; in the winter of 1856 
and 1857, he taught school again in the little log schoolhouse. He married 
Jeanette Hubbard, from Ashtabula County, Ohio, who was born November 11, 
1833. In the spring of 1860, he went to farming ; but, in 1877, sold out, 
moved to Ligonier, and engaged in the sale of hardware and agricultural im- 
plements ; in about a year, he bought the farm where he now lives and moved 
upon it. January 10, 1878, began a ten weeks' term at the Cavin School, in 
Perry Township, the first teacher having resigned. Since about this time, Mr. 
Niles has been unable to do hard work. He lives on Section 17, York Town- 
ship ; is of Welsh extraction, and a Republican. His grandfather, Leonard 
Plants, was the last surviving soldier of the Revolution, in Licking County, 
Ohio. Mr. Niles was enumerator of the census for York Township in 
1880. 

JEFFERSON NOE is a son of Aaron and Sarah Noe, who moved from 
Licking County, Ohio, and located in Sparta Township, Noble County, in 
1837. Aaron Noe was born near Newark, N. J., about the year 1806. His 
father came from France about the time Napoleon I took command of the 
armies of France. Jefferson Noe was born January 5, 1837, in Licking County, 
Ohio. Has had but a common-school education, but being ambitious and 
studious, has become a well-read man. He was married to Miss Mary A. 
Gloyd May 6, 1860. She was born in Newark, Ohio, February 6, 1836. 
Her parents were from Maryland. William Gloyd was born in 1812 ; came 
to Indiana in 1839 ; died February 27, 1863 ; Mother Matilda Gloyd was born 
in 1814. Aaron Noe was a blacksmith. He died while visiting friends in 
Illinois, in 1851. His remains were brought back to Ligonier and interred in 
the City Cemetery ; a monument costing $300 marks his resting-place. Mother 
Noe died August 12, 1869, and was buried beside her husband. Jefferson 
Noe has cleared up two farms and worked hard, and is now enjoying life in 
ease and plenty. The children were Jeremiah, William H., Clara Belle and 
George Ellsworth ; the latter died at the age of fifteen months. Jefferson Noe 
was about five years old when his younger brother, Allen, was stolen by the 
Indians, and no tidings of him have ever been received ; diligent search was 
instituted, but of no avail ; his fate is yet, and may always remain, a strange, 
sad mystery. Mr. and Mrs. Noe are prominent members of the Christian 
Church. 

ANDREW J. PARKS is a native of La Grange County, Ind. His 
mother was born in New York and his father in Ohio. His father died when 
Andrew was but a child and his mother remarried. After this he lived at home 
but a short time ; went to his aunt's and lived with her some time, then spent 
eighteen months at Mr. Gerber's. He lived two summers with his Uncle John 
Roy, passing the winters in Ligonier, at his grandparents' ; he next went to 
Brimfield, where he lived about a year, then at the age of thirteen, went to 
Albion, where he found a home with Mr. Bliss. At the age of seventeen, he 
went to live with his aunt, west of Albion, where he remained about one year, 
then returned to Albion. He finally married Miss Mary A. Hadley, and made 
himself a permanent home. She is a native of Indiana. Her parents are 



YORK TOWNSHIP. 475 

Ohioans by birth, but are now living in Indiana. In 1874, Mr. Parks owned 
132 acres of land, a portion of which constitutes his present farm. They have 
three children — Charles, Lillie and Erraina. 

CYRUS POLLOCK was born in Washington Township, Richland 
County, Ohio, April 12, 1832. His father, Andrew Pollock, was born near 
Pittsburgh, Penn., about the year 1779, and came to Richland County, Ohio, 
in 1812. He was a soldier in the war of 1812 ; he came to Noble County in 
1853 and died in 1857. Mother Mary (Surplus) Pollock was born in Penn- 
sylvania, in 1800, and died in 1858. Cyrus Pollock came to this country with 
his father in 1853. October 18, 1856, he married Miss Susannah Earnhart. 
By her he had one child, Harriet. Mrs Pollock died November 5, 1859. 
August 12, 1860, he married Martha Jerls. By this marriage he has eight 
children. She was born in Miami County, Ohio, May 5, 1835. Mr. Pollock 
was elected Justice of the Peace in the autumn of 1870. He served three years, 
when he resigned to accept the office of Superintendent of the County Infirmary. 
He filled the office five years with satisfaction to the public. Since then, has 
farmed successfully. His farm consists of 120 acres in Section 8, five miles 
west of Albion. 

JAMES ROSCO is a native of Essex County, N. Y., from whence his 
parents moved to Erie County, Ohio, in 1834. He is one of eight brothers and 
one sister, and was born September 11, 1833, to Levi and Eliza (Stockwell) 
Rosco. The father was born in Essex County, N. Y., June 10, 1810. The 
mother in Massachusetts February 14, 1812. The elder Rosco was a carpenter 
and joiner, from whom James learned the trade, and at which he worked until 
1860. March 23, 1857, he married Miss Elsie Barr, a native of Niagara 
County, N. Y., born October 29, 1826. The nine years prior to going to Erie 
County, Ohio, in 1856, she had lived in Michigan. They have one child, 
Nelson, living ; two having died, Arvilla and Edgar, both in the autumn of 
1865. Mr. Rosco moved to Green Township, this county, in 1861, and two 
years later upon his present farm, which consists of 380 acres, well adapted for 
general farm purposes, and beautified by evergreens, of which Mr. Rosco has 
set out nearly 500, acting upon the principle that it is every citizen's duty to 
do what he can to beautify the country for the benefit of coming generations. 
In all respects he is an enterprising citizen, and one of the foremost in the fur- 
therance of public interests. Largely by his influence and exertion, in connec- 
tion with James C. Stewart, of Noble Township, the Port Mitchell mill-dam 
nuisance was abated. In politics he is a Republican, thorough and unequivocal, 
and a firm believer in the religion of Jesus Christ. He is a member of Albion 
Lodge, No. 97, F. & A. M., of Chapter No. 64, R. A. M., of Kendallville, and 
of Apollo Commandery, No. 19, K. T. 

JAMES H. SINGREY is a native of Troy Township, Morrow County, 
Ohio, and was born September 18, 1831. His parents, Thomas and Catharine 
(Akerman) Singrey, were natives respectively of Maryland and New Jersey. 
His grandfather, Singrey, native of Maryland, was a noted physician and sur- 
geon, and his grandfather Akerman was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, 
and participated in the battles of Monmouth and Trenton. His parents came 
to Indiana in 1862, located in Albion, but afterward moved to Jefferson Town- 
ship, where they are still living, at the advanced ages of seventy-nine and eighty- 
one. James H. Singrey was reared on a farm in Ohio, and came to Indiana 
with his parents. He purchased eighty acres of land in Elkhart Township, 
where he lived two years, clearing and otherwise improving the land. He 



476 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

subsequently purchased a farm of eighty acres in Jefferson Township, situated 
on Section 17, where he still resides, and which is now one of the best farms in 
the township. Mr. Singrey, in 1854, married Sarah J. Herrington, a native 
of Pennsylvania, born December 3, 1833. Her father, John Herrington, was 
a Pennsylvanian by birth, and a farmer. Mr. Singrey, while in Ohio, served 
three years as Trustee of Troy Township, and at present is Superintendent of 
the County Poor Farm, to which office he was elected in April, 1881, for the 
period of one year. They have six children, Franklin E. (now married and 
farming on the old home farm), Charles A., Perry J., Debby E., Cyrilla F. and 
Roy C. Perry J. is on the same farm with his brother Frank, and the others 
are all at home. 

DAVID W. STARK was born in Lancaster County, Penn., February 
23, 1855, and came with his parents to Indiana in 1865. His father, Abra- 
ham Stark, was born October 24, 1829. His mother, Mary Ann Stark, was 
born July 4, 1832. David W. Stark married Ellen E. Bower September 4, 
1879. She was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, May 28, 1861. Her 
parents came to Indiana in the year 1870, and bought land in Section 18, York 
Township, six miles west of Albion, where Mr. Stark now lives. They have 
one child — Sophia Christina, born January 23, 1881. 

JOEL VANDERFORD was born in Ross County, Ohio, November 5, 1813, 
where he passed his boyhood and youth. At the age of twenty-two, he packed his 
earthly possessions in a cotton handkerchief, and tramped to this county, where 
he grubbed and cut wood at 25 cents a cord and boarded himself, to make the 
money with which he bought the first land he ever owned — the eighty acres on 
which the fine buildings of Orlando Kimmell now stand. In the summer of 

1836, Mr. Vanderford and John Male felled the timber, cut and split 40,000 
fence rails. They also laid up a portion of them into fences. March 23, 

1837, he married Miss Emeline Bull. She was born in Perry County, Penn., 
February 23, 1815. Their housekeeping outfit was a board laid on the flour 
barrel for a table, half a dozen plates, half a dozen knives and forks, one kettle, 
a teakettle and a skillet. For a cupboard, he put clapboards on wooden pins in 
the wall. They had one good bed and a bedstead ; for the extra bed he put a 
long and a shorter pole into holes in the logs and put on clapboards for the tick 
to lie on. They had two chairs with splint bottoms and two without bottoms. 
Mr. Vanderford grubbed for Joel Smith until he accumulated $2.50, with 
which he purchased two bushels of wheat, had it ground and took it home. It 
proved to be worthless and made him sick, so he went to John G. Hall, who 
had a mill one mile east of Wolf Lake, and bargained with him for a bushel of 
corn meal. He was to bring his yoke of oxen and log one day for the meal. 
When night came, the miller could scrape together but a half bushel. This 
necessitated coming to the mill again. As he lived four miles from the mill, he 
had to drive his ox team sixteen miles and do a hard day's logging for one 
bushel of corn meal. In 1852, Mr. Vanderford went to California and then to 
Oregon, and traveled over near its entire extent. While there he split three 
thousand rails. He was absent three years, and returned in 1855, touching at 
Havana and Key West. While on the Pacific Ocean, he barely escaped being 
lost in a storm, but he has weathered it all, and is now a hale and hearty man, 
surrounded by all that tends to make life enjoyable. He owns 317 acres of 
good land. His residence is on Section 29, six miles west of Albion. The 
following children are living : Sarah Ann, Elizana, Richard Clark, Mary and 
William C. Two are dead — Nancy Jane and John Fremont. Two of his 



fORK TOWNSHIP. 477 

sons were in the army — Richard Clark and William C. Richard C. received 
five wounds, two of which were severe. One son, John F., was drowned in 
the lake at Chicago. Mr. V. is a Republican, and a member of the Church of 
God. He was on the first grand jury impaneled in this county. 

JOHN WALKER is a substantial farmer in York Township, where he 
owns nearly 300 acres of land, with a considerable portion under cultivation, 
and with improvements in the way of buildings, fences, hedges, orchards, etc., 
that characterize the whole as the result of efficient management. The 185 
rods of fine grown, well-cared-for hedge that surrounds some of the fields is a 
feature that lends to the beauty and adds to the value of this farm. The soil is 
productive, and yields bountiful harvests. In 1879, 1,600 bushels of wheat 
were taken from its fields, and it yearly produces from thirty to forty tons of 
hay. Other crops are harvested in goodly quantities. The farm is in Sections 
1 and 2, and the land — or a portion of it — was entered in 1837 by Mr. Walk- 
er's father, Christopher, who was born October 21, 1787. His wife, Mary 
(Magdelain), and mother of John, was born December 15, 1793 ; they were na- 
tives of Pennsylvania, but removed to Richland County, Ohio, where they re- 
mained until their death ; the father September 26, 1872, and the mother June 

11, 1877. They had eleven children, ten of whom are living : Mrs. Mary 
Acton, in Wayne Township ; Henry, in Elkhart Township ; Ephraim, in Mor- 
row County, Ohio ; John, the subject ; Mrs. Sarah Thompson, in Wayne 
Township ; Gabriel ; Israel, in Elkhart Township ; Gideon, in Swan Town- 
ship ; Mrs. Susan Denlan, in Knox County, Ohio ; Mrs. Elvina Hoffman, wife 
of John Hoffman, of Jefferson Township ; and William, deceased. John 
Walker was born in Richland County, Ohio, December 21, 1821, where he 
learned the trade of blacksmithing of his father ; this he followed, together 
with farming, until May, 1849, when he came to this county, locating where 
he now resides. Here, his time has been given principally to the cultivation 
of the soil, although he has worked some at his trade. March 25, 1845, he 
was married to Miss Miriam Cook, also a native of Richland County, Ohio, 
born November 10, 1824. She is a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. 
Walker has erected a fine brick residence in Albion, into which he intends to 
move in 1882, and live in retirement, and in the enjoyment of the fruits of 
honest toil. He is a much-respected and highly-honored citizen, and haa 
served his township as Trustee. He has an aunt by marriage — Sarah Stilwell 
— who will be 100 years old in March, 1882, and who is still quite active for 
one so aged. 

ZENAS J. WRIGHT, a native of Massachusetts, was born November 

12, 1817. His parents, Zenas and Nancy (Willis) Wright, were both natives 
of Massachusetts, and his grandfather, Elisha Wright, was a farmer of the 
same nativity. Zenas Wright's early youth was passed in New York until 
1836, when with his parents he came to York Township, Ind., and located at 
" Wright's Corners." Here he lived until 1841, when he married Mary Ann 
Arnold, and purchased eighty acres of his present farm in Perry Township, 
making subsequent additions until it now numbers 280 acres, and is in a good 
state of cultivation. They have nine children — Silas J., now on the old farm ; 
William W., who resides in Iowa ; Zenas M., in Iowa ; Isaac A., on the old 
farm ; Christa, in Nebraska ; Adoniram J., in Iowa ; and Elsie J., Emma and 
Minnie at home. Mrs. Wright died April 4, 1881. She was a member of the 
Baptist Church. Mr. Wright is a member of the same church, and served for 
eight successive years as Township Trustee, and has efficiently served four 
years as Justice of the Peace. 



478 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 



GREEN TOWNSH8P. 

JAMES M. APPLEGATE (deceased), was a native of Richland County, 
Ohio, born October 23, 1829, a son of Isaac and Sarah (Davis) Applegate, and 
one of five children. At the age of twenty, he came to Indiana with his 
brother to teach school, commencing in Green Township, and following this 
calling through eleven winters in his neighborhood, where he won many friends, 
being temperate and an exemplary citizen. He was a Republican, and held 
several township offices. While serving in the army, he contracted sickness, 
which resulted in his death, January 19, 1879. May 4, 1851, Mr. Applegate 
was married to Miss Sophronia Gray, the daughter of Samuel and Ruth (Leech) 
Gray. She was born in Knox County, Ohio, February 17, 1831, and came to 
Noble County with her parents in 1835, and assisted at the spinning wheel and 
other domestic duties. She received the common education of her girlhood 
days. Mr. and Mrs. Applegate were favored by the birth of seven children — 
Orlando (deceased), Manuel J., Harvey (deceased), Laura J. (now the wife of 0. 
Fulk), Florence, Clara G. and Firmer. Mrs. Applegate is still living on the 
old farm, consisting of 158 acres, and has the esteem and respect of a large 
circle of friends. 

W. C. ARTHUR was born in Huron County, Ohio, March 25, 1828. 
At the age of eight years he was left an orphan, and with his brothers 
and sisters lived on the home place. Shortly after reaching his majority, 
he was induced, by the stories of gold, to go to California. He took pas- 
sage on the clipper ship Racehorse from New York. They were about five 
months on the journey, stopping at Rio Janeiro, Valparaiso and other places of 
interest. On his arrival in San Francisco, he associated himself with a com- 
pany of others and began mining on the Yuba River. The next winter he 
operated on a little stream called Brandy Gulch, in Yuba County, and here 
made some money. The next season he operated in and about Camptonville. 
After a stay in California of twenty-six months, he came by steamer to New 
York, crossing the Isthmus of Panama. From New York he returned to his 
old home in Huron County, Ohio, and came to Green Township in 1855, 
locating on his present farm. He was married July 4, 1855. Three children 
have blessed this union with Rachel Skeels — Fannie, George and Leslie. All 
are living; the eldest being the wife of William Shambaugh, of Green Town- 
ship. Mr. Arthur had nothing to start with, but is now a prosperous farmer. 
He owns 340 acres of land, is a Democrat, a Mason and he and wife are mem- 
bers of the Free- Will Baptist Church. Mr. Arthur is a son of Thomas and 
Margaret (Clark) Arthur, who were natives of Ireland. Both died in Huron 
County, Ohio. 

WILLIAM D. BONAR was born December 19, 1839, a son of David 
and Hester (Deweese) Bonar, the parents of fifteen children, ten of whom are 
yet alive. The father was born October 9, 1784, and was of Scotch descent. 
September 10, 1820, he married Hesther Deweese in Licking County, Ohio, 
her birthplace. He was a shoemaker by trade, but abandoned that calling on 
coming to Green Township in 1836, where he entered 80 acres of land, which 
he cleared and improved. He was of small physical frame, and decisive turn 
of mind, wielding much influence. He died December 25, 1874, and his wife 



GREEN TOWNSHIP. 479 

May 25, 1846. William D. Bonar passed his youth on the farm, receiving a 
common school education. December 15, 1863, he enlisted in Company I, 
Twelfth Indiana -Cavalry, and was discharged August 27, 1865, and returned 
home to his farm. Mr. Bonar owns 120 acres of good land, and is a Demo- 
crat. He was married April 19, 1871, to Miss Eleanor Moore, daughter of 
Samuel and Mary Ann Moore. They had one child, a boy, Alva C. The 
mother died in January, 1872. Mr. Bonar takes the lead in many things in 
his township, and exerts a wholesome control over its affairs. 

GEORGE W. BROWN was born in Preble County, Ohio, April 21, 
1827. He is one of twelve children born to George and Sarah (Nethercut) 
Brown. The father was a native of Virginia, and the mother of South Caro- 
lina. They started out in life poor, but became prosperous farmers, and were 
honored and respected members of society ; both are now dead. George W. 
received a good common-school education. In 1847, he was united in marriage 
with Margaret Brumbaugh, and in the fall of 1851 moved to Green Township 
and settled on 100 acres of wood land his father had purchased for him, and 
50 acres that had been given Mrs. Brown by her parents ; the clearing and im- 
proving afforded abundant work for Mr. Brown. They have added to their 
original place enough to make 485 acres, which have been partially divided 
among the children, of whom there have been eight — William, Otho, George, 
Sarah C, Ellen, Ida, Effie (deceased) and Laura. William married Mary Zum- 
brum, and resides in Whitley County. The rest are in Noble County. Otho 
married Barbara Royer; George married Ann McCoy; Sarah is the wife "of 
James McCoy ; Ellen is the wife of Aaron Eagly ; Ida married Samuel Black, 
and Laura is single. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are members of the German Bap- 
tist Church, and Mr. Brown is a Democrat. 

LUKE N. CLEMENS, generally known as Esquire Clemens, was 
born in Augusta, Va., October 7, 1808. He was one of thirteen 
children born to John and Anna (Boyer) Clemens, who were pros- 
perous farmers of the Shenandoah Valley. Luke remained with his 
parents, in Virginia, receiving a common-school education, and in 1825 emi- 
grated with his parents to Madison County, Ohio, where he engaged in farming 
for a period of twenty years. His father was a soldier of the war of 1812, 
and he lived in Madison County the balance of his days. While in Ohio, 
Luke was married to Miss Sarah Rathbun, and in 1845 moved to Noble Coun- 
ty, where his brother had preceded him. He purchased his present farm — 160 
acres — and built thereon a log cabin, moved into it, and thus commenced life 
in the wilderness. His farm was then a mass of woods, swamps and un- 
derbrush, and various species of wild beasts made it their home. Notwith- 
standing the hardships incident to such a life, he succeeded gradually in clear- 
ing and otherwise improving his farm. Mr. Clemens, during his early life here, 
killed over 200 deer, to say nothing of wild-cats, turkeys, squirrels, etc. ; hunt- 
ing formed his chief amusement. To his marriage with Miss Rathbun there 
were born twelve children — John, Harmon, Eliza, Polly, Lydia, Elizabeth, 
Henderson, Melinda, Harrison, Henry, Sarah and James. Of these the fol- 
lowing are dead: Eliza, Polly, Lydia, Betsy and Harmon. Mr. Clemens is a 
man of enterprise, and has held the office of Justice of the Peace for the past 
twenty-six years. 

DAVID CLOUSE, born in Licking Co., Ohio, February 2, 1842. His 
parents were Benjamin and Lydia (Green) Clouse, and to them were born seven 
children ; only four are living. The parents are both living and reside in Lick- 



480 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

ing Co., Ohio. David Clouse is a man of common-school education. Having rel- 
atives in Noble County, he came here in 1862, and the 21st of October of the 
same year he enlisted in Company D, Twenty-eighth Regiment, First Indiana 
Cavalry. At an engagement near Little Rock, Ark., he was wounded in the 
arm April 1, 1865, which resulted in his discharge June 8, 1865. After the 
war was over, Mr. Clouse returned home, and having eighty acres of land, he 
began clearing and improving the same. He was married in 1866, to Electa 
Bisekorner, who died February 14, 1874, leaving four children. His second 
and present wife, Lucina Lock, he married in September, 1875. The children 
of his first marriage are John H., Lydia 0. (deceased), Luther C. and Alta; and 
to his second marriage, Sylvia L., Jesse W., Nellie D. and one as yet unnamed. 
Mr. Clouse is a farmer — owns eighty acres of good land ; is a Republican, and 
an enterprising citizen. His grandfather was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. 

JONAS COOK was born in Carroll County, Md., December 10, 1827. 
He is a son of Baltzer and Elizabeth (Fulkearth) Cook, and of German descent. 
His parents were both natives of Maryland. The father was a farmer, and 
moved to Montgomery County, Ohio, in 1830, where he and wife lived the re- 
mainder of their days. Our subject, at the age of nineteen, began working at 
carpentering. Having natural talent in this direction, he continued it profit- 
ably some fifteen years ; when, having saved a part of his earnings, he pur- 
chased 120 acres of his present farm, on which he moved in 1859. Mr. Cook 
had to undergo, as did the old settlers, the hardships in the clearing and im- 
proving of his place. He has increased his original purchase to 220 acres, aided, 
to a considerable extent by his earnings in teaching school. He was married in 
1849 to Elizabeth Zeigler, of Montgomery County, Ohio, and who has borne 
him three children — Letitia A., Granville W. and Silas C. During the fall of 
1864, Mr. Cook enlisted in Company C, Thirteenth Regiment, and was dis- 
charged at Goldsboro, N. C, at the close of the war. He was at the battle of 
Bentonville and Richmond, and the storming of Fort Fisher both times. After 
the war, he came home and recommenced farming. He and wife are members 
of the German Baptist Church. Mr. Cook is a Republican and a worthy citizen. 

JOHN A. CONKLTNG'S parents were Samuel and Charlotte (Bruce) 
Conkling, the former of Holland Dutch descent, and the latter of Scotch-Irish. 
Their family numbered eleven children, five still living. One of these, John A. 
Conkling, was born in Ohio October 15, 1818, and came with his parents to 
Delaware County, where they lived ten years. They lived one year in Sparta 
Township, then moved to Noble Township ; after this, all went West to Iowa 
and Missouri, except John A. The mother died in Iowa and the father in 
Kansas. The latter was a soldier in the war of 1812, and his sons, Henry and 
James, served honorably in the last great war. Soon after removing to Noble 
Township, Mr. Conkling returned to Sparta, where he resided until 1878, then 
purchased 110 acres of land, where he now resides. On the 29th of August, 
1844, he married Matilda Ann Todd, whose parents came from Ohio. Their 
children were as follows : Levi (drowned when but seventeen years old), Sarah 
Margaret and John Henry, the latter still living at home. Sarah M. is the 
wife of Isaac M. Barcus. Mrs. Conkling is a member of the Lutheran Church, 
and her husband is a Democrat. They are very worthy people ; have seen 
the wilderness transformed into beautiful homes, and the retrospect of their 
lives is a happy one. 

W. C. DAVIS was born in Richland County, Ohio, December 4, 1832, 
a son of William and Nancy Davis, who came from Westmoreland County, 



GREEN TOWNSHIP. 481 

Perm., to the birthplace of our subject, where they died. They were of 
Scotch-Irish descent, and the parents of ten children, six of whom are still 
living. The elder Mr. Davis was a Democrat, a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and an early settler of Richland County. He was temper- 
ate, and was looked to for advice in matters of importance. Until sixteen years 
of age, W. C. Davis was reared on a farm, receiving a common-school educa- 
tion. He then served a two years' apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade. 
In 1851, he came to Indiana, locating in Noble County, and has worked at his 
trade ever since. He was married, February 26, 1856, to Miss Nancy Mc- 
Williams, who died February 26, 1857. Mr. Davis' second wife was Caroline 
Hill, to whom he was married April 4, 1868. To their union were born two 
daughters — Minia, July 11, 1869, and Jennie, December 11, 1871. The 
mother was born February 23, 1847, and died December, 1871. Mr. Davis' 
third and present wife, Esther S. Hill, sister of his second wife, he married 
August 19, 1877. Mr. Davis started in life with but little means at his com- 
mand, and deserves much credit for his success. He now owns 120 acres of 
improved land, is a Democrat and an intelligent citizen. 

LEVI DILLER was born in Lancaster County, Penn., April 15, 1818. 
He is one of eight children born to Martin and Rachel (Wolf) Diller. When 
twelve years old, his parents moved to Frederick County, Md., where he re- 
ceived a good education. From 1836 to 1840, he served an apprenticeship at 
the blacksmith and machinist's trade, and after completing it came to Preble 
County, Ohio, where he worked six years. He then purchased a farm and 
engaged in agricultural pursuits until the fall of 1857, when he came to Noble 
County to engage in the lumber trade. He purchased five acres of land in 
Green Township on which was a small saw-mill. This he improved until he 
had one of the finest mills in the county. By degrees he increased his busi- 
ness, which now ranks second to none in Green Township. He was married, 
March 16, 1843, to Catharine Lock, of Frederick County, Md., and to them 
were born eight children — Louisa J., John H., Margaret E., Elizabeth, Anna, 
Martin L., Levi (deceased) and Benjamin F. Mr. and Mrs. Diller are mem- 
bers of the Lutheran Church. He is a prominent Democrat, but has never 
aspired to political prominence. He now owns 200 acres of land, besides his 
mill property. 

GEORGE EASTERDAY (deceased) was a native of the Buckeye State, 
his birth occurring in Jefferson County November 15, 1800. His father, 
George Easterday, was a native of Maryland and of German descent, and 
moved with his family from Maryland to Jefferson County, Ohio, at an early 
period. His son, whose name heads this sketch, was reared in Jefferson County, 
where he was married and whence he moved to Holmes County in 1825, and 
was soon followed by his father. Both families soon moved to Chester Town- 
ship, Morrow County, Ohio, where, after a number of years, the parents died. 
Our subject's wife was Anna M. Sumraerlot, who bore her husband ten chil- 
dren, as follows : George W., William, Sylvester, Elizabeth and Catharine 
living, and John, Samuel, Joseph, Lucinda and one that died in infancy, de- 
ceased. In 1853, Mr. Easterday came to Noble County, Ind., and located on 
a farm. Mrs. Easterday died May 2, 1876, and her husband followed her to 
the tomb February 28, 1880. Mr. Easterday was a farmer and an upright 
and honest man. He was a Whig and later a Republican, and himself and 
wife were members of the Lutheran Church. They are gone, but their memory 
will grow brighter as time fades away. 



482 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

GEORGE W. EASTERDAY, was born in Holmes Co., Ohio, March 29, 
1827. He was reared on his father's farm and worked for them until twenty- 
two years old, when he received property valued at $100 and started out for 
himself. On the 28th of September, 1851, he married Nancy E. Smith, of 
Morrow County, Ohio, by whom he had eight children — Mary Anna (deceased), 
Dora S. P. (deceased), Otho D., William D., Edna E., Jeremiah M., Adar M. 
and Drury S. Otho D. married Flora Franks and lives in Green Township. 
In 1852, Mr. Easterday came to Noble County, locating on the farm where 
the Frankses now live. In 1862, he exchanged his farm there for his present 
one. He now owns 200 acres in Green Township and 100 in Jefferson and 
Albion Townships. He is a Republican and himself and wife are Lutherans. 
Mr. Easterday's sister Elizabeth is the wife of Samuel Decamp and lives in 
Jefferson Township. Catharine is the wife of Henry Kirkpatrick and lives in 
the same township. Sylvester married Mahala Frederick and lives in Albion. 

WILLIAM EASTERDAY was born in Holmes County, Ohio, in 1833. 
He remained at home until twenty-two years old, and then received $100 with 
which to begin life. He purchased eighty acres of his present farm, paying 
for the same his $100 and working to pay the remaining $400. Since then 
forty acres have been added, making a farm of 120 acres. On the 22d of 
November, 1860, he married Catharine Engle, and they have three children — 
Delila Alice, Wilbert Amos and Alma Barbara. Mrs. Easterday was born in 
Morrow County, Ohio, August 15, 1838. William Easterday is a highly re- 
spected citizen. The family of Easterdays are industrious, sober citizens. 

JACOB FAVINGER was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, September 
1, 1837. His parents were of German descent, and natives of the " Keystone 
State," the parents of twelve children, ten of whom are yet alive. Farming was 
the father's vocation through life. In 1850, he and family moved to Green 
Township, purchasing wild land. He was an industrious man, a Democrat, 
and a member of the Presbyterian Church. His death occurred January 24, 
1877 ; his widow survives him, and resides on the old homestead. Jacob Fav- 
inger was reared on his father's farm, and in youth received no education. 
While in the army he learned to read, write and cipher. When President 
Lincoln called for 300,000 men in August, 1861, he volunteered his services, 
and was assigned to Company E, Thirtieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He 
was discharged for disability at Evansville, Ind., in January, 1864. Mr. 
Favinger, at the battle of Shiloh, was twice wounded ; and while in the en- 
gagement at Chickamauga, was shot through the lungs by an ounce ball, which 
is still in his body. He was married in 1864, to Sarah E. Watt, daughter of 
one of the old settlers of Noble County. Their five sons are William, Abra- 
ham, John, Marion and George. After his marriage, Mr. Favinger purchased 
forty acres, and started in the woods. After clearing three acres, he sold it and 
purchased forty acres of his present farm, which now consists of eighty acres. 
He and his wife started out in married life with little, but now have a pleasant 
home and surroundings. In politics, Mr. Favinger is Independent, and is now 
serving his fourth term as Township Constable. 

JAMES GRAWCOCK is a native of Lincolnshire, England, born Jan- 
uary 21, 1833. (A sketch of his parents will be found in the biography of 
William Grawcock.) He was raised in Lincolnshire, receiving a common 
school education. April 21, 1853, he started from Liverpool for America, and 
after a voyage of four weeks arrived in New York, $13 in debt. He came to 
Toledo via Albany and Buffalo, and from there to Fort Wayne, Ind., then to 



GREEN TOWNSHIP. 483 

Swan Township, where he engaged in ditching. In 1854, he had $150 of his 
earnings which he paid on a farm of forty acres — a part of his present place. 
By hard labor he has cleared it of all indebtedness and has added eighty acres. 
Mr. Grawcock was married March 8, 1861, to Mariah C. Fulk, and to their 
union was born nine children — Solomon, William H., Emma J., Oliver P., 
Mary E., Margaret A. (deceased), John, Noah and Eliza E. After his mar- 
riage, Mr. Grawcock moved on his then unimproved place, but is now a well 
improved farm of 120 acres. He and wife are members of the Church of God ; 
are enterprising and respected people, and Mr. Grawcock is a Democrat. 

WILLIAM GRAWCOCK was born in Willoughby, Lincolnshire, En- 
gland, September 29, 1831, the eldest of four children born to Isaac and Ann 
(Cox) Grawcock. His mother died and his father married Elizabeth Tow, by 
whom he had eight children. This lady is yet living in England, but the 
father died in 1873. He was a farmer and moved to Billanghay, where the 
family still reside. William Grawcock, at the age of twenty, came to the 
United States, starting on the voyage to Quebec, Canada, in March, 1852, 
thence to Cleveland, Ohio, and soon afterward went to Richland County, Ohio. 
He then came to Swan Township. In 1853, he purchased 100 acres of his 
present farm, having but $5 to make the first payment. After this he worked 
some time on the railroad. In March, 1855, he and his brother James com- 
menced clearing together, "baching it." The farm has been increased until 
it consists of 200 acres. On the 8th of January, 1856, he married Miss Mar- 
tha, daughter of John and Anna (Wyatt) Bennett, of Allen County, Ind. 
This lady's people were early settlers in Eel River Township, while she enjoys 
the distinction of having been the first child born in the township, her birth 
occurring June 5, 1835. Their children number ten, as follows : James B., 
Isaac C, Rosanna (wife of George Fulk), Elizabeth A. (wife of Noah Whirledge), 
Jesse J. (deceased), George F. (deceased), Noah W. (deceased), Charles W., 
Oscar D. and Susan E. (deceased). James B. married Sarah Fulk, and lives 
in Churubusco. Mr. Grawcock is one of the most extensive and enterprising 
stock-raisers in Noble County. In 1880, his son Isaac went to England and 
purchased a noble draught horse, at great expense, which unfortunately died 
on the journey ; he also purchased a magnificent Clydesdale stallion. Mr. 
Grawcock has a fine herd of full-blooded short-horn cattle, in which he takes 
great pride. He is an excellent neighbor, and is a leading member of the 
Church of God, near his place. 

GEORGE HUNTSMAN was born in Morrow County, Ohio, October 
27, 1839. He is one of nine children born to Jeremiah and Mary (Painter) 
Huntsman, who were also natives of Ohio. Jeremiah Huntsman was a 
farmer and pursued that vocation through life. In 1864, he came to Noble 
County with his family, locating on the old Huntsman farm in Green Town- 
ship. He died in March, 1872. He was a Democrat and an enterprising 
citizen. His widow survives him and resides on the old place. George Hunts- 
man was reared in Morrow County, Ohio, receiving a common school educa- 
tion. He came to Green Township in 1864, and by frugality and labor has 
earned a fine home of 105 acres. He was married in May, 1861, to Susann 
Hostler. Their children were Flora, Amanda, VileU M., Ida C, E. M., 
Alice and William H. The four oldest are dead. Mr. Huntsman is a Demo- 
crat, and the family are honored and respected members of society. 

HIRAM LINDSEY is a native of Knox County, Ohio, where his birth 
occurred March 8, 1826. His parents were Jacob and Sarah (Craven) Lind- 

AAA 



484 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

sey, to whom were born five children, four yet living. The father was a fol- 
lower of the plow, and came from Pennsylvania, while the mother traced her 
nativity to New Jersey. In April, 1839, Mr. Lindsey and family appeared in 
Green Township, and settled on the farm now owned by his son Hiram. Mr. 
Lindsey died during the autumn of 1839. Mrs. Lindsey is yet living in Mor- 
row County, Ohio. After the death of the father, great hardships were 
endured. The eldest son was drowned, and Hiram was called upon to assume 
many duties which he successfully mastered. In the year 1866, Mr. Lindsey 
opened a store in Noblesville, where he sold goods until 1869, when he moved 
to the farm now owned by Mr. Conkling, and there continued his store four 
years, when he abandoned the occupation and went to farming again. In 1855, 
he was united in marriage with Barbara Lock, and by her had six children, as 
follows: John W., George W., Mary J., Jacob F., Nancy E. and Oscar W.; 
John W. and Nancy are dead. Mr. Lindsey is a Democrat and while at 
Noblesville he served as Postmaster. He owns 80 acres of nice land, and is a 
member of the I. 0. 0. F. He is an honorable man, and has the confidence 
and respect of all who know him. 

JESSE LOCK was born in Preble County, Ohio, April 7, 1847. He is 
a son of John and Elizabeth (Link) Lock, and one of ten children, four of 
whom are living, viz., Barbara, wife of Hiram Lindsey ; Lucina, wife of David 
Clouse, of Albion ; Elizabeth, who is also living in Albion ; and Jesse, the sub- 
ject of this sketch. The parents of these were married in Preble County, Ohio, 
and came to Noble County in 1849, locating in Green Township, on the farm 
now owned by Jesse Lock. They erected a little log cabin, and began clearing 
the land. Mr. Lock was a Democrat, and a member of the Baptist Church. 
He died June 12, 1855, and his widow April 2, 1874. Jesse Lock was raised 
a farmer. At the age of twenty-one, he commenced for himself, and in June, 
1872, married Miss Anna Moore. To them were born two children — Corella 
and Barbara J. The mother died May 6, 1875, and, January 7, 1877, he was 
united in marriage with his present wife, Mrs. Christina Miller, widow of 
Francis Miller, and daughter of Henry Wead. To them was born one son — 
Charles. By her first husband Mrs. Lock had two children — Jasper and 
George. After his first marriage, Mr. Lock continued farming, and now owns 
100 acres of good land. Himself and wife are members of the Christian 
Church. 

JOHN P. McWILLIAMS is one of the thrifty men of Green Township, 
born in Pennsylvania December 20, 1823; one of five children born to Oliver 
and Elizabeth (Renesten) McWilliams. His grandfather was John McWill- 
iams, a native of Ireland, who, after coming to America, settled in Pennsylva- 
nia, and where, in after years, he died. In 1829, Oliver McWilliams and 
family emigrated to Indiana. After residing thirteen years in Wayne County, 
he purchased eighty acres of the farm now owned by our subject, and here 
resided until November, 1858, when he died. His widow survived him until 
1864, when she died. On their arrival in Noble County, the country was one 
vast forest. Mr. McWilliams was a Democrat, and at one time filled the office 
of County Coroner, besides having filled various township offices. John P. 
McWilliams assisted in the improvement of the home farm, upon which he was 
raised. He was married in 1850 to Miss Josephine White, daughter of Ira B. 
and Sophia (Culver) White, who were pioneers of York Township. To their 
union there were born nine children — Isaac and Oliver R., deceased ; Alma E. 
(now wife of O. Frederick, of Jefferson Township), Frank W., William H., 



GREEN TOWNSHIP. 485 

John H. (deceased), Alta S., Walter P. and Charles A. Mrs. McWilliams 
was born in Union County, Ohio, March 25, 1833. In 1856, Mr. McWilliams 
was elected, by the Democratic party, to the office of County Recorder, and 
served four years, making his home in Albion. When he had served his term, 
he returned to his home in Green Township, where he still lives. Mr. Mc- 
Williams has also held the office of County Commissioner, and various town- 
ship offices, in all of which he has served with satisfaction to his constituents. 
He owns 175 acres of land well improved, and enjoys a comfortable and pros- 
perous home. 

WILLIAM McDANIEL was born in York District, South Carolina, June 
17, 1812. Soon after his birth, his parents moved to Wilkes Co., N. C, where 
he remained until 1832, when he went to Wayne County, Ind., living there two 
years, and one year in Whitley County, and on the 3d of January, 1835, com- 
ing to his present farm, which was then covered with heavy timber. On the 
14th of August, 1834, he married Parmelia Martin, and by her had eight chil- 
dren — Charles, Elizabeth, John, Jane, Robert, James, Thomas and George. 
Charles and Thomas are dead. Mrs. McDaniel was overcome by hardships, 
and died in 1855, and some time afterward Mr. McDaniel married Christina 
(Yates) Weirich, widow of Franklin Weirich, whose melancholy death is recorded 
in the chapter on Green Township. Mr. McDaniel's second wife has borne him 
two children — Almeda and Alvadore. The parents are members of the Chris- 
tian Church. They have a fine farm of two hundred acres. Mr. McDaniel is 
well known, universally respected, and one of Green's best citizens. 

SILAS MOORE' was born in Washington County, Penn., May 24, 1823. 
He is a son of Russell and Elizabeth (Scott) Moore, who were of Scotch 
descent, and the parents of four children. The father was three times married ; 
first to Mary Cool, who bore him one son ; second, to the mother of Silas 
Moore, and his last wife was Elizabeth Cunningham, who bore him three chil- 
dren. Mr. Moore was a farmer, and a member of the Presbyterian Church, 
having been a Ruling Elder in that denomination for forty years. He died in 
1880, aged eighty-four, on the farm where he was born, and where he had 
always lived. Our subject's time was passed on the home farm until he was 
twenty-one. He then commenced working at the carpenter's trade and wagon 
making. In 1856, he went to Jefferson County, Ohio, where he worked at his 
trade eight years. He started for Illinois in April, 1864, and on his way 
stopped in Noble County and purchased his present farm — ^eighty acres — near 
Green Center, where he farmed a few years. Since then he has erected a 
wagon shop and works at his trade, and also carries on undertaking. Through 
the influence of Mr. Moore, a post office was established at Green Center, in 
1870, and he was appointed Postmaster, a position he has since held. He was 
married, Mary 8, 1851, to Margaret Lester, of Pennsylvania, and to them were 
born four children — Leslie, Melissa (deceased), Mary E. and Nancy B. Mrs. 
Moore was born April 30, 1830, and she and Mr. Moore are members of the 
Presbyterian Church. Mr. Moore is a Republican. 

GEORGE OTT, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Preble County, 
Ohio, September 25, 1817 ; is one of six children born to John and Mary 
Magdalene (Lock) Ott. Their children were Abraham, George, Jacob, John 
and Jesse. All are now living in Indiana, except John. The father came 
from Virginia to Ohio in 1812, and lived and died there. The parents were 
of Germanic descent, and members of the Lutheran Church, the father being a 
Whig, and later a Republican. George Ott was reared on a farm, and, in 



486 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

1840, was married to Mary Brown, whose parents were from North Carolina. 
To Mr. and Mrs. Ott have been born ten children, as follows : Sarah E., 
Mary A, John F., Matilda, Ellen, Hetta, Louisa J., Daniel P., Olive and Mar- 
tha A., all living, except John F., who died in infancy. In 1842, Mr. Ott 
came to Green Township, where his father had purchased land. There were 
only about fourteen other families in the township at that time. No improve- 
ments had been made on Mr. Ott's quarter section. He erected a small log 
cabin, and planted some corn, and then returned to Ohio. The same year he 
came to Indiana, bringing his family. Here they have labored, and a fine 
farm of about seven hundred acres proves that their labor has not been in vain. 
This land, except 140 acres, has been given to their children. Mr. Ott and 
wife are members of the Christian Church. Mr. Ott, besides filling all the 
township offices, has been County Commissioner, serving his constituency with 
honesty and fidelity. Noble County cannot boast of a citizen of greater excel- 
lence or a man of truer nobility than George Ott. His heart and mind are 
filled with progressive ideas, which lead him to the commission of charitable 
deeds and to the performance of Christian duty. 

JESSE OTT was born in Preble County, Ohio, December 1, 1822, the 
youngest of five sons born to John and Mary Magdaline (Lock) Ott. Jesse 
Ott passed his youth in Preble County, receiving a common school education. 
When twenty-one years of age, he started for himself, and when about twenty- 
two, his father made him a present of 160 acres in Perry Township, Noble 
County, which he traded for the southwest quarter of Section 29 in Green 
Township, it at that time being a body of woods ; the only evidence that there 
were ever whites on it was occasionally a tree cut down by some hunter for 
honey or coons. Mr. Ott was married October 19, 1848, to Docia Brown. 
To them were born eight children — Cornelius, Amanda, John, George, Fred- 
erick, Abraham, Eli and Alpha. Mr. and Mrs. Ott are hard-working, thrifty 
people. They now have 320 acres of land, and are members of the Christian 
Church. Mr. Ott is a Republican, and is an enterprising and intelligent 
citizen. 

WILLIAM RAY (deceased) was born in Ohio County, Va., October 31, 
1822. He was the second child of ten born to Thomas and Martha (Gibson) 
Ray. His father was a native of the Emerald Isle, and came to the United 
States when five years of age. William Ray was reared on a farm, receiving 
but a common-school education. In about 1828, he came to Guernsey County, 
Ohio, with his parents, and later was active in the development of that county. 
April 3, 1845, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Jane Carr, her peo- 
ple also coming from Ireland and settling in Guernsey County, Ohio. Miss 
Carr was born November 10, 1828, and to their union were born four children 
— Thomas (deceased), Martha, Edward P. and David W. Martha is the wife of 
J. R. Cole, of York Township. Edward married Martha Black, of Jefferson 
Township. David married Sarah Bailey, of Allen Township, and resides on 
the old place. Mr. and Mrs. Ray lived in Guernsey County, Ohio, until 1864, 
then he moved to Noble County, where he resided until his death, which occurred 
January 27, 1877. Mr. Ray was an honored and respected citizen. His po- 
litical faith was with the Democratic party, and at the time of his death he was 
a Deacon in the Baptist Church. Mr. Ray was a first cousin to the celebrated 
author of Ray's Arithmetic. David Ray, the son who resides on the old place 
— 120 acres — is a teacher of considerable experience, and an intelligent and 
enterprising citizen. 



GREEN TOWNSHIP. 487 

HON. H. C. STANLEY is a representative citizen, and a sturdy, sub- 
stantial farmer. The family of which he is a member traces its origin back to 
"Bonnie Scotland," whence, many years before the Revolutionary war, 
members of the family came across the waters to seek their fortunes in the New 
World. They became followers of Roger Williams, but some generations later 
renounced the religion of their fathers, and altered their belief to suit their 
consciences. The father of H. C. Stanley, an honest, industrious man, and a 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, was a native of North Carolina, 
and moved to Ohio when about twenty years old, where he married Miss Mary 
Cuppy, a native of Kentucky. In 1821, they moved to Union County, Ind. 
They had a family of eleven children, five of whom are living. The mother 
died in 1849, and the father subsequently moved to Richmond, Ind., where he 
died in 1867. The representative of this sketch was born in Clermont County, 
Ohio, January 22, 1818. His education, limited to the advantages of the com- 
mon school, was obtained in Union County, Ind., where he was inured to farm 
labor. In 1839, he was united in marriage with Miss Hannah L. Hunt, who 
died in 1841, leaving an infant son, Aaron, now married and a farmer of this 
county. In 1847, Mr. Stanley married for his second wife, Miss Sophronia 
Beeson, a native of Indiana. By this lady he became the father of nine chil- 
dren — J. Frank, Mary II., Milton D., Henry L., R. Allie, Perry A. (deceased), 
Cyrus H., Charles M. and Emma (deceased). In 1849, he came to Green Town- 
ship, and settled on his present farm, which was then covered with heavy forest 
trees, and without improvement, excepting a cabin of the rudest kind, which 
had probably been put up by some squatter or trapper. The family took pos- 
session of this, and began to carve for themselves a home. In this, after years 
of hardship and unceasing toil, they realized their hopes and bright anticipa- 
tions. Truly, the wilderness has been made to "blossom as the rose." The 
log cabin gave way to a fine residence with pleasant surroundings. To the orig- 
inal 160 acres additions have been made until the farm comprises over 500 
acres, the most of which has been brought under subjection. The fine fields 
and broad pastures attest the high state of cultivation. The commodious 
barns, granaries, etc., give evidence of the substantial character of the improve- 
ments. All this stands as a monument to the years of labor and judicious 
management of its owner. But Mr. Stanley's fame is not confined to the ac- 
cumulation of wealth ; his influence has been felt in the direction of public af- 
fairs. He has filled the office of Trustee, in 1853 was elected County Commis- 
sioner, and in 1858 was elected to the Lower House of the State Legislature as 
a Democrat, where he served with such fidelity that he was afterward twice re- 
elected. He is a clear, correct and practical thinker, and is a credit to the 
county where he has lived and labored so long. 

OLIVER STRONG was born in Knox County, Ohio, February 20, 1826. 
He is a son of Philander A. and Ruth (Leech) Strong, who were parents of two 
children. When about two years old, his father died, and his mother married 
Samuel Gray. She had by him thirteen children. From Knox County they 
moved to Madison County, Ohio, and remained until the fall of 1835, when 
they moved to Green Township. Here he commenced clearing and improving 
a place entered from the Government. For a number of years, in order to suc- 
cessfully carry on farming and stock-raising, he was obliged to house the stock 
to keep them from the wild beasts. Oliver Strong was reared on the farm, 
receiving the common education of those days. He was married. June 29, 
1846, to Miss Eva Fulk. of Swan Township, her parents being among the oldest 



488 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

settlers of that locality. They have had eight children — Melissa, born March 
13, 1847, now Mrs. Gilbert McDague ; Thomas J., born March 11, 1848, died 
November 10, 1850; Philander A., born August 15, 1849, died November 21, 
1850; George W., born August 3 9, 1850; Henry C, January 23, 1852, 
married Magdalene Treese ; Franklin P., born May 3, 1853; James W., May 
12, 1854, died July 21, 1854; and John C., born October 26, 1856. Mr. Strong 
is a Democrat ; has held several Township offices, and has been a successful 
school teacher. 

JOHN H. WARD was born in Knox County, Ohio, April 5, 1837. He 
is one of thirteen children, five only known to be living, born to James 
and Mary Ward. The father of these was a native of Maryland and the 
mother of Pennsylvania. Mr. Ward was a farmer, and a good man in every 
respect. He died in 1842, and his widow in 1870. Mrs. Ward was twice 
married ; her second husband, who has since died, was Stephen A. Woodruff. 
Up to the age of eleven years, John H. Ward lived with his mother ; he then 
apprenticed himself for three years, at shoe-making. Subsequently moved to 
Fredericktown, and worked at his trade until he came to Albion, in 1856, 
where he worked for his old Frederick town preceptor until his death. In 1863, 
he purchased a part of his present farm, which now numbers 160 acres. They 
moved on the place soon after, and began a life of hard labor, which has been 
crowned with success, having increased the 160 acres to 240 acres. Mr. Ward 
has given liberally to the support of all laudable enterprises. He is Democratic, 
also an active worker against intemperance. He and wife are members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, and are highly esteemed people. Mr. Ward's 
wife was Comfort Edwards, daughter of Alexis Edwards, to whom he was mar- 
ried January 19, 1859. They have had eight children — Marion, Anna, Hattie 
and Homer E., living; and Alsie A., Mary, Charlie and one unnamed, de- 
ceased. 

C. J. WEEKS was born in Shelby County, Ohio, in 1826. Thomas 
Weeks, his father, is yet living on the Weeks family homestead, in Green 
Township. His mother, Eliza (Henderson) Weeks, died November 18, 1878, 
beloved by a large circle of friends. Thomas Weeks, in 1829, left the Buckeye 
State and emigrated to Allen County, Ind., on the Maumee River, near Fort 
Wayne. The State of Indiana, at that time, was but a partially settled country. 
Mr. Weeks and family resided in Wayne County until their removal to Noble 
County, in 1844, since when they have been identified with that county's his- 
tory. C. J. Weeks was reared in Indiana principally, his education chiefly 
consisting of hard labor. During his earlier manhood, he worked at the carpen- 
ter's trade, but has since confined his attention to farming. He was married, 
January 15, 1854, to Miss Alma White, and to them were born five children, 
viz. : Josephine (deceased), Eunice, Thomas, Dillie and Perry. He now owns 
the old farm, which consists of eighty acres of good land. He is a Democrat, 
and an honest, upright citizen. His grandfather was a soldier in the war of 
1812, and was taken prisoner at Detroit, the time of Hull's surrender. The 
Weeks family is descended from Irish and English ancestors. 

HENR*Y WINEBRENNER is the only child of Jacob and Catharine 
(Alabaugh) Winebrenner; he was born in Blair County, Penn., July 4, 1817. 
When but eight days old his mother died, and he went to live with his grand- 
parents. His father was a shoemaker, and shortly after his wife's death 
moved to Liberty, Montgomery Co., Ohio. He here married Elizabeth 
Shively in 1827, who bore him five children. Mr. Winebrenner also kept 



GREEN TOWNSHIP. 489 

tavern, and being a veteran of the war of 1812 and of a military turn of mind, 
raised a company of militia and was chosen First Lieutenant. Soon after his 
father's second marriage, Henry Winebrenner went to live with them ; and at 
age of fourteen was apprenticed to the tailor's trade. After serving four 
years, he commenced business for himself. In May, 1837, he married Lucy 
Edsall of Darke County, Ohio, and in 1850 came to Noble County and 
located on his present farm of 80 acres, which was devoid of clearing, and its 
present improved condition was accomplished by hard manual labor. They are 
the parents of nine children — Lewis, James, John, William, Norris, Howard, 
Oscar, Juliann and Elizabeth. Of these John and Elizabeth are dead. John 
enlisted in the Forty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served his coun- 
try faithfully. At the battle of Petersburg he was wounded, taken prisoner 
and never heard of afterward. James served in Company C, Eighty-eighth 
Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry. While out foraging, he was taken 
prisoner by the rebel Gen. Morgan. Being pressed by pursuers, Gen. Mor- 
gan paroled his prisoners, and they were sent back until exchanged. Mr. 
Winebrenner is an industrious, enterprising man, and a Republican. He and 
wife are members of the Christian Church, and are esteemed citizens. 



SWAN TOWNSHIP. 

THOMAS A. ANDERSON was born in Beaver County, Penn., April 
15, 1813 ; the son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Patton) Anderson, and grandson 
of William Anderson, who came from Ireland previous to the Revolutionary 
war, and settled in Beaver County, Penn. While living here, they were 
attacked by the Indians. Mr. Anderson was severely wounded, some of the 
family killed and others taken captive. Our subject's parents were married in 
the Keystone State, and always made their home in Beaver County, where they 
raised three sons and eight daughters. Thomas A. Anderson was raised upon 
his father's farm, and married Miss Jane Cooley, June 1, 1839. From this 
union there were eight children, viz. : Thomas, Jane, Mary J., Sarah A., Rob- 
ert, Elizabeth, William, and one that died in infancy. William and Robert 
were soldiers in the late war ; William died while in the service. Mr. Ander- 
son, in 1854, came to this county and purchased his present farm. His wife 
died in 1859. He was married to Miss Annie McCoy in 1868. She was born 
in Beaver County, Penn., October 25, 1828. Mr. Anderson began life as a 
poor boy ; he now owns 295 acres of land well improved. He is a Republican, 
and a member of the Presbyterian Church. 

CONRAD BRICKER, a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, born 
December 12, 1807, is the son of Henry and Eve (Worman) Bricker, both 
natives of Maryland. Soon after their marriage, the parents moved to Little 
Beaver, Penn., where, the fall and winter of 1804, Mr. Bricker worked at his 
trade of blacksmithing. In the spring of 1805, he removed to Columbiana 
County, Ohio, where he raised a family of eight children, and where he and 
wife passed the remainder of their days. Conrad Bricker was brought up on 
a farm, receiving a limited education. He married Miss Susanna Hawn March 
22, 1829. She was born in Frederick County, Md., November 23, 1808. 
They had twelve children — Jeremiah, Jehu, Conrad, Rebecca, Catharine, Cor- 
delia, David, Samuel and Henry B., living ; Jonathan, Elizabeth and Lydia, 



490 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

deceased. Mr. Bricker remained in his native county engaged in farming until 
1843, when he came to this county, where he has since resided. He owns 161 
acres of land nicely improved. He is a stanch Republican, and himself and 
wife are members of the M. E. Church, and are progressive, intelligent people. 
SAMUEL BROUGHTON, son of Amos and Nancy (Zimmerman) 
Broughton, natives of Massachusetts and New York respectively, was born in 
Jefferson County, N. Y., August 4, 1819. His parents, in 1834, moved to 
Clark County, Ohio, thence to Champaign County, where the father died in 
1838, at which time three of his ten children were married. Under the lead of 
Samuel, the oldest son at home, the family departed for this township, arriving 
in the fall of 1838. They had but little money and no food, but all went to 
work, receiving provisions of any kind as pay, and weathered through the win- 
ter. In 1839, Samuel returned to Ohio, and November 7 married Miss Almira 
Cummings, born in Logan County, Ohio, February 28, 1820. Returning with 
his wife, he engaged for some years in brick-making, and assisted, also, in the 
construction of the Lima Plank Road, and the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chi- 
cago Railroad through Western Ohio, and the Grand Rapids & Indiana Rail- 
road through Noble County. He afterward engaged in mercantile pursuits at 
Swan, but has latterly devoted himself to farming, stock-raising, and saw-mill- 
ing. His farm consists of 120 acres of good land adjoining the village. He 
and two sons served during the late war, and the latter were in several fierce 
engagements. Mr. B. is a Republican, and has held several offices. His Chris- 
tian mother died February 27, 1876. His children numbered seven — Delmer, 
Bela, Lucy A., Lois 0., Samuel and Oliver P. M., living, and William, de- 
ceased. 

MATTHEW CLARK is a native of Orleans County, N. Y., born April 
3, 1827. His father, Jonathan Clark, was a native of the Bay State? and his 
mother, whose maiden name was Eliza Stevens, was a native of Vermont. 
They were married in New York State, and located on a farm in Orleans Coun- 
ty, where they spent their entire lives, and reared a family of eight children. 
The father died October 2, 1866. and was followed by his wife June 24, 1875. 
In early life, Mr. Clark was a common seaman, visited a number of foreign 
countries, and became a man of extended information. During the war of 
1812, his vessel was for a long time blockaded at the port of Valparaiso, South 
America. Matthew Clark was reared on a farm, and was married in his native 
State, March 29, 1846, to Miss Mary A. Shaw, who was born July 5, 1824, 
in Windsor County, Vt. In 1848, Mr. Clark and wife moved upon 100 acres 
of land in Swan Township. They were industrious, and in a few years found 
themselves surrounded with life's comforts. Five children have been born to 
them, viz.: Harvey E., Charley A. and Nellie E., living ; Ellen A. and an in- 
fant son, deceased. Mr. Clark owns 188 acres of nicely-improved land, is a 
Republican, and a self-made man. 

ROBERT S. COOLEY is a native of Beaver County, Penn., born De 
cember 12, 1822, one often children born to Robert and Jane (Smith) Cooley, 
who were natives of the Keystone State. The father was a farmer and black- 
smith ; both were industrious, and passed almost their entire married life in 
Beaver County. Our subject was raised upon a farm, receiving the usual edu- 
cation of that early day. He married Miss Martha J. Moore February 10, 
1848. She was born in Washington County, Penn., August 10, 1824. Of 
the children from this union three are living, viz., Elizabeth E., Frank and 
Calvin. Those deceased are Russell M., William P., James L. and Martha J. 



SWAN TOWNSHIP. 491 

Mr. Cooley remained in his native county until 1852, when he moved to Jef- 
ferson County, Ohio, and in 1864 came to his present location and engaged in 
farming and stock-raising. He owns 220 acres of good land, upon which he 
has comfortable buildings. All this he has accumulated by hard work and 
strict economy. He liberally contributes to all worthy enterprises. From an 
Old-Line Whig and anti-slavery man he became a Republican. The family 
are members of the Presbyterian Church, and have the respect of all who know 
them. 

EPHRAIM CRAMER is a native of Jefferson County, N. Y., born 
March 18, 1822, one of five children born to Conrad and Elizabeth (Rickard) 
Cramer ; both natives of the Empire State, where they were married, and 
resided until 1834, when they came to Swan Township. Here the mother died 
in 1835 and the father in 1878. Ephraim Cramer was brought up to hard 
work, receiving but a limited education. Soon after reaching his majority, he 
began for himself as a farmer and shoemaker, which he followed until about 
1851. He then for three years engaged in saw-milling, after which he embarked 
in mercantile business at Swan, where for most part he has since resided. In 
1846, he married Miss Cordelia A. Broughton, who was born in Jefferson 
County, N. Y., in 1824. Their children were Miles E., Mary A., Arthur and 
Edwin, living : Eugene, Merritt, William and Ida, deceased. Mr. Cramer 
is a Republican, and has been village Postmaster for over twenty-five years, 
besides filling other positions. He has carved his own fortune and bears an 
honored reputation. 

NATHAN B. CROTHERS was born in Ontario County, N. Y., De- 
cember 15, 1821, the son of William B. and Melinda (Barton) Crothers, the 
former being a New Yorker and the latter a native of the Bay State. They 
were married in New York, and removed from there to Geauga County, Ohio, 
in 1830, where they raised a family of seven children, and where the father 
died in 1846 and the mother in 1851. Nathan B. was brought up on a farm 
and to hard work. When about twenty years of age he began working by the 
month as a farm-hand in the neighborhood. In 1845, he came to this county, 
and purchased eighty acres of land in Green Township, upon which he lived 
six years, and then bought his present place in Swan Township, where he has 
since resided. He was married January 7, 1847, to Miss Rebecca Strous, 
born in Allegheny County, Penn., October 27, 1825. Six children have been 
born to them, viz.: Melinda A., Mary E., Edwin E., Rebecca A. and Frank, 
living ; Charles A., deceased. Mr. Crothers began life as a poor boy, and is 
a self-made man. He owns 174 acres of land, which is well improved. He 
is a Republican, and a member of the Lutheran Church. 

JOHN DRAKE was born in Northumberland County, Penn., December 
17, 1815. At the age of eight years, he was left an orphan. When about 
seventeen years of age, he began working at the carpenter trade in his native 
county. Soon after reaching his majority, he went to Erie County, Penn., 
where he worked at his trade until he came to this county in 1844. He built 
one of the first saw-mills in Swan Township, and worked at milling and his 
trade until the close of the late war, since which time he has been engaged in 
farming, stock-raising and lumbering. He was united in marriage to Miss 
Maryetta Bauce in 1839, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1813. Five chil- 
dren have been born to them, viz.: Rollin W., Susan A., Mary A., Newton 0. 
and Frank. Rollin W. served his country during the late war. He was taken 
prisoner, and was in Andersonville some five months. Mr. Drake owns 220 



492 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

acres of land, well improved. He is a self-made and self-educated man ; was a 
Whig, and is now a Republican, and has been an active antagonist of the great 
social evil — intemperance. 

REV. F. X. EGE is a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, born January 
6, 1849, and son of Francis X. and Mary A. (Steinhouser) Ege, who were the 
parents of six children, and natives of Wurtemberg. The father was in the 
service of the Government as forester. His son, the subject of this sketch, was 
sent to school at the age of six years, continuing in the parish until fourteen, 
when for three years he attended a higher school, and then went to Austria, 
where he took a three years' course at the Gymnasium at Feldkirch. In 1869, 
he came to the United States, proceeding to Milwaukee, Wis., where for seven 
years he attended the Seminary of St. Francis. June 10, *1876, he was or- 
dained a minister of the Catholic Church, by Bishop Dwenger, at Fort Wayne, 
and was given charge of St. Anthony's Church at Earl Park, Benton County, 
Ind. In 1878, he came to Swan Township, and took charge of the Immac- 
ulate Conception Church, B. M. V., and also assumed the ministration of the 
Sacred Heart Church (Catholic) at Albion. Mr. Ege is a man of fine mental 
and moral attainments, and under his ministration the church has increased in 
numbers and wealth. His admirable qualities of mind and heart render him of 
incalculable usefulness to the Catholic Church and an ornament to society. 

GEORGE FULK was born in Licking County, Ohio, in 1815, the son of 
Adam and Mary M. (Dispeny) Fulk, both of whom were natives of the Shenan- 
doah Valley, Virginia. In 1806, they moved to Licking County, Ohio, and, in 
1836, came to this county and settled in Swan Township, entering 2,320 acres 
of land. In the family were five sons and six daughters, and to each of them 
he gave a quarter-section. Mr. Fulk brought considerable money to the coun- 
try with him, and his poorer neighbors found in him a never-failing friend. He 
was a man of great physical power, correct habits, and lived to be nearly one 
hundred and five years of age, and was buried on the home farm. George Fulk 
was reared on a farm, receiving a limited education. He always remained at 
home, and has cared for his aged parents ; and he is spoken of as an industrious 
and honest gentleman. He lives with his sister upon the old homestead, which 
consists of 295 acres of well-improved land. He has always been a Democrat, 
though not active in political matters. 

JOHN C. GAUS was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, December 20, 1815, 
the son of John G. and Annie M. (Staudenmier) Gaus, both natives of Wurtem- 
berg. The father was a weaver and died when John C. was about twenty years 
of age. The latter, in 1839, came with the family to the United States ; some 
found employment in New York City, the others came to Massillon, Ohio. In 
1843, John C. came West and purchased land in Swan Township, where he lo- 
cated permanently in 1845. He was married in Massillon, Ohio, August 22, 
1843, to Miss Anna M. Barth, born in Germany December 16, 1816. They 
had ten children, five of whom are living, viz., John G., John C, Anna M., 
Catharine and Phillip M. ; five sons died in infancy. In 1849, Mr. Gaus took 
a contract to build two and a quarter miles of the Lima Plank road. He also 
had a contract on the Eel River Railroad, but the company broke up and Mr. 
Gaus lost about $1,500. He helped to build the P., Ft. W. & C. R. R. through 
a portion of Ohio, and, in 1856, took a contract to build twenty-five miles of 
fence on the Lake Shore road. He is a thorough business man, and has been 
reasonably successful. He owns 220 acres of land which is nicely improved 
and well stocked, and is a Democrat. 



SWAN TOWNSHIP. 493 

JOHN S. HOOPER was born in Allegheny County, Penn., November 30, 
1835, the son of William and Susan (Springer) Hooper, who were natives of the 
Keystone State. They raised five sons and one daughter, and removed to their 
present location in 1857, where they have since lived. Mr. Hooper is a quiet, 
unassuming man, never aspiring to any political prominence, but devoting his 
entire time to the improvement of his farm and the development of his neighbor- 
hood morally, intellectually, and otherwise. John S. Hooper was raised upon a 
farm, receiving a common-school education. He was married to Miss Jane 
King April 19, 1866. This lady is the daughter of Hiram King, Esq., one of 
the first settlers of Swan Township, and was born in Portage County, Ohio, 
October 17, 1833. Mr. Hooper owns 275 acres of good land in Swan Town- 
ship. He is a successful farmer and stock-grower, and has some of the best 
cattle, sheep and hogs in the township. He is a stanch Republican, a member 
of the Presbyterian Church, and an intelligent, reading man. 

IRA M. KING was born September 18, 1828, in Portage County, Ohio, 
one of six children born to Hiram and Catherine (Low) King, natives of the 
Empire State, where they were married, and from where, in 1820, they moved 
to Painesville, Ohio, and from there in about six years to Portage County, and 
thence to Carroll County. In 1836, Mr. King came to Swan Township, en- 
tered about a section of land, erected a log cabin, made a small clearing, and 
the next year brought out his family in a buggy, and household goods in wag- 
ons. This is said to have been the first buggy in the township. He also 
brought considerable money and a stock of goods, selling the latter on his 
borne place. He was a strong anti-slavery man, and a member of the Old 
School Presbyterian Church. He died April 16, 1866. His wife survives him 
at an advanced age. Ira M. King was educated in the schools of the early day. 
January 2, 1854, he married Miss Jane Perry, daughter of Oliver L. Perry, 
and was born in the Empire State May 8, 1834. Their children are Imogene, 
Oliver P. and John E. Mrs. King died July 24, 1860. On the 14th of Feb- 
ruary, 1861, Mr. King was married to Miss Catharine Haynes, born October 2, 
1834, in Pennsylvania. They had seven children — Arthur L., Milton E., 
Frank E., Lily C., Elton J., Alfred H. and Lloyd E. Mr. King owns a farm 
of 225 acres, raises good stock and is successful in his calling. He is a Repub- 
lican. 

JAMES H. KNISS was born August 13, 1839, in Shelby Coun- 
ty, Ohio, and was the only child of Samuel and Nancy (Hathaway) Kniss. 
When James H. was about one year of age, his mother died, and he lived for 
some time with her people. In about 1850, Samuel Kniss, with his son, came 
to Allen County, Ind. Here the latter was raised upon a farm, receiving a 
common-school education. In April of 1861, he enlisted for one year in Com- 
pany F, Twelfth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and after serving his time was 
discharged. In the fall of 1862, he again enlisted in Company E, Eighty- 
eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war. He 
saw much active service, and well and faithfully served his country for about 
five years. He married Miss Sophia Snyder February 21, 1867. She was 
born in Allen County, Ind., September 13, 1851. Six children were born to 
them — Alnora, Alberta, Samuel 0., Dessa M., and two that died in infancy. 
Mr. Kniss engaged in agricultural pursuits in Allen County, where he remained 
until 1876, when he came to La Otto, which has since been his home. He 
was elected Justice of the Peace soon after coming to La Otto, and has made 
an efficient and popular official. He is a Democrat, and a member of the Lu- 



494 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

theran Church ; owns 100 acres of land in Swan Township and nicely-im- 
proved home property in La Otto, and is one of the leading men of the town- 
ship. 

ARCHIBALD MILLER, born July 24, 1824, in County Derry, Ire- 
land, is a son of John and Elizabeth (Scott) Miller, natives of the Emerald 
Isle, where they were married, and where were born to them four sons and five 
daughters. They were members of the Presbyterian Church. The father died 
in 1836, and eight years later the widow, with seven of the children, came to 
this country, and after living about a year in Allegheny County, Penn., moved 
to Beaver County. Here the mother died in 1866, and here a number of her 
descendants yet live. Archibald assisted in the care of the family until he was 
about twenty-two years of age, when he went to Pittsburgh, and was employed 
in a commission house. He was then overseer of Lock No. 1 on the Mononga- 
hela River two years, and then ran a saw-mill until 1856, when he went by way 
of the Isthmus to California, and was engaged in mining until 1862, returning 
to Pittsburgh, where for two years he ran a saw-mill. In 1864, he came to this 
county and purchased his present farm ; he owns 145 acres. Mr. Miller mar- 
ried his first wife, Miss Margaret Hains, in 1851 ; she died in 1855, leaving 
two children — Mary and John. In 1862, he married Miss Matilda Mateere. 
She was born in Beaver County, Penn., March 20, 1842 ; they had seven chil- 
dren, viz.: Stephen T., John M., James S., Robert C, Joseph, Sarah E. and 
Anna M. Mr. Miller is a Democrat, and a member of the Presbyterian 
Church. 

JOHN MILLER was born in Bavaria, Germany, May 14, 1827, the only 
child of John and Gertrude Miller. When about four years of age his father 
died, and his mother married George Gutermuth. In 1837, they emigrated to 
the United States, and located at Canal Fulton, Ohio, where they remained 
about nine years, then moved to Adams County, Ind., young Miller accompa- 
nying them. In 1847, he came to Noble County, and for one year worked at 
any honest employment he could find ; subsequently worked at the carpenter's 
trade. In 1851, he went to Columbiana County, Ohio, and from there to Ma- 
honing County, where he worked at cabinet making. In 1852, he returned to 
Indiana, and for two years worked at his trade in De Kalb County. He then 
purchased ten acres of land in Swan Township, where he followed cabinet- 
making until 1872, when he came to La Otto, and erected a bedstead factory, 
saw and planing-mill, which he has since successfully operated. Mr. Miller 
married Miss Mary, daughter of Jonathan Simon, Esq., October 5, 1854. She 
was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, October 10, 1837. They have had nine 
children, viz. : Rebecca J., Rachel G., Mary E., John W. and Arvilla I., 
living ; Josiah, George, David and Louisa, deceased. Mr. Miller is a self- 
made man, a Republican, and an earnest advocate of the temperance cause. 

REV. JOSEPH P. MOORE, born August 5, 1820, in Washington 
County, Penn., is the son of Russell and Elizabeth (Scott) Moore, both natives 
of the Keystone State. The father was a farmer, and was born upon the place 
he afterward owned, and where he resided during his entire lifetime. He 
died in 1880, at an advanced age. His wife died in 1837. Joseph P. assisted 
upon the farm until seventeen years of age, when he entered Jefferson College, 
of Cannonsburgh, Penn., and graduated in 1843. He taught in various places 
until 1850, when he accepted the principalship of the Collegiate Institute of 
Pittsburgh, remaining at the head of this institution until his health failed. 
He moved to this county in 1865, and purchased ninety-five acres of land in 






SWAN TOWNSHIP. 



495 



Swan Township, upon which he has since resided. He married Miss Mary 
Bigger March 28, 1844. She was born in Beaver County, Penn., May 14, 
1823. They had six children, viz. : Mary E., Martha J., Melissa B., Joseph 
H., William C. and Annie L. Mrs. Moore died November 28, 1872. She 
was a faithful wife, a kind mother, and a consistant Christian. Mr. Moore was 
ordained a minister of the Presbyterian Church in 1860, and since coming to 
Indiana, has had charge of congregations at Albion, A villa and other points. 
Probably the leading characteristic of Mr. Moore as an educator, was his skill 
in directing young minds, and he was particularly successful in influencing the 

wayward. . 

OLIVER L. PERRY, deceased, was born m the "Empire State, where 
he married Miss Mary Frances, a native of Litchfield County, Conn. In 
1836, they came with ox-teams through Canada to Steuben County, Ind., 
where, finding the tract of land he wanted already taken, he left his family, 
went to Fort Wayne, and entered 160 acres in Section 36, this township, to 
which he moved his family in 1836. Mr. Perry helped to organize Swan 
Township, and was one of its first officers, and also served as County Commis- 
sioner, and during his entire official career acquitted himself with credit. They 
had the following children— Isabel J., Jane, George, Irene, Caroline, Mary P., 
Annis L. and Jay F. Mr. Perry died in 1860, and his wife December 17, 
1876. Mrs. Perry was a zealous Christian. George Perry was born in Swan 
Township, March 21, 1839, and raised on the farm with a common education. 
He married Miss Rose Nickey May 2, 1869. She was born in Ross County, 
Ohio, October 20, 1836. He and wife are earnest advocates of the temper- 
ance 'cause and other reforms. Jay F. Perry was born in Swan Township 
March 23, 1852, and has always remained on the old homestead. He was 
married to Miss Ella R. Rundles June 29, 1875. She was born in Allen 
County, Ind., October 30, 1848. They have had three children— Thadeus R. 
and Oliver Z., living; Jay F., deceased. Mr. Perry owns 215 acres of land. 
Is a Republican and an enterprising gentleman. 

RUSSELL A. PRESTON, born in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., Janu- 
ary 5, 1821, one of thirteen children born to Lucius and Elizabeth (Wiley) 
Preston, both natives of the Empire State. In 1834, they removed to Medina 
County, Ohio, where they remained until 1845, when they came to Swan Town- 
ship, this county. The father was an intelligent, public-spririted man, and 
during his lifetime filled many positions of honor and trust. Russell A. was 
brought up on a farm, receiving a common-school education. Soon after com- 
ing to this county, he began working at iron making, which he followed fifteen 
years, also engaging in farming and stock raising. He was married to Miss 
Abigail Bishop April 8, 1841. She was born in Washington County, N. Y., 
July 16, 1824. They had seven children, three yet living viz. : Leonard Z., 
Russell E. and John W.; Mary L., Jane E., Alveretta B. and Joseph L., 
deceased. Leonard Z. and Russell E. served in the late war. Mr. Preston is 
a Republican, and an intelligent citizen. He owns 106 acres of land, and what 
he now possesses Was acquired by his own exertions. 

JOHN B. RENKENBERGER was born March 1, 1831, in Mahoning 
County, Ohio, one of ten children born to Christopher and Barbara (Schnaren- 
berger) Renkenberger, who were natives of Wurtemberg, Germany. They 
were married in Columbiana County, Ohio, and have passed their entire mar- 
ried life in the same neighborhood upon a farm. They are yet living, as are 
their ten children. The father is a farmer and carpenter, and he and wife are 



496 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Christians. John B., when fourteen years of age, was apprenticed to the har- 
ness and saddle maker's trade, which he followed about six years. He wag 
married to Miss Lydia Renkenberger April 1, 1848, born in Columbiana 
County, Ohio, January 1, 1830. In 1852, they came to their present place in 
Swan Township, which at the time consisted of eighty acres of unimproved land. 
They now own two hundred and fifteen acres, well improved. They have had 
born to them eight children, seven of whom are now living, viz.: Horace 0., 
Thomas C, Hiram A., TryphenaM., Ida B., Free D. and Nettie; the deceased 
was James D. Mr. Renkenberger is a Democrat, and has held the offices of 
Township Trustee and Assessor, and other positions. 

ANDREW RICHARDS' father, Joseph Richards, was born in Balti- 
more County, Md., March 23, 1812. His parents, Andrew and Rebecca 
(Merriman) Richards, moved from Maryland to Licking County, Ohio, in 1824 y 
where they died. Joseph Richards was married, December 18, 1834, to Miss 
Catharine Fulk, born in Virginia in 1811. In 1836, Mr. Richards, in com- 
pany with Adam Fulk and family, came to this township, where he entered 
land and lived until 1873, when he moved to Churubusco, Whitley County, 
and engaged in mercantile trade. In his family were seven children, viz. : 
Andrew, George, Charles, Sarah E., Mary J. and two that died in infancy. 
Andrew Richards was born upon the old homestead, in Swan Township, in 
1837. He was reared a farmer. After reaching his majority, he began taking 
contracts to clear land and working at any available employment. By industry 
and economy, he was enabled, in a few years, to purchase a piece of land, which 
he lost after partly improving. He then bought another tract in Allen County, 
which he improved and lived upon until he purchased his present place, about 
eight years ago. He was married to Miss Sarah Crow April 12, 1861. She 
was born in Whitley County, Ind., in 1844. They had three children, viz.: 
Eliza E., Charles and James. Mr. Richards is a Democrat and owns 160 
acres of improved land, plentifully stocked. 

JONATHAN SIMON was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, August 
6, 1811, the son of George and Elizabeth (Hewitt) Simon, both natives of 
Washington County, Penn., where they were married and resided until 1810, 
when they moved to Columbiana County, Ohio. Here, until the time of their 
demise, they lived and reared eleven children. The father was a soldier of the 
war of 1812, and was noted for his sterling integrity and goodness of heart. 
Jonathan Simon was brought up on a farm and to hard labor. He received 
but a limited education. He married Miss Rachel Yarian March 1, 1836, 
She was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, December 16, 1818. In 1837 y 
they came to Indiana and entered the land they now own in Butler Township, 
De Kalb County, and where they are now situated to enjoy the fruits of their 
labor. Mr. Simon has worked at carpentering at intervals, though principally 
his time has been devoted to farm work. He owns 160 acres of land in De 
Kalb County, besides valuable property in Noble County. He helped lay out 
the village of La Otto, and has contributed largely toward building up the 
churches, schools and moral status of the community in which he lives. In 
his family were ten children — David, Benjamin, Jacob, Jonas, Joseph, Polly, 
Mary A., Olive, Alice M. and Catharine. Mr. Simon is a Republican and is 
known by his good works. 

SAMUEL E. SMITH was born in Juniata County, Penn.. May 18, 
1829, the son of Joseph and Susan (Garehart) Smith, natives of Union Coun- 
ty, Penn. Joseph Smith, grandfather of Samuel E , was one of the first set- 



SWAN TOWNSHIP. 497 

tiers of Union County, and during the early times there was attacked by Indi- 
ans and severely wounded, some of the family killed and others taken into cap- 
tivity. Our subject's parents were married in their native county, and shortly 
after went to Juniata County, where they raised six sons and four daughters. 
The father was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was a prominent contractor 
on the Pennsylvania Canal and other public improvements. He died in 1834, 
and his wife in 1879. Samuel E. Smith was reared a farmer, and received limited 
advantages. He was married to Miss Mary Bucher October 31, 1854, daugh 
ter of Col. Joseph I>ucher, who was a gallant soldier of the war of 1812. 
She was born in Lancaster County, Penn., April 2, 1833. Mr. and Mrs. 
Smith have had nine children, viz.: Lucinda J., David J., Deborah J., Abra- 
ham L., John S., George W., Harry B. and Blanche M., living ; Amelia A., de- 
ceased. Mr. Smith, in 1865, came to Swan Township. He owns 112 acres 
of fine farm land, raises good stock, and is a practical farmer. He is a Repub 
lican, and a member of the Order of Odd Fellows. 

ROBERT STROUSS was born December 14, 1836, in Swan Township, 
the son of Jonas and Anna (McCartney) Strouss. The father was born in 
Northampton County, Penn., October 9, 1800, where he was married January 
16, 1823. Mrs. Strouss was a native of Huntingdon County, Penn., born 
November 22, 1803. Jonas Strouss assisted his father in a mill and upon the 
farm. After his marriage he engaged in farming until 1836 ; then came to 
Swan Township and entered land on Section 13, subsequently purchasing a 
farm on Section 7, where he lived until a short time ago, when he leased his 
farm and moved to Avilla. In his family were eleven children, viz.: John, 
Rebecca, Mary, Eliza, Simon, William, Robert, Martha, Lydia A., Sarah and 
Julia. Mr. Strouss, by hard work and economy, has accumulated considera 
ble property. He has served in official positions in Swan and Allen Town" 
ships, and is one of the pioneers of the county. Robert Strouss was the first 
white child born in Swan Township. He was raised upon his father's farm, 
and was married to Miss Elizabeth McCartney April 5, 1860. She was born 
in Beaver County, Penn., February 9, 1844. Four children have been born, 
viz., Emma, William, Allen and Robert A. Mr. Strouss owns 80 acres of 
well-improved land, and is a liberal Democrat. 

JOHN STROUS is a native of Northampton County, Penn., born March 
15, 1803. His parents, John and Mary (Snipp) Strous, were natives of Ger- 
many, but came while yet children with their parents to the United States. 
They were married in the Quaker City, and soon after removed to Northamp- 
ton County, where Mr. Strous found employment as a millwright, and which 
he followed, in connection with farming, all his life. In his family were twelve 
children, eight living. His father, David Strous, served under Washington 
through the Revolutionary war. Our subject was raised upon a farm and in a 
mill. He married Rebecca Dean July 6, 1826 ; she was born in Washington 
County, Penn., June 13, 1805. In October, 1836, Mr. Strous and family 
came to Swan Township, where he had entered 160 acres of land, and erected 
a log cabin, into which they moved, and where they endured many privations 
and hardships. In their family were eight children, viz., Mary J., David, 
Nancy, Martin, James D., Elizabeth A., Margaret A. and Catharine. Martin 
and James D. served in the war of the rebellion ; Martin was severely wound- 
ed at the battle of Murfreesboro and also at Chickamauga ; James D. was 
wounded at Mission Ridge. Mr. Strous is a Republican and was a firm Union 
man during the war. He cleared two large farms, but some eight years ago 



498 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

sold them and purchased a comfortable home in Swan. He was one of the 
first Trustees of the township and has held other positions. His wife departed 
this life August 27, 1873. 

JOHN WHAN was born in Harrison County, Ohio, September 29, 1820, 
the oldest of five children born to Joseph and Jane (Barton) Whan. The 
father was a native of Pennsylvania and the mother of the North of Ireland, 
and came with her parents to Washington County, Perm., when a child. Here 
she married Mr. Whan. About 1818, they moved to Harrison County, Ohio, 
returning to Washington County at the end of seven years, where the father 
died in 1838. John was then about eighteen years old, but assumed the 
greater part of the care of the family. He worked out, seldom receiving more 
than $8 per month. In 1843, he came to Indiana and purchased a portion of 
the place he now owns, and then returned to Pennsylvania. The next year he 
returned with his brother William. They began the improvement of the place 
and kept "bach." In 1815, the remainder of the family came out, and for 
some time they found it hard to obtain a livelihood. John Whan married Miss 
Isabell J. Perry February 8, 1848. She was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., 
October 14, 1828. They had eleven children — Olive, Franklin, Theresa, 
Oliver L., William, Mary J., Elizabeth I., John, James and George P.. living; 
Martha J., deceased. Mr. Whan has held the office of County Commissioner 
two terms, and was one of the first men in Swan Township to advocate the 
new school system. He owns 460 acres of land in Swan Township, and eighty 
in Green Township. He is a Republican and influential in the party. 

DAVID YARIAN is the son of Isaac Yarian, who was born in Colum- 
biana County, Ohio, November 20, 1814, and is the son of Conrad and Eve 
(Ruperd) Yarian, natives of the Keystone State. They were married in 
Columbiana County, Ohio, and were the parents of thirteen children. Mr. 
Yarian was of German descent; his ancestors came to this country during Colo- 
nial times, and some of them served in the Revolutionary war. Conrad Yarian 
held a Lieutenant's commission, and served with distinction during the war of 
1812. Isaac Yarian was married, in 1837, to Miss Elizabeth Harrold, who was 
born December 4, 1818, in Columbiana County, Ohio. By this union there 
were thirteen children, viz., Samuel, David, Paul, Elijah, Mary A., Rebecca, 
Moses, John, Isaac N., Elizabeth, Henry, Reuben and Zachariah. In 1838, 
Mr. Yarian moved to Wyandot County, Ohio; in 1850, he came to his present 
location in this county. Mr. Yarian has always followed farming and carpen- 
tering. He owns 280 acres of land ; is a Democrat, and a respected and 
influential citizen. His wife died January 5, 1881. David Yarian was born 
in Wyandot County, Ohio, December 11, 1839. He was married to Miss 
Mary M. Simon March 29, 1859. She was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, 
in 1831. From this union there were four children, viz., Flora L. and Lorena 
I. (living), Mary E. and Iona (deceased). Mr. Yarian has always followed 
farming and carpentering. He owns a well-improved farm of 140 acres ; has 
held the office of Township Assessor, besides other public positions. He is a 
Republican, and a member of the Lutheran Church. 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 499 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 

JACOB BAKER is a native of Mercer County, Ohio, born November 25, 
1827, and the son of William and Mercy (Bevington) Baker. They remained 
in Ohio until 1834 ; then came to Indiana, locating in Perry Township, this 
county ; lived there one year, then moved to Sparta Township, where William 
Baker died. Mrs. Mercy Baker died while on a visit to Ohio. Jacob Baker 
was about seven years old when he came to Indiana, and until his father's death 
remained at home, assisting on the farm. Then, for about ten years, he was 
employed in clearing land, and soon earned enough to buy a small farm where 
Cromwell now stands, where he lived until 1877, when he sold his property 
and came to his present location ; in Section 19, Mr. Baker has 160 acres, and 
160 in Section 21. While in Sparta Township, he served three terms as Trust- 
ee, and was married, in 1853, to Miss Mary A. Smith, a native of Licking 
County, Ohio. Her parents, William H. and Sarah (Hessey) Smith, natives 
of Virginia, came from Delaware County, Ohio, to Indiana in about 1851, locat- 
ing in Sparta Township, where they died. Mr. and Mrs. Baker have five chil- 
dren living — George W., Henry E., Lewis T., Julia and Clarence Sherman. 
Mr. Baker is a good Republican citizen. 

MICHAEL BOUSE, born February 23d, 1819, in Union County, Penn., 
was raised on a farm. When about nineteen years old, he learned the carpen- 
ter trade, which he continued for ten years. In January, 1842, he was married 
to Sophia Rockey, and in 1844 moved from Pennsylvania to Noble County, in 
wagon, and was one month on the road. Since he settled on his farm, he has 
cleared about ninety acres of land. In July, 1851, his wife died, leaving six 
children — Mary E., John F., Henry E., Aaron E., Simon P. and Michael E. 
He was married a second time, September 27, 1852, to Miss Melinda S. 
Swengel ; this lady has presented him with four children — Newton A., George 
S., Benjamin F. and Melinda S. Mr. Bouse and his wife are members of the 
Methodist Church. Mr. Bouse holds a commission given him August 3, 1842, 
as First Lieutenant of Third Company of the Seventh Regiment of the Penn- 
sylvania State Militia ; he also holds one from Gov. Porter, of Indiana, as 
Justice of the Peace. He owns 290 acres of land, and is quite a prominent 
farmer. 

CHRISTIAN DEARDORFF, one of fifteen children in the family 
of Isaac and Eve (Zigler) Deardorff, was born in Tuscarawas County, 
Ohio, January 29, 1814. Isaac Deardorff was a farmer, German, and his 
wife French. The subject has always lived on a farm, and in 1840 moved 
with the rest of the family to Richland County, Ohio, and lived there until he 
located in Indiana in 1851, having previously visited the country in 1838. 
He owned eighty acres of land in Tuscarawas County which he sold 
and then bought forty acres in Richland County. Upon coming to this State, 
purchased eighty acres in Whitley County, where he lived eight years, then 
came to his farm of eighty-five acres in this township, where he has since 
lived in comfortable circumstances. As he never desired to become rich, he is 
well contented and fitted to enjoy life. September 24, 1837, he was married 
to Miss Sarah Kennel. They had ten children — three infants deceased — 
Jonas, Jane (deceased), James G., Enos S., Christian G., William J. and Rose 



BBB 



500 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Ann. After his wife's death, April 2, 1870, he married July 2, 1871, Mrs. 
Catharine (Berkey) McChloughan, a member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. 
Deardorff is a Republican and a member of the Christian Church. 

PETER HOWENSTINE was born in Bavaria, Germany, September 20, 
1813. His father, Peter Howenstine, was one of Napoleon's soldiers ; was in 
the battle of Waterloo, and was with the army when they retreated from Mos- 
cow. The family sailed from Bremen May 14, 1819, and after a long and 
perilous voyage of eighteen weeks landed in this country. They settled in 
Westmoreland County, Penn., where Peter Howenstine was raised to man- 
hood. At the age of twenty-one he commenced the cooper's trade and con- 
tinued at the business for sixteen years, making barrels for distillers. In 1836, 
he was married to Lydia Weimer, and in 1848 moved to Stark County, Ohio, 
where he followed his trade as cooper until he commenced farming. In 1854, 
he moved to Noble County, and in 1864 settled on the farm where he now 
lives, and for which he paid $2,200 cash. Shortly after paying for the land, 
he found that the man of whom he bought it was not the rightful owner, and 
suit was commenced against him to recover the land, and after seven vears* 
litigation he was compelled to pay a second time for it ; this time the land cost 
him $2,000. In 1849, his wife died and left him with a family, so the follow- 
ing year he was married a second time. He has now living three of his first 
wife's children, and four of the second. He and his wife are members of the 
Christian Church ; was a volunteer in the Mexican war, but was not in good 
health, so was excused from serving. He has always voted with the Democratic 
party ; has been Justice in his township for four vears. 

FERDINAND KNAPPE was the third child of August and Mary 
(Wetzel) Knappe, born in Pike County, Penn., March 9, 1838 ; moved from 
Pennsylvania with parents to Sussex County, N. J., and in the spring of 1850 
to Noble County. In 1861, Ferdinand Knappe was married to Miss Eliza A. 
Long. They now have one child living — Sarah Ann. Mr. Knappe taught 
school every winter from 1858 until 1880 ; is a strong Republican, having been 
twice elected Justice. He has a nice farm of 100 acres, and he and his wife 
are members of the Christian Church. 

DAVID S. LONGFELLOW, born April 16, 1832, in Ohio. His father, 
Joseph Longfellow, lived when a boy in Delaware, and remembers of hearing 
the cannon-firing during the Revolutionary war. David S. was raised on a 
farm, and was educated at the Ohio Wesleyan University. He has taught school 
for seventeen winters in Ohio and Indiana. He was married August 16, 1855, 
to Miss Barbara Geiter, and, in 1856, moved to Noble County. In 1858, his 
wife died and left two small children — Martha E. and Barbara M. October 
8, 1860, he was married to Miss Sarah E. Hindbaugh, and by his second wife 
had seven children, viz., Ida M., Sarah V., Grace 0., Howard C, Washington 
H., Hadley K. and Matthew L. February, 1865, he enlisted in the One Hun- 
dred and Fifty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry ; he attained the rank of 
First Lieutenant, and was discharged in August, 1865. He is a Republican, 
and has served the party as Justice of the Peace in that township ; he has also 
been Postmaster at Wilmot Post Office for four years. He and his wife are 
members of the United Brethren Church. He is a well-to-do farmer, and owns 
160 acres of land. 

ROBERT LUC KEY, born January 30, 1824, in Buckingham County, 
Va.; moved with his parents to Fayette County, Penn., in 1828, and, in 1836, 
moved to Elkhart County, Ind., where he remained until November, 1863, when 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 501 

he moved to Noble County. He is the first child of James and Sophia (Furvis) 
Luckey. His father, James Luckey, was a graduate of Jefferson College, and 
for a number of years after coming to this country taught school. Robert 
Luckey when a boy, would go ten miles to mill and remain all day to get three 
bushels of corn ground. He can remember one time they were so short of pro- 
visions that his mother had to dig up potatoes that had been planted, to keep 
the family from starving ; he also remembers when his mother cut up blankets 
to make clothing for the children. Mr. Luckey learned the brick-maker's trade 
when twenty-three years of age, and followed it for twelve years. He was mar- 
ried, April 28, 1859, to Miss Abigail Adair. Miss Adair was the second white 
child born in Washington Township. They have seven children — Annie M., 
Lida S., Ida M., Jennie M., James E., Thomas A. and Joseph E. In 1863, 
Mr. Luckey was drafted in the army but sent a substitute. He is a Democrat, 
and cast his first vote for James K. Polk. He owns 140 acres of land, and is 
a member of the Methodist Church. His father fought in the war of 1812, and 
his mother had Pocahontas blood in her veins. 

JOHN C. REED was born near Mount Vernon, Knox County, Ohio, 
September 30, 1814 ; was the eldest child of James and Nancy Reed. The 
family moved from Knox to Huron County, when John was three years old. 
When he was twenty-one, he moved to Seneca County, where he learned the 
trade of cooper. In 1850, he came to Noble County, where he purchased 160 
acres of land. In the summer, he worked on his farm, and in the fall and 
winter worked at his trade. He married, 24th of March, 1836, Sarah Jackson. 
The fruits of this union have been twelve children, seven boys and five girls ; 
nine are now living ; eight of the children are married. Mr. Reed has been 
almost an invalid for several years. He voted with the Democratic party until 
John Brown was hung, and since that time has been a true Republican. 

CAPT. W. N. VORIS was born in Mercer County, Ohio, March 21, 1832, 
the eighth child of John and Hannah (Price) Voris, who, with their family, 
moved to Noble County in the spring of 1835. Shorty after his arrival, John 
Voris laid out a graveyard on his farm, and in the fall was taken sick and died, 
and was the first to be buried in it. Capt. Voris commenced to learn the car- 
penter's trade in 1850, and continued it until the war broke out. He was the 
first man in Noble Countv to enlist, and went out in the Ninth Indiana In- 
fantry, Company A, under the command of Capt. Hannum. During three 
months, was in the battles of Philippi, Laurel Hill (where he was one of 200 who 
captured a rebel battery), and Carrick's Ford. At the end of that time, he 
came back to his home, and assisted to raise Company F, of the Thirtieth In- 
diana Infantry, of which he was elected Captain. After serving for a time, he 
returned home again, and raised Company B, of the Eighty-eighth Indiana In- 
fantry. He remained with this regiment until the close of the war, and was in 
the battles of Perryville, Stone River, Chickamauga and others, and marched 
with Sherman to Atlanta. Capt. Voris, during the war, was under fire between 
thirty-five and forty times. At the battle of Chickamauga, he was struck 
between the shoulders with a fragment of a shell, and left for dead on the field ; 
but he recovered and returned to his command. He has never fully recovered 
from the wound. He was commissioned as Major about the close of the war, 
but on account of the small number of soldiers, was not mustered in command. 
He was discharged June 14, 1865. He lost two brothers in the service. He 
was married, May 6, 1866, to Elizabeth Robinson. They are the parents of 
four children, two girls and two boys — Mary E., William N., John C. and 



502 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 



Maud M. Capt. Voris is a Republican of the Stalwart kind ; since the war, 
has lived on a fine farm of 168 acres; is a thrifty and honorable citizen. 

JACOB WEIGEL, born October 6, 1832, in Cumberland County, Penn., 
a son of Jacob and Katharine (Rasler) Weigel. In 1847, he moved with his 
parents to Noble County, and when about eighteen years old, commenced to 
dig wells, and followed this occupation until 1874. In all, he dug 101 wells ; 
the deepest one being fifty-four feet, and the shallowest nine feet, averaging 
twenty-seven feet to each well. In 1853, he was married to Susan Peppers, 
by whom he has three children— Margaret C, John Wesley and Marion 
Sylvester. He is a hard-working man, and a prominent member of the Salem 
E. Lutheran Church. He owns forty acres of land, all under cultivation, and 
is a strong Democrat. 



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